Canal boat rental Mecklenburg, from Fleesensee

From Fürstenberg you may head out to the great lakes of Mecklenburg. Your first visit has to be the rococo castle as Rheinsberg. Further west there is Mirow with its strange wooden boathouses, the charming town of Roblin and the grat lake of Müritz.

Heading eastward there is Weserberg with its wooden Harbour buildinfs, as well as Neustrelitz. On these varied waterways and open lakes a little more care is required than on canals, but what better reward than to Anchor far out in a lake and take advantage of some of the purest water in Europe for a swim in idyllic and unspoilt surroundings. Pause too at one of the many fish smoke-houses to enjoy an unmissable local speciality.

The first stopping place is Himmelpfort (Gateway to Heaven), the town of Father Christmas. There is also a fishery where you can stock up with smoked fish. Don't miss the sidetrip to Lychen. The Woblitz river twists its way through forest before opening out into the lake of Lychen: it is one of the loveliest cruises in the area. The Havel is a quiet river which flows through tranquil countryside. You should stop off at Regow, an oragnic farm with a hundred or so goats which selles several different mouthwatering cheeses. At Templin its towers welcome the visitor from afar. Its town walls give it a very romantic feel. Beyond Liebenwalde there is a choice of three directions.

To the west, the Neuruppin lakes preserve an environment in which ospreys, beavers and otters all flourish. Altruppin, the old capital, stands in lovely surroundings. Neuruppin, the "new" town dating from the 18th century, bears witness to Prussi'as Agde of Enlightenment which has left its mark on the whole region from Berlin to Potsdam. To the south lie Berlin and Potsdam, both towns which are best discovered from the water. To the east, don't miss the Finowkanal, an old canal which and turns through lovely countryside on its way to a monument unique in Europe, the Niederfinow Boat Lift on the Oder Havel canal.