Kratzeburg lies in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District, in the Havel headwaters and directly on Lake Käbelick. This is the largest lake in the small local network of lakes connected by the Havel. From Kratzeburg, regional and long-distance cycling routes, as well as paddling tours, lead through the Mecklenburg Lake District. Water and trails thus offer different ways to shape your stay.

Swimming and paddling on Lake Käbelick

There is a bathing area with a large sunbathing lawn on the shore of Lake Käbelick in Kratzeburg. From the lake, you can paddle along the Havel by canoe. These are two different ways to enjoy the waterscape: a place to swim and a trip on the water. If you are planning a canoe trip, check availability in advance, as it may vary by operator.

Hiking trails of varying lengths

The Spurenweg is a 3.5-kilometre accessible nature trail between Kratzeburg and Dambeck in Müritz National Park. A marked 14-kilometre loop runs around Lake Käbelick and Lake Granzin. It leads from Kratzeburg’s village street through the railway underpass and into the forest. As a longer option, the marked Havelquellwanderweg starts in Kratzeburg: this 26-kilometre route follows both paved and natural-surface paths.

The options include a short nature trail, a marked loop around two lakes, and a longer route with different path surfaces. They vary not only in length, but also in what is described along the way: the accessible nature trail on the Spurenweg, the route through the railway underpass into the forest on the lake loop, and the mix of paved and natural-surface paths on the Havelquellwanderweg. Trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

Fishery and farm products

Havelquellseen-Fischerei Berkholz has been family-run for generations and has been based in Kratzeburg for more than 250 years. Professional fisherman Jens Berkholz has run the business for over 25 years. Products for sale include fresh fish, smoked fish, homemade fish specialities, and fish platters. This long-established family business thus combines a local tradition with a specific range of fish products.

At Lütte Meierie, the focus is on processing milk from pasture-raised cows: fresh milk from the farm’s own cows is made into cheese, quark, and soft-serve ice cream. These products, along with regional and organic goods, are available to buy and enjoy at the farm shop and café in Kratzeburg. The café also serves homemade cake and coffee; guests can watch the farm animals, and children are welcome to use the playground. If you plan to visit the café, it is advisable to check the opening hours in advance.

Church and nature information

The half-timbered church in Kratzeburg was consecrated in 1786 and has largely been preserved on the outside. It provides a historical point of reference alongside the town’s nature and water activities, without prescribing a particular itinerary.

The “Kratzeburger Flatterhus” National Park Information Centre has an exhibition about bats. The centre also provides information about hikes, osprey viewing sites, crane roosting areas, and bathing lakes. This brings two distinct focal points together: the church represents a datable part of the town’s history, while the Flatterhus offers guidance on nature topics and activities.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Klein Vielen, Blumenholz, Blankensee, Carpin, Godendorf, Hohenzieritz, Userin, Wokuhl-Dabelow.

For the higher-level travel overview: Amt Neustrelitz-Land.