About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every Mecklenburg Lakes holiday on Mooch, side by side.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Hafendorf Müritz and the Upper Lakes
The Müritz is Germany's largest inland lake and the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District, a region of well over 1,000 lakes, most of them connected to one another. With the Kölpinsee, the Fleesensee and the Plauer See, it makes up the Mecklenburg Upper Lakes. These form the highest point of the Lake District and feed the smaller lakes to the south. The lakes of the "blue quartet" are linked without locks, which makes them well suited to houseboats and sailing.
You set off from the marina in Hafendorf Müritz, right in the centre of the Müritz. From there you can explore the "little sea" and the towns along its shores, or head north to the other large lakes. Towns of all sizes line the water, so there are plenty of places to go ashore.
Swimming, fishing and cycling
The large lakes are good for swimming, with spots ranging from sandy beaches with big jetties to bathing places in the forest. On your own boat you aren't tied to the public bathing areas, and you can swim in the middle of the lake.
The Müritz draws anglers every year, many of them after its large pike. The other lakes have perch, zander, bream and carp. Many of the boats are suitable for fishing, and you can cook what you catch in the onboard kitchen.
The land around the Müritz is flat, and the Lake District has more than 230 signposted cycle paths. Bicycles are easy to carry on the houseboats, so you can ride out on shore trips and visit the nature reserves.
Wildlife, festivals and eating out
There's a very good chance of seeing cranes from the boat, so it's worth bringing binoculars, which you can also book as an extra. On land, the Müritz bear sanctuary is home to rescued bears.
In summer the area holds festivals you can reach by boat. These include the annual Müritz Saga in Waren, the castle festival in Plau am See and several folk festivals.
Three restaurants have extra moorings for boat guests: Mare Müritz, Don Camillo and Zeisslers Esszimmer. They are popular with holidaymakers and locals alike, so it's best to book a table.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in Germany. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
