An unforgettable autumn holiday by Lake Schaalsee in North Germany 🍁

From mushroom foraging and little boats made from leaves to peaceful walks along beautiful lakes. Our host Frederike shares the small rituals and traditions she and her family cherish, making autumn at THE BETTERHEIM truly special

As the leaves begin to change around Lake Schaalsee, a sense of calm settles over the little village of Kittlitz. This is where our host Frederike lives with her husband and their patchwork family at THE BETTERHEIM – a former thatched village school that the family has given a new life as a collection of atmospheric holiday apartments.

Autumn is an ideal time to come here. The bustle of summer has passed, and the days still invite long walks along the lakes and through the forest. Afterwards, you can return home to hot tea, stews on the stove, a fire in the fireplace and time to simply be together.

Modern fireplace with burning logs next to a patterned armchair and sofa in a sunlit living room with wooden floors and exposed beam walls

Dining area with wooden table, cushioned chairs with pink and gold frames, two layered rattan pendant lights, and a modern kitchen in the background with wooden cabinetry and decorative vases.

Four black cows standing on a grassy hillside overlooking a calm lake, with trees and a forested hill in the background

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Step into autumn by the lakes

Frederike’s perfect autumn day begins outdoors. The family takes the most peaceful walks around the lakes of the Schaalsee region and through the forests, where the most beautiful landscape turns shades of yellow, red and gold.

Along the way, they gather leaves, branches, moss and other natural materials, which they bring indoors as decorations of many kinds.

“The fresh autumn air blows all the negative thoughts away. You feel so relaxed – especially when you come home afterwards to a warm cup of tea by the fireplace,” Frederike says.

One of the family’s favourite traditions is a walk around Ratzeburger Küchensee, which is perfectly rounded off with a visit to Farchauer Mühle, a cosy restaurant on the shores of the lake, surrounded by woodland and with a history dating back to the 16th century. Every autumn, Frederike and her family meet friends here for a traditional German roast goose – a longstanding tradition that truly brings the feeling of autumn to life.

Small rituals to take home with you

An autumn holiday does not need to be filled with big plans. At Frederike’s, it is the small, creative rituals that become the loveliest autumn memories every year.

The family makes Kastanienmännchen – little figures made from chestnuts and acorns – and visits local farms to find pumpkins, which they can hollow out and decorate with autumn motifs together.

“And then there’s mushroom hunting, which we love doing as a family. When you finally find the perfect spot, you feel so happy – and you return to it every year,” she adds.

Another of the family’s annual traditions is the village festival of lights. A week before the celebration, the neighbours gather in Frederike’s garden to build tiny boats from leaves, bark, twigs and moss. On the evening itself, they place a beeswax candle on each handmade boat before gently setting them afloat and watching the lights bob across the lake – the most beautiful autumn sight.

Psst… If you would like to experience the festival of lights yourselves, book a stay with Frederike and her family at THE BETTERHEIM and make sure you are there on 10 October.

Handmade autumn decorations with sticks, moss, leaves, berries, and bark arranged on a weathered blue wooden table outdoors

Wooden dining table set for six with plates, glasses, gold cutlery, and pink patterned napkins, centerpiece with candles and dried flowers, modern living room with beige sectional sofa and large potted plant in the background

Children crafting with natural materials on a weathered wooden table, with scissors, twine, sticks, straw, moss, and a carved pumpkin on a paved patio

Coming home to warmth and time together

What makes an autumn holiday special is the contrast. The crisp air and rosy cheeks after a day spent outdoors – and the feeling of coming home to warmth, calm and the comforting smell of a hearty stew bubbling away on the stove.

Frederike especially remembers one evening from last autumn:

“I clearly remember last year, when my husband lit the fireplace for the first time that autumn, and the children sat so quietly making autumn garlands from dried flowers we had made, while a stew bubbled on the stove. To me, it was simply the perfect picture of true autumn cosiness,” she says.

That is exactly the feeling Frederike hopes to share with her guests. A place to return to after a day exploring the beautiful nature around the area, warm up and unwind – with time to simply be together.

Find your base for the autumn holiday

At THE BETTERHEIM, you stay in the heart of nature, with lakes, forests and small villages close by. The apartment brings together the old school’s history, warm natural tones, Scandinavian design and space for four.

Landfolk recommends: 6 cosy things to do in a holiday home during the autumn break

Mushroom foraging, pumpkin carving, fun board games, and hot cocoa. Even though the days are getting colder, there are still plenty of fun activities to do outside or cosy things to enjoy indoors when you're on an autumn holiday together. Spend your autumn break doing lots of cosy things as a family, where everyone can have fun. It will definitely be a trip that both young and old will remember fondly.