By Train and Bike Through the Mecklenburg Lake District

This is where your journey begins. From Berlin you travel directly into the lake district; you can take your bike on the regional train or hire one locally.

Waren sits on the northern shore of the Müritz and has a pretty brick old town with two churches and a lively town harbour. Excursion boats set off from the waterfront, and the promenade is perfect for a first stroll by the water.

A family-run hotel right in the old town, just a few steps from the harbour and an easy walk from the station. A good base for the coming days around the Müritz.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The information centre at the edge of Müritz National Park gives a vivid introduction to the moorland and forest landscape. From here, trails lead to the well-known eagle observation station, where in summer you can watch ospreys live at their nest via camera.

Deep in the national park lie quiet beech woods and moorland lakes that you can explore on well-marked circular trails. In autumn, thousands of cranes gather here at dusk, but even in summer the peace and the chance of spotting white-tailed eagles or ospreys make it worthwhile.

The small harbour town on the western shore of the Müritz has two striking brick churches and a lovely lakeside promenade. The town harbour and nearby bathing spots are perfect for a break with a dip in the water.

Gently sloping shores on Germany's largest inland lake, ideal for a long swim on a warm June day. From the shore you can look far across the water to the national park on the opposite side.

The quiet little town on the western edge of the lake district has a striking lift bridge over the Elde, an old castle tower and an inviting lake harbour. A short stroll and a look from the water are well worth it before you continue on.

Neustrelitz is a baroque planned town with a star-shaped layout, its eight streets converging on the square market place. The extensive palace gardens with their orangery and the nearby Zierker See make the town a pleasant base.

A well-kept hotel in a green setting near the Zierker See, a good base for day trips to Mirow, Feldberg and Ankershagen. Cycle-friendly, with storage available.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The baroque castle sits on an island in Lake Mirow and was once the residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Via the Liebesinsel and the Johanniterkirche, the history of the place unfolds — the birthplace of the later British Queen Charlotte.

Around the castle island there's a small harbour and quiet spots along the shore for swimming. A good place for a break before heading back to Neustrelitz.

The Feldberg lake landscape is a nature park with clear, deeply cut lakes and extensive beech woods. At Lake Haussee you can swim, walk and, with a bit of luck, spot ospreys and kingfishers.

Schmaler Luzin is a clear, narrow forest lake with a lovely circular walking trail through old beech trees. A small cable ferry connects the two shores, making the outing a treat for young and old alike.

Heinrich Schliemann, the discoverer of ancient Troy, grew up in this former parsonage. The lively museum tells the story of his childhood and his excavations with replicas and hands-on stations, bringing archaeology to life.

On Lake Useriner See there's a natural water trail rest stop where canoeists pause and where you can sit quietly by the water and swim. The peaceful shoreline is a good spot for watching water birds and winding down the day.

The medieval castle tower rises above the small old town and offers a wide view over the lake and the Elde from the top. Together with the historic lift bridge, which opens up for passing boats, it's the landmark of the town.

Plauer See invites you to a last swim and a stroll along the promenade. Excursion boats depart from the harbour, and the meadows along the shore are a good spot for a farewell picnic.

A peacefully situated hotel above the old town with a view over the lake, an easy walk from the station and the promenade. A pleasant way to end the journey by the water.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here