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The last ice age left behind hills, valleys and more than 1.000 crystal-clear lakes in the northern German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania - the Mecklenburg Lake District. This unique natural landscape is Europe's largest closed lake area and the largest networked water sports area in Germany. Around 2.000 kilometers of long-distance cycle paths and circular cycle paths cross the largest district in Germany, through which the Berlin-Copenhagen long-distance cycle path also runs, making it a true paradise for cyclists with a “lake addiction”. The land of 1.000 lakes also attracts with 1.000 kilometers of gravel bike routes.
The Mecklenburg Lake District has five long-distance cycle paths, including the Mecklenburg Lakes Cycle Path. The 645-kilometer route is divided into 14 stages and begins in Lüneburg. The centerpiece is Germany's largest inland lake, the Müritz, and the adjacent UNESCO World Heritage Site Müritz National Park. This is one of the eight national natural landscapes of the lake district, which fascinate with a unique flora and fauna. Along the eastern shore, the path leads through the small Mecklenburg lakes and ends at the Baltic Sea on the sunny island of Usedom.
There are also numerous circular routes from 83 kilometers that lead through different corners of the region. Along the 265 kilometers of the Mecklenburg Lakes Circular Trail, you can discover the Sternberger Lake District Nature Park, numerous lakes such as the Klein Pritzer, Sternberger and Luckower Sees with various bathing areas, or the open-air museums in Torgelow.
The Mecklenburg Lake District not only impresses with its almost untouched nature, but is also a popular travel destination for those interested in culture. The cycle paths lead through villages and small towns with places to stop for refreshments and factories, as well as past castles and manor houses with an impressive history.
A lot can also be discovered barrier-free with wheelchair-accessible hand bike tours. A 34-kilometer route leads through the Müritz National Park. From the spa town of Waren (Müritz) you drive through the national park on paved sandy paths. The barrier-free jetty at the Priesterbäker See offers a beautiful view of the lake. From Rechlin, the barrier-free ships of the White Fleet take you back to Waren (Müritz) by sea.
Cycling events also take place regularly in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, including the "Velo Classico" in Rumpshagen in the Mecklenburg Lake District. From September 8th to 10th, cyclists in retro clothing will set off on the 30 to 110 km long routes. These include the 50-kilometre Connoisseur Tour or the 30-kilometre Happinez Tour.
This makes the cycling festival the counterpart to the sporty "Mecklenburg Lakes Round", which will take place on May 24th and 25th, 2024 for the 10th time. The "Velo Classico" celebrates bicycle culture, the love of bicycles and life and focuses on the landscape, culture and togetherness. True to the motto "Imagine a world in which adults can see the world through children's eyes again".
