The best hiking routes in Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See

The Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See nature park offers a landscape of gently rolling morainic hills, wide river meadows, and large lake basins shaped by the last ice age. Unlike the flat plains typical of northern Germany, this area rises into modest ridges that provide wide views over the Peene valley and the Kummerower See. The terrain is a mix of dense beech forests on the slopes, wet fens near the water margins, and open agricultural fields. Walkers will notice the transition from dry, sandy forest tracks on the higher ridges to soft, damp soil and occasional boardwalks near the lake shores and riverbanks.

Underfoot, the paths vary significantly depending on elevation. The higher woodland trails around the Malchin basin are mostly firm earth and gravel, shaded by mature beech trees, while the low-lying paths near the Peene river cross peat soils and wet meadows where sturdy footwear is necessary. The area is not a place for mountain hiking; the climbs are short but can be surprisingly steep as they ascend the terminal moraines. Navigating the park involves following marked field paths, quiet farm lanes, and forest tracks rather than engineered hiking highways.

In late autumn, particularly in October, the beech forests on the hills turn a deep copper, and the marshes around the Kummerower See become important resting sites for migrating geese and cranes. The lakeside paths are generally busier near established boat launches and small villages, while the interior forest tracks on the ridges remain quiet. This area is best suited for those who appreciate a quiet, rural landscape where the main features are the contrast between dry glacial hills and wide, marshy river valleys.