Paddling and Boat Trips on the Waters around Neubrandenburg

Neubrandenburg is set in the lake district of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, making it an obvious destination for anyone who wants to spend time on the water. Whether by canoe, kayak, SUP board or on a leisurely boat trip, there are plenty of opportunities here. With Lake Tollense and the River Tollense, two very different bodies of water lie right on your doorstep: one wide and open, the other narrow, calm and close to nature. Once you have set off early in the morning, you quickly understand why water, forest and rolling hills combine here into particularly memorable trips.

Why Paddle around Neubrandenburg?

The region is ideal for paddling trips for several reasons:

• Lake Tollense is only a stone's throw from the city and offers calm, large expanses of water.
• The Tollense flows through a natural valley and is suitable for river trips with a moderate current.
• Rental options and infrastructure (boat hire, SUP and canoe providers) are available and allow you to plan your trip flexibly.
• Natural and scenic quality: from reed beds and riverside woodland to lakes with high water quality.
• Short distances: launch point, rest stop and return can be combined without a long journey.

Whether you are sporty or laid-back, everyone can find their own water adventure here.

Around Lake Tollense – the Classic Introduction

Portrait of the Lake

Lake Tollense is about 10 to 11 km long, up to 2.5 km wide and reaches depths of up to around 33 m.

It is considered one of the cleanest lakes in the region and is also well suited to families.

Trip Ideas

• Short trip, e.g. from the Kulturpark along the north shore to the Strandbad Broda – ideal for beginners or relaxed outings.
• Full-day circuit, e.g. a circuit of about 25 km around the lake – a large expanse of water, changing shorelines, occasional gusts of wind.
• Sunset trip, when the light is low and the lake is bathed in golden colours – peaceful, romantic, ideal for couples.
• Half-day trip with a swimming break, using a shallow stretch of shore as a rest stop.

Launching & Rental

Canoes, kayaks and SUPs can be hired at the marina or at rental stations on the lake. Guided tours and boat trips are also available. If it is your first time on the lake, a guided tour is often more relaxing, because the launch, route and return are all organised.

Tips for the Lake

• Watch the wind: the open expanse of water can be much more challenging when it is windy.
• Keep your distance from the reeds and shoreline: the nature zones in the south are protected.
• Keep an eye on boat traffic: motorboats, excursion boats and sailing boats are out on the water too.
• Take a life jacket, sun cream, water and a change of clothes – even when the water is calm.
• Plan your start time: in the morning the lake is usually smoother than in the afternoon.

River Trips on the Tollense – Pure Nature

Special Features of the River

The Tollense leads away from the lake through a meadow valley with a gentle current. The banks are left in their natural state over long stretches, and the landscape is calm and slowing. If you want to leave the bustle of the lake behind, this is the perfect counterpoint.

Suggested Route

• Start: launch point “Mittlere Straße” in Neubrandenburg (e.g. towards Ölmühlenbach or Oberbach)
• Continue to, for example, Altentreptow: about 20 km – as a day's destination or as a stage of a multi-day trip.
• Rest and nature experience: discover rare wildlife and plants on the bank.

Challenge & Enjoyment

Despite the gentle current, there are portage points at weirs – so a little planning is needed.

If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is the place: hardly any motorboats, but plenty of nature and long stretches without oncoming traffic.

Tips for River Trips

• Choose a sturdy boat that is not prone to tipping.
• Bankside vegetation and wildlife watching – don't forget your binoculars.
• Plan the return transport or pick-up in good time for point-to-point trips.
• Keep an eye on the weather – wind can be noticeable even on open stretches of river.
• Use waterproof dry bags to keep clothing and equipment dry.

Equipment & Paddling Etiquette

Recommended Equipment

• Canoe, kayak or SUP for calm waters.
• Paddle, life jacket and, on river stretches, a helmet if necessary.
• Bag with water, snacks, a change of clothes, sun hat & sun cream.
• Map or GPS app – especially for unfamiliar stretches.

Being Considerate

• Protect flora and fauna: do not paddle into or damage bankside areas.
• Respect quiet zones – especially near birds' nests or in the reeds.
• Take your rubbish with you and keep the noise down in natural areas.
• Watch out for boat traffic: sailing boats and excursion boats may have priority.

Family and Leisurely Trips

With Children

A short trip on the lake or a gently flowing stretch of the Tollense is ideal. Travel together by canoe or on the SUP and take breaks at shallow bankside areas – that way the outing stays manageable for little paddlers too.

For Leisurely Paddlers

If you want to combine paddling with indulgence: paddle in the morning, rest on the bank at lunchtime and round off the afternoon with a coffee in the Kulturpark Neubrandenburg.

Combinations

• Paddling + swimming: Strandbad Broda on Lake Tollense.
• Paddling + cycling: circular path around the lake, about 35 km – a perfect combination for a whole weekend.

Safety & Weather

• Check the wind, weather and temperatures – open lakes can become demanding in the wind.
• Rain or cold are not automatic reasons to stay ashore – suitable clothing protects you reliably.
• For river stretches, find out about weirs and portage points in advance.
• Night trips are for experienced paddlers only – with sufficient lighting and agreed communication.
• Tell someone who is staying ashore your planned route and expected return.

Best Seasons

• Spring: calm waters, blossoming banks, pleasant temperatures.
• Summer: warm days, longer trips possible, also ideal with a swimming break.
• Autumn: play of colours and morning mist on the river or lake – a very special atmosphere.
• Winter: paddling trips require experience and suitable clothing – few people about, but plenty of peace.

Conclusion

The waters around Neubrandenburg – in particular Lake Tollense and the Tollense – offer an outstanding setting for paddling and boat trips: for beginners, families and nature lovers alike. Everything is possible, from peaceful outings of an hour or two to day trips or multi-day tours. With good preparation, respect for nature and a love of the water, you will experience moments here that stay in your memory for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paddling around Neubrandenburg

Is Lake Tollense suitable for beginners?

Yes. The lake offers large, calm expanses of water and is easy to explore in short stages, for example from the Kulturpark along the north shore to the Strandbad Broda. However, it is important to keep an eye on the wind: on the open water, gusts can make things much more strenuous.

Where can I hire a canoe, kayak or SUP?

Rental stations can be found at the marina and at other points on the lake. Canoes, kayaks and SUP boards are hired out there, and some also offer guided tours and boat trips.

How long does a trip on the Tollense take?

The stretch from the “Mittlere Straße” launch point to Altentreptow is around 20 kilometres and is suitable as a day's destination or as the first stage of a multi-day trip. You should allow for portage points at the weirs as well as the return transport.

What must you pack?

A life jacket, plenty of water, snacks, a change of clothes, a sun hat and sun cream, and a map or GPS app. On river stretches a helmet can also be sensible, and waterproof dry bags keep clothing and equipment dry.

When is the best time to paddle?

Spring and summer offer pleasant temperatures and long days, while autumn scores with colours and morning mist. Trips are also possible in winter, but require experience and suitable clothing.

Author: Jürgen Möller

(Outdoor and nature lover from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)

Enjoy your time on the water – have a good trip, pleasant paddle strokes and unforgettable views!