Industrial buildings line the streets, alongside underground clubs and urban hotspots – this is Berlin, and it’s precisely what gives the city its special charm. But sometimes, your body and soul simply need to be close to nature. Of course, you can find green retreats on Köpenick Castle Island, just 20 kilometers from the city center. But true relaxation only begins when you leave Berlin behind. It is only outside the capital, in the middle of Brandenburg’s natural gems, that this deep sense of calm sets in. Whether in a state-approved thermal brine spa or on a fairytale island ensemble – the choice is yours, depending on your mood. But there is one destination that should definitely be on your list: the small town of Lychen in northern Brandenburg, in the Uckermark region, around 90 kilometers from Berlin.
Photo: @maria.leoben.lach48.engel5 (Instagram)
Lychen is officially known as the “rafting town” because rafting played a central role here for centuries. Wood from the region was transported via the Havel and Spree rivers to Berlin. Today, this tradition lives on with historic raft trips on the Lychen lakes, replica rafts for tourists, and events related to the rafting trade. Rafting remains an important part of the region’s cultural heritage to this day.
The small town is also surrounded by seven lakes: Großer Lychensee, Zenssee, Stadtsee, Nesselpfuhl, Wurlsee, Oberpfuhl, and Platkowsee. This makes Lychen a real paradise for canoeing, stand-up paddling, swimming, fishing, and houseboat vacations. The townscape is also impressive, with brick houses, narrow streets, and plenty of historical charm. St. Johannis Church is considered the town’s landmark, and there are also quiet lakeside promenades and numerous small vacation homes and campsites. Lychen is much quieter than well-known lakeside towns such as Rheinsberg or Werder, making it perfect for those seeking nature and a slower pace of life.
Photo: @maria.leoben.lach48.engel5 (Instagram)
Lychen is picturesquely situated in the middle of the Uckermark lake district, nestled in the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park and surrounded by forests and moorlands. The region is ideal for extended cycling and hiking tours in unspoiled nature. Among the town’s most famous events are the traditional rafting festivals. The 28th rafting festival in Lychen is expected to take place in early August 2026. Summer markets and regional cultural events are also an integral part of the event calendar.