Camping and rest day i Havelberge

7-9 September
Havelberge Camping

I leave Kraklow am See early, aiming for Neustrelitz and a campsite just outside the town called Havelberge.

The cycling is mostly easy-going, though the German landscape consists of vast agricultural areas, and the roads undulate with many small—and sometimes long—uphill stretches. I am fascinated by the enormous fields—they seem endless—and the many crops of sunflowers and corn.

I make the occasional stop for coffee and a small beer. The cycle paths are outstanding, and car traffic is considerate; drivers respect cyclists in a completely different way than back home in Sweden.

I arrive in Neustrelitz just after 5:30 PM, and as usual, I have to navigate quite a few cobblestone streets.

At the far end of the main street, I spot a town square, fountains, and a crowd of people… Curious, I head over.
It turns out to be some sort of event celebrating children and friendship. Amidst the crowd, there is a large stall where they are making pancakes with various jams—completely free of charge.

I wait in line and eventually get my pancake, which is filled with applesauce and folded into a triangle.

I sit on a bench with the cathedral in the background and the fountain in front of me. The pancake tastes delicious, and while I eat, I look up the location of the campsite I had noted earlier.

It is situated about 15–16 km outside town, but in the direction I plan to continue my journey. The weather remains sunny and reasonably warm—around 16–17 degrees.
Before arriving, I took a slight wrong turn because I misinterpreted an information sign; I thought it was announcing a detour due to roadworks, but that turned out not to be the case.

I turn off the main road and cycle through three small villages, beautifully situated amidst farmland and beech forests.

Just before eight o’clock, I turn into the campsite. The reception is closed, but I’m able to get through the gate.

A few hundred meters further on, I see a number of tents and motorhomes set up. Lake Wobiltzsee lies just beyond them.

I park my bike by a fence and walk up a steep hill toward a restaurant. Tents and motorhomes are scattered on both sides of the path.

I speak to a restaurant employee, explaining that I’ve just arrived and asking if it’s okay to camp and check in tomorrow…

“Hi, I’ve just arrived but the reception was closed. Do you think it’s possible to pitch my tent and check in tomorrow?”

The guy at the bar thinks for a moment and says…

“I’ll call the manager; you can wait here.”

I order a beer and sit out on the terrace, overlooking the lake.

The weather is glorious, and the area is fantastic—green spaces surrounded by large trees and shrubs, well-maintained paths, and clear signage.

As I sit there enjoying the moment, the campsite manager comes over and asks about my camping plans…

“Tent, car, or motorhome?”
“Just one person, one tent, and I was planning to pitch it up down by the lake.”
“That’s fine; reception opens at 8 a.m. tomorrow.”
“I’ll be there before nine o’clock.”

I finish my beer and head back down the hill to my bike. Twenty minutes later, I’m settled into my tent, enjoying a lovely view of the lake, which is now bathed in the red-and-yellow glow of the setting sun.

I’ve found out where the campsite kitchen is located and head there with my camping bag and cooler bag.

After a full day of cycling—covering just over 100 km—the food tastes absolutely amazing. The service building is large and spans three floors; the ground floor houses a kitchen, dishwashing facilities, and a laundry room with washing machines and dryers.

The middle floor has toilets and showers, while the upper floor features a conference room and a common area.

After the meal, it’s back to the tent, and then goodnight.