Nationalpark Müritz

There are about a thousand lakes between Schwerin and Neubrandenburg; the largest of these is Muritzsee, to the east of which a national park was established in 1990. A particularly attractive part of the lake district is the so-called Mecklenburgische Schweiz (Swiss Mecklenburg), with its hilly moraines, such as Ostberg, 115 m (377 ft) above sea level. Tourists are attracted by the breathtaking scenery, perfect conditions for water sports and fascinating castles and palaces.

Basedow

For 600 years Basedow was in the hands of the von Hahn family, who built this irregular three-winged palace.

Schlitz

This palace is the most important Neo-Classical monument in Mecklenburg (1800–1823). In its beautiful landscaped park stands the Nymphenbrunnen, the famous fountain of nymphs. Cast in 1903 in Secessionist style for the Berlin department store Wertheim, it was transferred to this site in 1930.

Wolgast

From 1295 the seat of the Pomeranian-Wolgast dukes, Wolgast castle was destroyed in 1713, when Peter the Great ordered the town to be burned down. An interesting building still remaining is the 12-sided cemetery chapel with star vaulting, which is supported by a single column. The most valuable work of art can now be seen in Pfarrkirche St Petri, a 14th-century parish church.

Müritzsee

Muritzsee (meaning “small sea”) is, at 115 sq km (44 sq miles), the second largest lake in Germany after Lake Constance.

Neustrelitz

The palace (1712) was the seat of distant relations of the Mecklenburg-Strelitz dukes who established the town and its church, and after 1733 resided here.

Waren

Waren, an ideal base for tourists, is close to Binnenmuritz with its beaches and shops with watersports equipment for sale or hire.