In the southeastern part of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania , the Mecklenburg Lake District ends with the beautiful Tollensesee. The Tollensesee stretches 25 km not far from the Müritzsee and has an area of almost 18 square meters in a gently rolling moraine landscape shaped by the Ice Age. The river that gives it its name is the Tollense, which flows into the lake of the same name in Neubrandenburg.
The district town of Neubrandenburg, also known as the city of the four gates, is located on the northeastern shore of the lake, it is the regional centre of the region with a catchment area of about 420,000 inhabitants and offers all the amenities of a city with about 65,000 inhabitants, such as a varied international gastronomy, hotels and guesthouses, exciting cultural and entertainment offers as well as a wide range of sports and recreation opportunities.
The lake can be reached from Berlin within about 90 minutes by car; Hamburg needs a little more sitting: a good 400 km separate the Hanseatic city from Lake Tollense.
Activities at Lake Tollensesee
Holidaymakers or day tourists have the choice between the wide range of experiences and activities offered on or on the lake:
Excursion boat trip
To get to know the lake in its entire extent of 10 km long and a good 2 km wide, a trip on a passenger ship of the so-called “White Fleet” is recommended. The “sea voyages” last between one and a half and two and a half hours; you can get on and off at various piers around the lake. A restaurant will take care of the physical well-being on board. In addition, bicycles are also transported. What could be more obvious than circumnavigating the lake by bike or on foot and driving parts of the way by boat?
Cycling
Directly on the lake and mainly with a view of the wide lake area, the attractive, well-signposted 34 km long cycle route, which begins in Neubrandenburg, leads around the lake. The route is easily passable and signposted in both directions. Pedal knights are rewarded with inviting rest areas and magnificent views as well as tranquil villages that invite you to linger.
Hiking and Nordic Walking
Hiking trails and Nordic walking routes in the lake region are laid out on attractive routes. Hikers should not miss the Behmshöhe observation tower on the eastern shore of the lake, built in 1905 for tourist reasons. The tower with a height of 34 m stands on a boulder and allows a view from a height of 42 m to Neubrandenburg and across the lake to the west shore.
Aquatics
Leisure captains will definitely get their money’s worth around Lake Tollense: Watercraft á la Couleur are available for hire – even for several days: from canoes to pedal boats, rowing boats or sailing boats to motorboats and hydrobikes, there is something for every taste. A water ski slope in Neubrandenburg attracts with attractive offers for the whole family.
Angling
Petri disciples should already provide a floating vessel to go on a fishing trip, because there are few suitable fishing spots directly from the shore. The small, cosy harbours or jetties in the villages are more suitable. Day fishing permits can be purchased – for a longer period of time.
Beach life
The lidos on the west and east banks invite you to relax with attractive sunbathing lawns, playgrounds and gastronomic establishments. Fans of naturism will find suitable bathing spots on the west bank near the campsite. Whether with swimwear or without clothing, this is what unites the lidos on the lake: without exception, they have been awarded the “Blue European Flag” for outstanding environmental management.
Overnight stay in the Tollensesee region
Accommodation for every budget, such as in a holiday home, with private providers, in guesthouses or in a 4-star hotel, is available in Neubrandenburg and the lake area. The only campsite on the lake is located on the west shore and is characterized by a particularly quiet, idyllic location.
Culinary
The region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is known for its hearty and down-to-earth cuisine, which is very maritime near the coast.
The Tollensesee, which is rich in fish, provides a wide range of edible fish such as carp, pike, zander, whitefish and perch. They can be found delicately and expertly prepared on the plates of the restaurants on Lake Tolense. Other regional and seasonal specialties from the countryside and the lake round off the international food offer.
Art and culture
A special event highlight are the art and culture weeks “Mecklenburgische Seenplattte Tollensee”, which take place in the first weeks of September each year. Guided tours, concerts, theatre, readings, exhibitions, markets and much more are on the colourful programme. A visit to the city centre of Neubrandenburg with its old fortifications and ramparts and the Museum of Shipping and the Regional Museum with an exhibition on the history of the city and the region are worthwhile all year round.
Excursions in the Tollensesee region
Although the region on and around the Tollensee has something to offer for every taste, a trip to the Baltic Sea coast, e.g. to Germany’s largest Island of Rügen with the chalk cliffs worth seeing, to the imperial baths on the filigree Usedom Peninsula or to the Hanseatic cities Rostock and Stralsund. If you like it maritime, pay a visit to the seaside resort of Warnemünde. From the banks of the Warnow, not only huge cruise ships, but also impressive seagoing ships calling at the port of Rostock can be observed
