MSR300 and the differences to Vätternrundan
I know comparisons are always a bit thankless, but actually that's exactly the crux of the matter when you're faced with a decision Vätternrundan or Mecklenburg Lakes Circuit (MSR 300). Since I already rode the Vättern last year, I wanted to start in Neubrandenburg this year.
So it says:
Motala vs. Neubrandenburg
Of course, that's not all Neubrandenburg vs. Motala, but also Germany vs Sweden. So we have two completely different cultures here. Neubrandenburg seemed a bit bigger to me than Motala and the buildings were also older. While the participants in Motala can camp very close to the starting point because temporary campsites have been set up everywhere, it was much more difficult in Neubrandenburg. The only official campsite that is within acceptable proximity of the start of the MSR 300 was already fully booked four weeks before the start. Luckily there was still a booking option for one on the organizer's website Campsite. This was also rather provisional, but it was nice and quiet and only 5km from the Culture Park Neubrandenburg removed. So the accommodation was secured!
photo: sports photographer
Since the camping standard in Sweden is not particularly high, the camping point definitely goes to Neubrandenburg. Because of the interesting Swedish culture, the friendly Swedes and the camping possibilities close to the start, I'm leaning towards a tie! Of course everyone has to decide for themselves. Since I only have a VW Multivan and not a fully equipped motorhome, the equipment and quality of a campsite is very relevant to me. If you own a mobile home, Motala is much more interesting for you due to the right of public access in Sweden. As I wrote above, you can park your mobile home almost directly on the beach of Lake Vättern. Really a treat!
route and landscape
When it comes to landscape and nature, the Mecklenburg Lake District by no means behind that Lake Vättern hide. If you compare the track profiles, they are also very similar. 300km long, the MSR 300 has about 2000 meters in altitude and the Vätternrundan about 1500hm, really very similar and comparable.
The two events don't really take much from each other in this respect. The reason why the Vätternrundan still gets a point from me is the fact that the roads around the Vätternrundan are simply much better. While in Sweden you have the feeling that you are always riding on fresh roads and bike paths, in Mecklenburg you have to avoid one or the other pothole - which can lead to problems in the group. In fact, I found the last third extremely exhausting due to all the road damage. But of course that's more down to the country and not the organizers, who of course can't do anything for the streets.
People
The topic of people and passengers is of course a soft topic and since you only know a fraction of the participants - due to the starting times - it is also absolutely subjective. In the Vätternrundan it is of course a participant madness. With 20.000 people driving around the lake, you always have a lot of people around you - no matter when you start - and you're almost never alone on the route. Personally, the passengers seemed rather unfriendly to me. Groups wanted to remain closed, there was no Everyman spirit to be felt. In complete contrast to that the people at the MSR 300. I only met nice people and after about 100km I had found the best group ever. It can of course be a coincidence, but in general I thought there was just a great atmosphere at the Mecklenburg Lakes Circuit.
Conclusion
Whether Vätternrundan or Mecklenburger-Seen-Runde, there is no objective better or worse! Personally, I'm leaning towards the MSR 300 at the moment, but I'll definitely ride the Vätternrundan again. The travel costs for the MSR are of course much lower, which is why the whole package makes more sense to me. However, if you plan to add a week's holiday to a marathon, the Vätternrundan in Sweden is of course a good option. You also have a little culture change included. But be careful, unfortunately the weather in Sweden is rather unstable at the summer solstice.
What are your experiences?
Where are you headed?