Lake Müritz conquers with its huge size and clear water. Its underwater world is very rich. Its shores have become a nesting place for rare species of birds, inhabited by a protected area and various wild animals. A trip to this reservoir will turn into an exciting journey.
Where is the lake
On the land of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the National Park "Müritz" is laid out, where there is a unique reservoir, after which the reserve was named. The park was founded back in 1990. The reserve covers an area of 318 km², 12% is occupied by lakes (there are more than 130), and 60% - by beech forests. The rest of the territory is occupied by pastures, fields and peat bogs.
Lake Müritz is recognized as the largest body of water not only in the National Park, but throughout Germany. Its dimensions are impressive - 117 km².
The reservoir is entirely located in Germany. Scientists claim that it arose during the last ice age.
Nature and fauna
In the National Park, you can observe the fauna from close range, even special towers are provided for this. Many not just rare birds have found shelter here, but their endangered species.
- A black stork found refuge in the park. Its height reaches 110 cm and weighs 3 kg. The bird has a wingspan of about 150-155 cm. The legs and beak are feathered red. The chest is decorated with a peculiar feather collar. The stork does not like to be disturbed; it tries to stay further from the person. But in the Müritz nature reserve you will be able to observe this bird.
- Bittern is another interesting bird that lives in the National Park. The predator is difficult to see in nature. It moves along the ground among the stems, tracking down small rodents that it feeds on.
- The beautiful osprey chose the shores of Lake Müritz for its nesting. Its wingspan reaches 1.5-1.7 meters. Feathered paws are studded with thorns and armed with curved long claws designed to capture and hold prey. The osprey feeds on fish, which it looks out for, circling over the water surface. During the hunt, the bird can dive to a depth of one and a half meters.
- A small reed warbler has also settled in the bog thickets of the reserve. The bird's weight is only 10-15 grams. Its flight speed is 10 meters per second.
- The "King of Birds" is a white-tailed eagle. This large predator with a wingspan of 200-245 cm weighs up to 6 kg. During the flight, he makes slow flaps of his wings. In nature, it lives in the coastal areas of the sea and in large bodies of water; Lake Müritz has also become its habitat.
Heather, juniper, sword-grass grow on the territory of the reserve. In the lush pastures, you can see Dutch sheep and Swedish cows grazing - this is an interesting biological experiment. In the fresh waters of the lake, there are many species of fish, among which there are common pike perch and burbot.
The lake is the most important source of drinking water for the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
What can you do
On the territory of the National Park there is an interesting Museum of Heinrich Schliemann, as well as the old small town of Waren, which is the historical center of the area. There are many churches and cathedrals here that are worthy of the attention of tourists.
Cycling is the main attraction. There are many exciting routes for cyclists in the reserve.
Also, tourists can choose for themselves various hiking directions. In total, the length of all local routes is about 660 km.
Those who enjoy active holidays can go kayaking along the circular route - this is the best way to get acquainted with the picturesque nature of the park. Lovers of romantic walks choose boat cruises. It is also possible to go boating or catamarans.
How to get to the National Park
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is located north of the German capital. The way to the reserve from Berlin by car will take about 2 hours. If you plan to get to the National Park by public transport, you can do this by bus or train. You will need to drive to the city of Waren.
The train journey will take 1 hour and 36 minutes. Regional trains between Berlin and Waren run daily every 4 hours.
The cost of a travel document ranges from 29 to 45 euros. You can buy a ticket at the station's ticket office, the ticket machine of the German Railways or on the official website.
By bus you will get 2 hours 32 minutes. The carrier FlixBus serves passengers on this route.
Green buses leave from the bus station at Tegel Airport.
You can get to the air station by U6 train from U Naturkundemuseum station. Trains run every 10 minutes and the journey takes 17 minutes.
Next, at the Berlin Alt-Tegel stop, take a bus, line 347. There are buses on this route 6 times a week.
Summarize
Lake Müritz gave its name to the National Park, which is located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. More than 130 reservoirs are concentrated here, Lake Müritz is the largest. Endangered bird species nest on its shores, rare plants grow. Wild animals are found in the forests, and special watchtowers have been erected to monitor them.
There is a museum on the territory of the reserve. Anyone can take a boat trip. The old town of Varen is no less interesting. You can hide from the scorching sun and relax a bit by visiting the churches and cathedrals of the town.
There are many bike paths and interesting hiking trails in the National Park. It is definitely not possible to go around the entire reserve and enjoy its amazing nature in one day, because the length of all routes is more than 600 km.
