The best traffic-free bike rides around Kritzower Lake
4.4
(15)
47
riders
5
rides
Gravel biking around Kritzower Lake offers diverse terrain within the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region, characterized by extensive forests, rolling hills, and a network of interconnected lakes. The area provides a mix of gravel and forest paths, including sand passages, flowing forest trails, and old avenues. This landscape, shaped by glacial activity, features varied elevations, with the Schwarze Berg reaching 79.5 meters above sea level. The region's natural features make it suitable for no traffic gravel bike trails, providing both scenic beauty and varied riding experiences.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Kritzower Lake
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike trail is Elde Riverside Path – Village Church Passow loop from Barkow, an 18.4 miles (29.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 52 minutes to complete, offering an easy ride along the riverside.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Forest Path – View over Lake Plauer loop from Plau Silbermühle, a moderate 19.6 miles (31.5 km) path. This route provides views over Lake Plauer and winds through forest paths.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Forest Path – Plau am See town center loop from Plau am See, a 14.3 miles (23.0 km) trail leading through forest paths and towards the town center, often completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Kritzower Lake is defined by extensive forests, interconnected lakes, and varied gravel and forest paths. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy lakeside routes to more challenging trails with moderate elevation.
- The routes in Kritzower Lake are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from 15 reviews. More than 40 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Kritzower Lake's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
4.5
(2)
3
riders
29.6km
01:52
100m
100m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.6
(5)
7
riders
31.5km
01:59
160m
160m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(5)
18
riders
23.0km
01:30
130m
120m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
13.9km
00:53
60m
60m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
75.2km
04:16
400m
400m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Other adventures around Kritzower Lake
Tips from the Community
We only knew Plau am See by name before and stopped there for two days on our way back from the Baltic Sea. It's a very beautiful area. The cycling and hiking trails are well-developed. Of course, it's not very busy in February. Perfect for relaxing hikes! 👍
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In summer, there's an unbearable plague of mosquitoes. There's also a climbing forest nearby.
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Bad Stuer, located on the southern shore of Lake Plauer See, was first mentioned in the 13th century. After centuries of agriculture and fishing, it developed into a summer resort with bathing areas in the 19th century – hence the name "Bad." Tourism grew in the 20th century, particularly with camping and vacation rentals. Today, Bad Stuer is a quiet resort with a focus on nature and active holidays. It offers ideal conditions for cyclists: The Plauer See circular trail and the Mecklenburg Lakes cycle path lead through a diverse landscape, complemented by tours in the Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heide Nature Park.
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The view of Lake Plauer invites you to linger.
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One should simply pause in this day and age
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Attention houseboat captains, don’t fall asleep, there’s a bend here!
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Old monastery church houses a great organ museum
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available around Kritzower Lake?
There are 5 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Kritzower Lake area featured in this guide. These routes offer a diverse experience through the region's natural landscape.
What are the difficulty levels of the gravel bike trails around Kritzower Lake?
The trails cater to various skill levels. You'll find 3 easy routes, 1 moderate route, and 1 difficult route. For example, the Plau am See town center – Plau Lift Bridge loop is an easy option, while the Forest Path – Malchow Monastery Church loop offers a more challenging ride.
Are there family-friendly gravel biking options near Kritzower Lake?
Yes, the Kritzower Lake area is generally well-suited for families, especially given the region's often flat relief. Many of the easy routes, such as the Elde Riverside Path – Village Church Passow loop from Barkow, are suitable for a relaxed family outing. The northern part of Kritzower Lake also features a beach, perfect for a break.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic gravel trails?
You can expect a varied landscape typical of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The trails often feature extensive gravel and forest paths, old avenues, and idyllic lakeside sections. You'll ride through dense forests, along clear lakes, and occasionally encounter sand passages and rolling hills, providing a diverse and engaging experience.
Are there any interesting sights or natural features along the gravel bike routes?
Absolutely. The region is rich in natural beauty. You'll cycle through the Blockkoppel forest, pass by the Schwarze Berg (the highest point in the immediate vicinity), and enjoy views of Kritzower Lake itself. The broader area also offers an "Archaeological Educational Trail Kritzow" for those interested in local history and nature.
Where can I park my car when visiting the Kritzower Lake area for gravel biking?
While specific parking spots for each trail are not listed here, the towns and villages surrounding Kritzower Lake, such as Plau am See, typically offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for the most convenient parking near your chosen starting point.
What do other komoot users say about gravel biking in this area?
The Kritzower Lake area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 15 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the trails and the beautiful, varied scenery of forests and lakes.
Are there options for longer, more challenging gravel rides?
Yes, for those seeking a longer and more challenging adventure, the Forest Path – Malchow Monastery Church loop from Plau Silbermühle is a difficult route spanning over 75 km with significant elevation gain, offering a full day's ride through diverse landscapes.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking around Kritzower Lake?
The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer allows for combining your ride with a refreshing swim in Kritzower Lake. The forest paths provide good shade during hotter days.
Are there places to eat or grab a coffee near the trails?
The towns and villages around Kritzower Lake, such as Plau am See, offer various cafes and restaurants where you can refuel. Many routes, like the Forest Path – Plau am See town center loop, pass directly through or near these amenities, making it easy to find a spot for a break.
Can I find circular gravel bike routes around Kritzower Lake?
Yes, several routes in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Elde Riverside Path – Village Church Passow loop from Barkow and the Forest Path – View over Lake Plauer loop from Plau Silbermühle, perfect for exploring without retracing your steps.
Most popular routes around Kritzower Lake
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