Kratzeburg: Trails, Water and Regional Delights

Kratzeburg brings together Lake Käbelick and the Havel’s source area with hiking trails, nature experiences and regional produce. The village lies in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District, right on Lake Käbelick, the largest lake in a small local network of lakes linked by the Havel. You can shape your stay around walking tours, time by the water or exploring the village.

Hiking trails of varying lengths

A marked 14 km loop goes around Lake Käbelick and Lake Granzin. It starts on Kratzeburg’s Dorfstraße, passes through the railway underpass and continues into the forest. The marked Havel Spring Hiking Trail also starts in Kratzeburg: this 26 km route follows paved and natural-surface paths. For a shorter walk, the 3.5 km Spurenweg is a nature trail between Kratzeburg and Dambeck in Müritz National Park. It is barrier-free. These three route lengths offer a practical guide when deciding how much walking you want to do.

There are more ways to explore by bike and on the water: regional and long-distance cycling routes, as well as paddling trips, lead from Kratzeburg through the Mecklenburg Lake District. You can paddle the Havel from Lake Käbelick by canoe. Kratzeburg also has a bathing area with a large sunbathing lawn on the shore of Lake Käbelick. Marked trails, trips through the region and a spot by the lake give you different options for shaping your stay.

Experience nature and learn more about the surroundings

The “Kratzeburger Flatterhus” National Park Information Centre combines an exhibition about bats with practical visitor information: it provides details about hikes, osprey viewing sites, crane roosting areas and bathing lakes. If you want to spend time outdoors, you can find ideas here for exploring different aspects of nature. The exhibition also offers a focus of its own, distinct from a hike or time by the lake.

Another local landmark is the half-timbered church, consecrated in 1786. Its exterior has largely been preserved. Its historic architecture offers a different point of interest from the trails and water-based activities, adding a piece of local history to the nature experiences.

Fishing, a farm shop and café

Havelquellseen-Fischerei Berkholz represents a long local tradition: the family-run business has been in the family for generations and has operated at its Kratzeburg location for over 250 years. Professional fisherman Jens Berkholz has run the business for over 25 years. Products for sale include fresh fish, smoked fish, house-made fish specialties and fish platters. During your stay in Kratzeburg, you can discover and buy regional fish products.

At Lütte Meierie, fresh pasture 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 serves homemade cake and coffee, and guests can watch the farm animals. Children are welcome to use the playground. The farm brings together regional food and a visit that also has something for the youngest members of your group.

Choose Kratzeburg as your base

When looking for accommodation, it helps to first consider which activities matter most to you. If you want to focus on hiking, Kratzeburg’s Dorfstraße, the starting point for the 14 km loop, and Kratzeburg itself, the starting point for the Havel Spring Hiking Trail, are useful reference points. For days by the water, you can factor in the bathing area on Lake Käbelick and a canoe trip on the Havel. When considering a particular accommodation option, compare its listed location with the places you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Godendorf, Hohenzieritz, Carpin, Klein Vielen, Grünow, Wokuhl-Dabelow, Userin, Möllenbeck.

For the main travel overview: Amt Neustrelitz-Land.