One new event after another, one extraordinary piece of news follows the next—that’s how life goes in the capital, where everything from a rave experience in an indoor forest of lights to Europe’s largest indoor climbing park is no longer anything out of the ordinary. And while we’re constantly on the go, time seems to just fly by. But sometimes we feel the urge to pause for a moment and take a deep breath of fresh air in nature. Brandenburg is the perfect place for exactly that: from Japanese Zen gardens to idyllic pear orchards, there are countless places to linger here, especially in spring. And for those who can’t get enough of peace and quiet, we have a special insider tip today: The Kyritz Lake Chain is one of Brandenburg’s quieter, almost forgotten natural regions, and that is precisely what makes it so charming.
The Kyritz Lake Chain lies around the small town of Kyritz in northwestern Brandenburg and feels like a world that has stood still for a moment. About 1.5 hours from Berlin, in the Ostprignitz-Ruppin region, a landscape of several interconnected lakes stretches out here, including the Untersee and Obersee. The highlight is the so-called Inselsee, or Untersee, a narrow, deep-blue lake with an inhabited island in the middle of the water.
In the center of the lake lies this small island, accessible only by ferry. It consists of just a few houses with an almost village-like layout and does without the usual tourist infrastructure . Everything feels secluded, quiet, and unhurried. Even the short crossing on the small ferry shifts your perspective and feels as though you’re stepping out of the present for a moment.
In terms of scenery, the Kyritz Lake Chain is more subtle than spectacular. Narrow, elongated lakes, dark, often mirror-smooth water, as well as forests, meadows, and sparse development characterize the landscape. The atmosphere is calm, slightly melancholic, and almost Nordic; you often feel as though you’re alone with the landscape. Walks, short bike rides, or the brief ferry trip to the island take center stage here—not action, but a slower pace.
What makes this place special is the combination of water, islands, and seclusion. The region is hardly overrun and conveys an intense, almost unadulterated Brandenburg vibe. Ultimately, it’s less about a single spot and more about the atmosphere that defines this place.
