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Müritz

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Müritz is the largest lake entirely located within Germany, covering an area of about 117 square kilometers and serving as the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District. Its name originates from a Slavic word meaning 'little sea,' reflecting its vast expanse and often turbulent waters. Formed at the end of the Weichselian glaciation as part of an extensive lake system, its eastern shore is now protected by the Müritz National Park, which has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 2011 for its ancient beech forests. The town of Waren on the northern shore is the region's tourist hub and home to the Müritzeum, a modern nature discovery center featuring the largest aquarium for native freshwater fish. Historically, the lake was a vital trade route and is now a central hub for water tourism, connected via canals to the Elde and Havel rivers. The wide reed beds and moors on its shores provide convenient habitats for rare species such as ospreys and cranes. For sailors and houseboat enthusiasts, Müritz gives one of the most attractive inland cruising areas in Central Europe due to its sheer scale and excellent infrastructure.

Location: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany
Nearby: Waren (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	0	3	8	13	17	19	18	14	9	5	1
Rain mm	58	43	43	35	50	60	84	65	52	52	50	56

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Very easily reachable by car, regional train, or long-distance bus to gateway towns like Waren, which serve as the main touristic entrances to this massive northern inland lake.

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Best season

The period from May to September is generally by far the most popular time for engaging water sports, cycling, and extensive hiking within the highly scenic adjacent national park areas.

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Terrain & paths

The long shorelines are mostly flat, offering a wonderful mix of sandy bays, large dense reed beds, and forested areas featuring excellent, level cycling and dedicated walking paths.

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What to bring

Renting a bicycle locally is a fantastic option; be sure to bring strongly windproof jackets for the often breezy conditions on the large open water surface, and comfortable shoes.

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Parking

Ample parking is typically found very easily in the surrounding towns and at designated national park entrances, though some of the most well-located areas do require a parking fee.

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Safety

The lake is extremely large and can therefore experience sudden, drastic weather changes; boaters and swimmers should always carefully check the most current local weather forecasts.

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Time needed

Given its enormous size, visitors usually spend an entire full day or several vacation days thoroughly exploring the lake, casually renting boats, or energetically cycling the perimeter.

Geography

Coordinates

53.45000, 12.69000

Facts

The maximum water depth of Müritz is approximately 31 meters.
The lake is situated at an elevation of 62 meters above sea level.
It holds a total water volume of roughly 0.74 cubic kilometers.
Müritz is part of the 180 km long Müritz-Elde waterway system.
About 75% of the shoreline is preserved in its natural state or protected.
Waren has been a state-recognized climatic health resort since 1999.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Detwah Lagoon6 km · NExplore →

Waren7 km · NExplore →

📍Röbel10 km · SWExplore →

Ras Shouab Turtle Beach10 km · SWExplore →

📍Malchow18 km · WExplore →

📍Neustrelitz27 km · EExplore →

Bärenwald Müritz28 km · SWExplore →

📍Plau am See28 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Müritz (1)

Schnakenburg

The covered observation stand on the northeastern shore of Lake Müritz gives a wide view of Germany's largest lake.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Lake Müritz?

With 117 km², it is the largest lake located entirely within Germany (Lake Constance is larger but shared with AT and CH).

Is there a national park at Lake Müritz?

Yes, the Müritz National Park on the east bank protects vast marshlands and ancient beech forests. It is home to white-tailed eagles and ospreys.

Which is the main town on the lake?

Waren (Müritz) is the tourist hub with a marina, a historic old town, and the Müritzeum (nature discovery center).

Can you rent houseboats without a license?

Yes, on Lake Müritz and adjacent waters, renting houseboats is often possible without a license after a detailed briefing (charter license).

How long is the circuit around the lake?

The Müritz circuit for cyclists is approx. 85 km long and passes through beautiful nature. A national park bus with a bike trailer helps with shortcuts.

Müritz: where is it located?

Müritz is located in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany.

Müritz: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Müritz: why is it worth visiting?

Müritz is the largest lake entirely located within Germany, covering an area of about 117 square kilometers and serving as the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →