The almost flat paths through the vacation state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are ideally suited for family tours on a bike or hiking boots. Leisurely from sea to sea, with wind around the nose along the coast, or adventurous through the pristine forest - adventure trails of different lengths for the whole family bring active fun for young and old nature lovers.

Table of contents:

• Hiking with children
• Cycling with the family
• Family vacation on the water
• Observing nature and animals

Whether paddling or sailing, touring by canoe, houseboat or raft, family crews can crisscross the state's lakeways. Small and large captains can set sail on the salty Baltic Sea or the numerous inland lakes and rivers and hoist the pirate flag. Excursions to nature and national parks and biosphere reserves, where rangers offer guided hikes with animal observations, offer an impressive nature experience for the whole family. This also includes "up in the air", when the binoculars of the young and old animal lovers are directed at the shy inhabitants of the forest from a high seat.

The charming nature, hardly any inclines and an excellently developed network of paths offer families in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ideal conditions for a tour by bike. Breaks at bathing spots, paddocks and rest areas guarantee additional fun for young and old pedalers.

Roll up your trouser legs, strap on your helmet, get on the saddle and start your family vacation on a bike. Blue skies, clear air and an excellently developed network of paths make Mecklenburg-Vorpommern a popular cycling region . Bike tours crisscross the state: past sparkling lakes and rushing rivers, through rustic forests, across meadows and fields, and all the way to the Baltic Sea coast - active vacation fun for the whole family. In many places there are rental stations, which also allow spontaneous day trips for families. Rest areas along the way invite you to picnic, and regular stops at playgrounds, paddocks, bathing coves or forest clearings are welcome stops on a family tour.

And if you want to pedal along with your family, you can really get going on a trolley tour. Here the whole family can take a seat and ride on rails through the unspoiled nature of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. An extraordinary experience!

Exciting raft boat tours on your own, sailing or cozy houseboat sailing, paddling with canoe or kayak - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern offers families ideal conditions for an adventure vacation on the water.

Whether by canoe, houseboat or raft - in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, families can become crews themselves and set sail on the Baltic Sea or the numerous lakes and rivers in the state's interior. Most of the waters of the vacation state are calm and manageable, the current is usually only weak. Many of the flowing waters can therefore be navigated in both directions and are ideal for families and beginners. And best of all, on the smaller houseboats and rafts, parents or grandparents do not need a special boating license on many routes in the lake district. A short briefing is often enough to get a so-called charter certificate - and off you go.

All aboard

On a day or multi-day trip, small and large captains can finally ring the ship's bell or sound the foghorn themselves as they drift leisurely across the Elde or Havel, past beaver castles and families of ducks basking in the sun. Those planning a longer vacation on the water with the family can moor with the whole crew at numerous harbors, marinas and water hiking rest areas, bunker provisions or explore the surrounding countryside by bike.

Jump from the boat into the water or go fishing with a landing net - in the river and lake landscape of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, not only the little ones become real pirates. The safety of the mini-captains is also guaranteed, because life jackets are available in every size.

Families can move through the vacation state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in a variety of ways and make great nature observations: Beaver families, eagles , kingfishers, herons and cranes , among others, can be heard and marveled at here, amidst the diverse natural and animal world.

Between lush green pastures, natural lakes and endless forests, a family vacation in the midst of nature is truly relaxing. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern offers a unique backdrop and a home to rare animal and plant species. More than a quarter of the state's area is under nature and landscape protection - more than in any other federal state. Three national parks, seven nature parks and three biosphere reserves alone protect the unique nature of this vacation state.

Observing animals in the wild is often a matter of luck. The best way for families to do this is on a guided tour with an experienced ranger. The little explorers can look over the expert's shoulder, learn how to treat nature with respect and even become junior rangers themselves. Equipped with binoculars and a camera, patient nature lovers can watch ospreys soar through the air at many observation stations in the state, watch beavers build their castles in the river course, or discover white-tailed eagle nests, deer and roe deer. With a bit of luck, even grey seals can be observed in the Baltic Sea. Animal sounds, such as ducks chattering in the reeds, frogs croaking on the shore or the trumpet-like calls of cranes foraging, offer a great cinema of nature and will become a lasting vacation memory for the whole family.