Mirow: Castle Island and Waterways

Mirow is nestled in the forest and lake landscape of the Mecklenburg Lake District’s small lakes region and lies directly on the Müritz-Havel Waterway. This gives you a clear focus when choosing what to do: waterways and water sports are as much a part of the town as Castle Island and its history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Mirow, you can plan your trip around whether you’d most like to discover the town from the water, on land-based trails or through its historic buildings.

Lake Mirow and the waterways

Lake Mirow stretches about 2.5 kilometres north from the small town that shares its name and is up to 700 metres wide. Mirow Castle Island and the nearby so-called Lovers’ Island lie in the lake. A canal connects the lake to the Müritz-Havel Waterway; Mirow itself lies directly on this waterway and offers good conditions for water sports.

Together with Lake Mirow, Granzower Möschen, Great and Little Kotzow Lakes, Lake Leppin and Lake Woterfitz form a chain of lakes popular with waterway travellers. The Strandhotel Mirow has a boat rental service offering canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedal boats, as well as motorboats for trips on Lake Mirow and neighbouring waters. Before your trip, check whether the rental service is operating on your dates.

The lock gates in Mirow are another practical point to consider when planning your trip: from April to the end of October, they open during the day on the hour. If your plans include passing through the lock, check the information in advance.

Cycling and trails on land

For a different perspective, Mirow has car-free forest and country trails. They are particularly well suited to hiking, cycling and horse riding. A cycling route of about 25 kilometres runs around the southern lake district of Mirow, in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District. This gives you several options: explore the waters by boat or choose a cycling route around the southern lake district; the forest and country trails also offer opportunities for hiking and horse riding. Check the route details before setting out.

Castle Island, church and the Order of St John Museum

Mirow’s castle ensemble is located on an island and comprises the castle, gatehouse, Cavalier House, coach house and the Church of St John. The church dates from the 18th century and is also on Castle Island. Today’s Mirow Castle was built under Adolf Friedrich III to plans by Christoph Julius Löwe between 1749 and 1752. It served as a residence for his stepmother, Elisabeth-Albertine, after she was widowed.

The Order of St John Museum in Mirow offers another historical perspective. Its permanent exhibition explores the history of the Order of St John, from its beginnings in Jerusalem through Rhodes and Malta to its work in Mecklenburg and the Mirow commandery. The Order’s charitable work today is also covered. The architecture on Castle Island and the exhibition thus focus on different things: one on the buildings and their history, the other on the development of the Order.

Town walk and refreshments

A historical town walk is one way to get to know Mirow better. Check in advance whether it is currently available. The Palais Café at the 3 Königinnen Palais serves cakes, freshly prepared soups and pastries; check its opening hours before your trip.

Nature in the wider Mecklenburg Lake District destination

The Mecklenburg Lake District offers a variety of nature experiences beyond Mirow, too. Müritz National Park is part of the region and is characterised by forests, bogs, lakes and wide meadows. Its hiking trail crosses the national park landscape in nine stages, passing lakes, ancient forests and inland dunes, and leading to the source of the Havel. Certified nature and landscape guides offer tours there, including guided visits to the UNESCO World Heritage beech forest at Serrahn and tours from the water.

Discover more destinations: Wustrow, Priepert, Wesenberg, Roggentin.

For the wider travel overview: Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte District.