Lake Muritz, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany

Also known as:  Muritzsee

The jewel of Germany’s Mecklenburg Lake District, Muritz is the largest inland lake entirely within the country. The 29,000-acre lake was formed at the same time as the other hundreds of lakes in the area; the last glacier gouged out the many depressions in the flat landscape that became the famed ‘Lake District’. Lake Muritz, also known as Muritzsee, formed along the River Elde which both fills…
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    • All About Lake Muritz, Germany

    Lake Locations: Germany - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Region, Germany -

    The jewel of Germany’s Mecklenburg Lake District, Muritz is the largest inland lake entirely within the country. The 29,000-acre lake was formed at the same time as the other hundreds of lakes in the area; the last glacier gouged out the many depressions in the flat landscape that became the famed ‘Lake District’. Lake Muritz, also known as Muritzsee, formed along the River Elde which both fills and drains the massive lake. The asymmetrical shoreline is made up of many bays and channel-like arms. The lake itself contains several basins, some of which are connected to the main water body only by a narrow neck of water. And some of the basins also give access to other lakes, either by natural channel or man-made canal. For much of Germany’s history, the waterways thus formed were used as transportation highways for goods and people. Now, the channels and bays provide many hours of boating and sailing adventure to Lakelubbers from around the world.

    Muritz is a favorite among yachting enthusiasts; an entire village has been built and devoted to landlocked seafarers on the southeastern shore. Hafendorf-Muritz has taken advantage of the desire for a water-based resort area and provides over 350 boat slips and all services for boaters. Houseboats can be rented here for those who wish several days to explore the many bays with all the comforts of home. Visitors can also rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and powered cruisers.

    The small resort area has a waterski course and a sailing school, and also offers lessons in waterskiing and windsurfing. An excellent sandy beach and swimming pier provide plenty of water fun for young and old alike. The harbor area is surrounded with holiday houses and apartments; other forms of lodging also exist in the area. Fishing charters and touring cruises can be arranged here. Pike, carp, burbot, bass, zander and perch are caught in Lake Muritz, while the incoming rivers and streams are noted for excellent fishing for eel and trout. The River Elde is a popular boating waterway and is navigable via a system of locks once the captain leaves Lake Muritz. The Muritz-Elde Waterway is managed by the Lauenburg Waterway and Shipping Authority, as is Lake Muritz.

    Lake Muritz attracts a variety of visitors, not all of whom are here to enjoy the big lake’s clear waters. Bordering the eastern shoreline, the Muritz National Park encompasses both part of the lake and nearly 80,000 acres of forest, wetlands and natural vistas. A bird-watching paradise, the park holds white-tailed eagle, osprey, crane, great bittern, reed warbler, redshank, greenshank, black stork, teal, garganey and little stint. Camping is allowed within the park in designated areas only.

    Muritz National Park holds about 130 small water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and brooks, making it ideal wildlife habitat. Over 400 miles of hiking and biking trails in the park offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy the natural setting. Some of the most popular biking excursions include circling the Muritzsee. The 66-mile Muritz-Radrundweg is the park’s most popular bike trail. The trail begins in Waren and passes through Boek, stopping near two of the park’s tallest watchtowers. Other recommended trails include the Gelber Vogel (Yellow Bird) near Grunow, the Violette Blume (Purple Flower) south of Waren, and the comprehensive 99-mile Radrundweg Blaues Muritzband. The Havel River that runs through the park is popular for canoeing, kayaking and rowing. Boats and bikes are rented locally within the park.

    Towns along the shore of Lake Muritz offer a variety of interesting activities to catch visitors’ attention. The small city of Waren on the northern end of Lake Muritz holds a number of festivals and sporting events annually which attract athletes to the region. The Muritz triathlon and duathlon have been a regular event for many years. Many also come to take part in the Muritz Run in August, over 75 kilometers for ultra runners and hand cycles, or the shorter route of 26.5 kilometers along the western shore of the Muritz for individual runners.

    There are also boat races, canoe races, parades, water ski shows, dragon boat races, music and dance exhibitions. Two of the most popular festivals are the Muritz Sail in May and the Maritime Festival in Waren and surrounding areas. When there isn’t a festival or race going on, the Nature Discovery Center is an educational way to spend a day. This multimedia-based center contains aquariums, exhibits of bird life and forests, and an exhibit of the evolution of the local landscape. A Children’s Museum produces nature study events and offers playgrounds and fun activities for the little ones. Information on the Muritz National Park can be obtained here. Waren also holds a fisheries museum, a military maritime museum, and a city history museum.

    The entire Mecklenburg Lake District was originally one huge lake that split into several smaller lakes linked to one another when sea levels fell. The water level of Lake Muritz has changed several times over the centuries, primarily due to human engineering. In the 12th century the surface of the lake was still 198 feet above sea level. By 1737 the lake surface had risen to 211 feet as a result of the waterway being impounded to drive mills along the River Elde downstream. The current water level of 203 feet was reached in 1836.

    Muritzsee is crossed by the River Elde from south to north and links to the Kolpinsee in the west via the Reeck Canal. The lake also feeds the River Havel to the east via the Mirow Canal, part of the Muritz-Havel Waterway, and the Bolter Canal via the chains of adjoining lakes. This interconnected waterway offers miles of scenic canals for boating and is one of the most popular holiday areas in Germany. Plenty of guest houses, holiday apartments, and condos offer a choice of lodgings to suit every taste. Some of the resort areas even offer real estate for holiday homes. So whether your passion is sailing or caravanning or a spa getaway, Lake Muritz is the perfect place to spend your next Mecklenburg Lake District vacation. Hope to see you there soon!

    Things to Do at Lake Muritz

    These are some activities in the Lake Muritz, Germany area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • National Park
    • Museum
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Muritz?

    Lake Muritz has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Burbot
    • Carp
    • Eel
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Trout
    • Zander
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Muritz

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Muritz Vacation

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    Lake Muritz Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Lauenburg Waterway and Shipping Authority

    Surface Area: 28,911 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 203 feet

    Average Depth: 20 feet

    Maximum Depth: 102 feet

    Completion Year: 1836

    Water Residence Time: 15

    Drainage Area: 256 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    Lake Muritz Map

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