The eastern shore of Müritz is an extremely gently sloping sandur formed during the last major glaciation. Extensive reed beds, moors and swamp forests shape the landscape; water levels fluctuate significantly over the course of the year. Water, wetlands and forest are not separate backdrops here: it is their interplay that defines the character of the eastern shore.
A Watery Landscape and Rich Biodiversity
Müritz National Park encompasses a protected area around Müritz, Germany’s largest lake. Forests, moors, lakes and vast meadows shape its landscape. The protected habitats provide space for many endangered animal and plant species, including cranes, ospreys, white-tailed eagles and red deer. In this natural area, open water and wetlands meet forests and meadows.
Cranes, ospreys and white-tailed eagles are especially popular to watch in autumn. However, sightings depend on the season and are not guaranteed. If you hope to see wildlife, you can take this seasonal difference into account when planning your visit without assuming that you will encounter any animals.
Views and Orientation
From Käflingsberg Tower, you can see across the entire Müritz section of the national park. The observation tower at Lake Großer Serrahn, by contrast, offers views of the lake and the surrounding forest. The two viewpoints therefore offer different perspectives: one provides a panoramic view of the Müritz section of the national park, while the other looks out over the lake and forest.
The national park information centres combine exhibitions about nature and the landscape with personal tips and advice from rangers on worthwhile routes and wildlife-watching spots. They offer ideas both for finding your way around the landscape and for observing nature. Individual exhibitions and opening hours may change, so check the details before your visit.
On Foot, by Bike and on the Water
More than 600 kilometres of marked hiking and cycling trails lead through the unspoilt nature of Müritz National Park. This figure refers to the extensive network of trails as a whole. The circular “Blue Cyclist” route between Boek and Schwarzenhof is a specifically named cycling experience on the eastern shore, offering a way to explore the landscape by bike. It is worth checking route conditions before setting out, as they may change.
Another way to explore is the forest adventure trail from Zinow to Dianenhof. It offers an experience of the forest landscape around Serrahn and its ancient, primeval beech forests, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. The forest landscape takes centre stage here; the trail combines the nature experience with a look at a dated chapter of World Heritage history.
Water is another way to enjoy the area: environmentally friendly boating and canoeing are permitted on many lakes in Müritz National Park. This does not apply to all lakes; the national park’s rules determine where they are allowed. Check the regulations in force before setting out. This lets you choose between trails and water activities according to what is available, without treating their different conditions as the same.
Discover more destinations: Vorpommern-Rügen, Vorpommern-Greifswald, Northwest Mecklenburg, Rostock, Ludwigslust-Parchim, Northern Pomerania, Mecklenburg Lake District.
Back to the main travel overview: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
