The small lakes in the Lake District of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Müritz-Havel-Waterways

Planing the trip

Landscape
The small lakes are connected mainly through two waterways: The Müritz-Havel-Waterway leading from Lake Müritz to the village of Priepert and the Upper Havel-Waterway leading from Neustrelitz pasing by Priepert to Liebenwalde, North of Berlin. Before reaching the outskirts of Berlin it is worth to make a couple of short detours into the waters of Rheinsberg, Lychen, Templin or Wentow.

The nature reserve of Schorfheide-Chorin, a native moor and woodland that supports a diverse ecosystem, is also worthwhile to stay for a little longer. In addition we thoroughly recommend the trip through the Finow Canal, a restored historic canal along the Havel-Oder-Waterway and further on to the famous boat-lift of Niederfinow. A must-see for admirer of technical constructions.

Rheinsberg

Minimarina Ferienpark Mirow in Granzow

The small lakes
Adjoining the Müritz in the south are the so-called small lakes: the heart of the Mecklenburg and Brandenburg Lake District. They are remnants of the last glacial era, which formed most of the lakes, cuttings, canals and rivers you see nowadays.

Stop in Mirow to walk around the park and castle and onto the 'island of love'. The new harbour is situated in the mote around the castle and offers direct access to the centre with its bakeries and other shops. If you like fish on your menu, there is a good place to buy it locally, straight from the fisherman.

We recommend an excursion to the waterway of Rheinsberg: the town of Rheinsberg is well known for its poets Kurt Tucholsky and Theodor Fontane. Nowadays the castle and the large park offer the chance for an interesting visit ashore.

In the north of the small lakes lies Neustrelitz. It used to be home of the dukes of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and many sights remain from this period. Neustrelitz offers a great variety of cultural events as well as plenty of opportunities to stock up on supplies. In Fürstenberg you can moor at different marinas and harbours which are only a few minutes away from the centre.

Cruising proposals		Days	Length	Lock
WL	Hafendorf Müritz, Rheinsberg and back	3	89 km	8
WL	Hafendorf Müritz, Fürstenberg, Lychen and back	7	128 km	14
WL	Hafendorf Müritz, Rheinsberg, Fürstenberg, Neustrelitz and back	7	170 km	18
WL	Hafendorf Müritz, Fürstenberg, Templin, Zehdenick and back	7	222 km	24
WL = without yachting licence

Oneways		Over	Days	Length	Locks
HCR	Hafendorf Müritz - Marienwerda	OHW	4-7	127 km	13
WL	Hafendorf Müritz - Schwerin	Elde	4-7	144 km	8
HCR	Hafendorf Müritz - Zeuthen	OHW	7-14	202 km	16
HCR/ LOS	Hafendorf Müritz - Stralsund	Oder	10-14	450 km	15
WL	Hafendorf Müritz - Schwerin	Elbe*	14-17	468 km	32
WL = without yachting licence HCR = home country regulations*, LOS = yachting licence for offshore waters OHW = Upper-Havel-Waterway the marked oneways are only possible downstream the Elbe and not possible with vetus and Haines boats. **only required if your home country requires you to have a “Boat driving licence”.