Kuckssee: Moorland, birdlife and manor house ensemble

Kuckssee is a body of water covering around 7 hectares, located among the districts of the municipality of Kuckssee. It is surrounded by alder swamp forest and peatland. Water, swamp forest and peatland therefore shape the landscape around the lake.

Lake, peatland and nature reserve

Together with Lapitzer See, Kuckssee forms a 110-hectare nature reserve. The purpose of the reserve is to protect and preserve shallow lakes with broad siltation zones, spring-fed alder swamp forests and treeless peatlands.

Siltation zones are areas along the shore where open water gradually gives way to damp, vegetated ground. Together with the alder swamp forests and peatlands, they show that the protected landscape includes more than just open water.

There are no public paths in the Kuckssee and Lapitzer See Nature Reserve. The municipal forest in Krukow is a good place to go hiking. Nature observation and exercise therefore have different settings, which you can take into account when planning your visit.

Species found here include moor frogs, otters, white-tailed eagles and ospreys; cranes also breed in the area. Kuckssee is an important roosting site for Tundra bean geese and greater white-fronted geese.

Cultural sites and views

Cultural attractions in Kuckssee include Krukow Manor House (Castle) and the fieldstone church in Krukow. The ensemble around Puchow Manor House includes two gatehouses at the entrance and a manor park.

From nearby Kucksberg to the west, at an elevation of 73 m, there is a beautiful view across the Kuckssee and Lapitzer See Nature Reserve.

Plan your stay around your interests

More nature experiences in the Mecklenburg Lake District

The wider travel destination of the Mecklenburg Lake District offers other nature experiences too. Müritz National Park is part of the Mecklenburg Lake District and is characterised by forests, peatlands, lakes and expansive meadows. The Müritz National Park Hiking Trail takes in different landscape types and highlights over nine stages: it runs along lakes, through ancient forests, past inland dunes and to the source of the River Havel. Certified nature and landscape guides offer informative tours through the national park, including guided walks in the UNESCO World Heritage beech forest of Serrahn and tours from the water.

Water-based excursions offer another way to see the region: from Neustrelitz town harbour, waterway travellers can explore Müritz National Park and the Strelitz Small Lake District via the Upper Havel Waterway. In the Mecklenburg Lake District, you can choose how to get around according to your preference: on foot or by water.

The Damerower Werder bison reserve is another example. It lies on a peninsula in Lake Kölpin and in Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heath Nature Park, where visitors can observe the animals. The forest discovery trail features climbing opportunities, an ant house, an exhibition with tactile and visual panels, and a dendrophone. While the Müritz National Park Hiking Trail explores the landscape over nine stages, the trail at Damerower Werder brings together specific activity stations.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ankershagen, Möllenhagen, Penzlin

Return to the main travel overview: Amt Penzliner Land.