Big round trip

An idyllic start is promised by the small town of Waren (Müritz) with its winding alleys and impressive architectural monuments. The carefully restored historic old town is located in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District on the shores of Germany's largest inland lake, the Müritz.

On the drive from Waren (Müritz) to Rechlin, the countryside sometimes slips out of sight. The eastern shore of the Müritz resembles a wild and romantic Garden of Eden. Here begins the Müritz National Park - the territory of sea eagles, deer and cranes. Rare plant species and untouched nature reflect the uniqueness of the largest forest national park. The Müritz-Havel waterway then leads through a wonderland of deep forests and more than 300 lakes to the island town of Fürstenberg/Havel. The Havel meanders in countless playful loops through almost deserted forests to Burgwall and Zehdenick. On the Voss Canal you then sail to Liebenwalde and on to Oranienburg in the direction of Berlin. Gradually, the forest thins out and the first suburbs of Berlin's vibrant capital come into view.

In the world metropolis of Berlin, highlights of the particularly culturally and historically influenced city can be marveled at from the water. After only a few kilometers, the Havel River around Berlin's West, Potsdam and Brandenburg a. d. Havel rivers turns into beautiful lakes. After extensive rambles through the culture and history of these cities, the tranquility of the Westhavelland Nature Park beckons.

Close to the ancient cathedral town of Havelberg, the gentle river joins the wide Elbe. The Elbe flows in wide sweeps through one of the most beautiful and unspoiled river landscapes. At the foot of the Renaissance fortress of Dömitz, leisure captains leave the Elbe via the Müritz-Elde waterway. A detour via the Störkanal to the State capital Schwerin with its magnificent residential palace is highly recommended. Past the fish ponds of the Lewitz and through idyllic half-timbered towns, the Müritz-Elde Waterway leads via 17 locks and 180 kilometers to the large lakes in the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. One sparkling blue lake follows the next until the "Little Sea" - the Müritz - welcomes you back.

Water profile

The big round tour is made for people looking for recreation as well as for adventurous people. The approx. 570 km long tour leads past a total of 44 locks, whereby information about the respective lock times must be obtained before setting out. Due to the current on the Elbe, it is recommended to sail the great round trip in a clockwise direction. The tour can be started at any port and, of course, can also be traveled only in individual stages.

Blog post along the Great Round Trip

The blogger family Nordicfamily was in the Mecklenburg Lake District with the houseboat along the Great Round Tour in Germany's lake country on the road.