The best traffic-free bike rides around Schweriner Lake

A nice spot to dive into the lake, which belongs to a chain of lakes. Two benches are available, and near the road there is also a covered seating area. Even a tent could be pitched here.

A great lake for swimming. Very clear water. The bike path along the western shore is mostly well-paved.

If you turn off the Gurkenradweg (cucumber cycle path), you'll find a place beyond the village that needs no spectacle: a bench with a roof, a bit of moss, a glassy Spree River, sometimes with swans on it. The Pretschen Spree Pond isn't a destination in the traditional sense—it's simply a good place to slow down. There's a gentle chirping here, the willows hang low, and if you're lucky, you might even see the church tower in the background. A rest stop that seems out of time—just right for a banana, a sandwich, and a moment to yourself.

This simple yet charming pedestrian bridge marks one of the most beautiful crossings of the Spree south of Neuendorf am See – a place that doesn't impose itself loudly, but quietly seduces. Ideal for hikers seeking the water and for paddlers who trust the river's flow. For hikers: The bridge is a hub on regional walking and hiking trails – those coming from the center of Neuendorf will encounter an almost meditative scenery: reflective water, wide meadows, gently rustling willows. Particularly rewarding at sunrise or in the evening hours, when the sky and landscape merge into one. For canoeists: From a kayak, the bridge appears almost sculptural. It spans the Spree with a gentle sweep, signaling: Here the river flows gently, but not without depth. A good opportunity for a rest, as there are shallow spots along the bank for landing. If you like, you can dock briefly and climb the few steps up to the bridge – the view is worth it.

Well-paved roadside cycle path between Wendisch-Rietz and Dahmsdorf

The lock, which has existed since 1865, was renovated in 1965 with concrete chamber walls and automated in 2004. The lock is activated using the request levers at the waiting points in the respective outer harbor. During operation in the summer months, up to 10,000 pleasure boats are on the move here. It is one of three locks that must be overcome on the way from Berlin to Scharmützelsee.

The waterways in the Margraviate of Brandenburg were already important transport routes for bulk goods in the Middle Ages. With the expansion of the Dahme waterway in the 19th century, the construction of several new locks at the river's barrages became necessary. This was also the case in the area of the Kummersdorf lock. This was built between 1862 and 1865. In the first two years, 1,009 barges and 84 rafts were locked through each year, mainly with bulk goods such as grain, wood, peat and bricks. The waterway was used extensively for transporting wood towards Berlin. The waterway was originally designed for barges according to the Finow dimension. Shortly before the end of the Second World War, the lock was blown up. The lock was renovated in 1966 and 1967. According to the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration, around 10,000 sports and leisure boats and passenger ships currently pass through the lock every year.

The canal developed from the Storkower Flößerkanal, which was built in 1732 and expanded into a canal under the reign of Frederick II in the middle of the 18th century. Used for centuries to supply Berlin with timber and bricks, its current transport importance lies largely in the leisure and tourism industry. As a rule, it is only used by passenger ships, pleasure boats and for water hiking.