Hiking in Demminer Land and Kummerower Lake

Nestled in meadows and fields between the towns of Malchin, Dargun and Demmin lies the fourth largest lake in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lake Kummerow. Together with Lake Malchin, it forms the heart of the "Mecklenburg Schweiz and Lake Kummerow Nature Park" north of the Müritz. For riders, the idyllic, glacial and sparsely populated landscape in front of the hills of Mecklenburg Switzerland at the foothills of the fen offers wonderful nature experiences. The fen is a paradise for cranes, eagles, herons and ducks. Also hares, roe deer or pheasants can be observed while riding through meadows, forests and on lonely field paths. Again and again, the interested rider will come across Stone Age burial mounds. After the ride the big lake invites to a refreshing bath. It is even possible to go into the water with the horse.

Here you can find peace and quiet, away from the big roads and highways. Only now and then an agricultural vehicle chugs past. The landscape invites for day rides as well as for tours of several days. And at night, in autumn and winter, even in August, you can often see an enchanting starry sky.

Historically, you ride between Pomerania and Mecklenburg, because the western shore of Lake Kummerow belongs to Mecklenburg, the eastern and southern shore to Vorpommern. Almost all of the villages along the way are former manor villages with classic estate buildings: manor house, behind it the park often with rare ancient trees, in front of it the stables and barns. Close by, of course, the church.

The lovingly restored manor houses are a wonderful sight even from the outside, many open their doors for exhibitions, behind them the landscaped park - so you ride from one park-like landscape to another, from castle to castle, each telling a different exciting story.

Especially recommendable is the park of Ivenack with the 1000 year old oaks, hudeschweine and who likes it more modern, the treetop path. The mighty tree giants with trunk circumferences of 14 meters are a national natural monument.

An equally worthwhile excursion tip is the monastery and castle complex of Dargun. The inner courtyard of the four-winged complex with its 800-year-old imposing walls provides a magnificent backdrop for concerts and markets.