About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every Mecklenburg Lakes holiday on Mooch, side by side.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Peene and Usedom
Lock-free water to the Szczecin Lagoon
The Peene, the Bodden and the Achterwasser make up a varied stretch of cruising water with plenty of nature and little current. There are no locks as far as the Szczecin Lagoon, and hardly any bridges. Boats can go out onto the Szczecin Lagoon itself.
The area mixes calm rivers, peaceful inland lakes and sheltered coastal waters. It takes in the gently rolling hills of Mecklenburg Switzerland, the marshy river landscape of Western Pomerania and the Baltic Sea island of Usedom, with its beaches, forests and meadows. Along the way there are water lily fields, old Hanseatic towns and fashionable seaside resorts. Look out for beavers and grey geese too.
Fishing on the Peene and Lake Kummerow
The Peene and Lake Kummerow are known well beyond Mecklenburg-Vorpommern for how many fish they hold. Large pike, zander and catfish live here, along with all kinds of white fish, so anglers of every sort are well catered for.
Cycling in Mecklenburg Switzerland
Mecklenburg Switzerland is good cycling country, with unspoilt nature at the edge of the nature park. Between the hills and valleys you may see ospreys, otters and kingfishers. Some of the climbs are steep, but castles and fine views give good reasons to stop for a rest.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in Germany. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
