From Lübz to Fürstenberg: Lakes and Heritage

The former residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg,often called the “City of Seven Lakes and Seven Forests”,unfolds along the shores of Lake Schwerin. Its emblem? A storybook-like medieval castle set on an island between Lake Schwerin and the Burgsee (Castle Lake). The cultural capital of Mecklenburg is always alive with events in its many theaters and performance venues. In summer, don’t miss the impressive open-air operas. Also worth seeing: the historic town center with its thatched roofs, the market square, and the Gothic cathedral dating from the 14th and 15th centuries.

After 17 km of river cruise, arrive at Plau am See. Passing under a lift bridge, you’ll enjoy panoramic lake views from the lake entrance lighthouse overlooking Plauersee/Müritz-Elde–third-largest lake in Mecklenburg,great for fishing and wildlife viewing from Moorochse observation tower.

Malchow, the only town located on an island in Germany, is made up of three parts: the old town on the island in Lake Malchower See, the modern town, and a monastic district. Before continuing your cruise through the opening bridge, moor your boat at Malchow's harbor to explore: the Catholic Church, the Cloister Church, the GDR Museum, the Organ Museum, and more.

Stop at Klink to admire its imposing neo-Renaissance château on the shores of Lake Müritz, built in 1898 in the style of French Loire castles. Now a hotel and restaurant, it offers refined regional dishes with lake views. Don't miss the Müritz farmers’ market with local produce, smoked fish, and artisan souvenirs.

Mirow is filled with thatched-roof lake houses, water lilies, a baroque castle (summer home of Mecklenburg dukes), and the romantic “Island of Love.” A picture-perfect stop to drop anchor and explore.

It’s from your cruise boat that you’ll enjoy the most romantic view of the iconic Rheinsberg castle, in rococo style, located on the banks of the Grienericksee. The turrets of this former residence of Frederick II of Prussia are reflected in the lake. Take a break in the cultural capital of northern Brandenburg to also discover its traditional ceramics workshop, its annual pottery market, and the many summer festivals held at the castle and its park.

Set on the Havel River and surrounded by Röblinsee and Schwedtsee lakes, the historic town of Fürstenberg is a great stop before or after your river cruise. Learn about its porcelain-making past at the castle, home to the Porzellan Museum.