Waren (Müritz)

Written by Celine Fournier, Elsa Holm, Felix Schmidt, Finn Weber, Sandrine Simon
16/09/2025
The Protestant St. Mary's Parish Church (Pfarrkirche St. Marien), here seen from the harbour of Waren (Müritz), Landkreis Mecklenburgische Seenplatte, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.
Jan-Herm Janßen, Wikimedia Commons

Waren (Müritz) is a captivating climatic spa town situated gracefully on the shores of Lake Müritz, offering an inviting blend of serene nature and engaging cultural experiences. It serves as a perfect gateway to the vast Müritz National Park, Germany's largest forest national park and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, alongside providing ample opportunities for water sports and insightful visits to the Müritzeum, Germany's largest freshwater aquarium for native fish species.

For social engagement, the vibrant city harbor truly stands out, bustling with charming cafes and restaurants where visitors naturally gather. The historic old town also provides a pleasant pedestrian zone, ideal for leisurely strolls among various dining establishments and unique shops, fostering an amiable atmosphere.

Top 7 Things to do in Waren (Müritz)

Activities in Waren (Müritz) revolve around exploring its vast freshwater lake and national park through various water and land-based recreation, alongside discovering its natural history and town charm.

1. Visit the Müritzeum

Stepping into the Müritzeum offers an immersive journey through the natural wonders of the Mecklenburg Lake District. It houses Germany's largest freshwater aquarium for native fish, where one can observe diverse aquatic life, including a two-story deep pool with a shimmering shoal of vendace. Beyond the aquariums, interactive exhibitions delve into the region's flora, fauna, and geological history. The museum also features a garden with a water and adventure playground, making it enjoyable for all ages. It is a fantastic starting point to understand the natural ecosystem surrounding Waren (Müritz).

Cost: Adults: €15.00; Reduced tickets: €12.00; Children (4-16 years): €7.50; Family pass (2 adults + children): €37.50. Children under 4 years enter free.

Transport: The Müritzeum is conveniently located within walking distance of Waren's Old Town and the main railway station, approximately a 200-meter walk from Schweriner Damm.

2. Explore Müritz National Park

Embarking on an exploration of Müritz National Park reveals a landscape of ancient beech forests, expansive lakes, and diverse wildlife. This vast park is ideal for hiking and cycling along its numerous marked trails, offering opportunities to spot majestic white-tailed eagles, ospreys, and various bird species. Visitors can join guided tours, such as an 'Eagle Safari' or 'Crane Ticket' walk, which provide deeper insights into the park's ecosystems and best wildlife viewing spots. The tranquil setting allows for peaceful picnics and a true connection with nature.

Cost: Entry to the National Park is free. Guided tours (e.g., Eagle Safari, Crane Ticket) typically cost €19.00 for adults and €9.00 for children (7-15 years).

Transport: The National Park Information Centre in Federow, a key entry point, is approximately 7 kilometers southeast of Waren (Müritz). During the season (April to October), it is connected hourly to Waren (Müritz) by the 'National Park Ticket' bus line. Overnight guests in Waren (Müritz) may use certain bus lines (lines 2, 3, 12, and city line) free of charge with a visitor's ticket (Gästekarte). A taxi from Müritz National Park to Waren costs approximately €26-€31.

3. Boating on Lake Müritz

Experiencing Lake Müritz from the water is a highlight, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing escape. You can rent various boats, from small motorboats (no license needed for up to 15 HP) and kayaks to larger yachts. Self-driving motorboats allow for a personalized exploration of the lake's coves and shores. Alternatively, joining a guided boat tour, such as a 5-lakes cruise, provides a relaxing way to take in the scenery and discover the Mecklenburg Upper Lake District. Many tours include stops at picturesque towns and offer a unique perspective of the surrounding nature.

Cost: Renting a small motorboat (up to 15 HP, no license) is approximately €60.00 for a half-day or €99.00 for a full day, plus fuel. Yacht charters average around $306 USD per day, with an additional $100 USD per day for a skipper. A 5-lakes boat trip to Waren typically costs around $35.00 for adults, with children (6-14 years) often free.

Transport: Boat rentals and tours operate from Waren's city harbor, which is centrally located and easily accessible by foot from most parts of the town. Public boat services also connect Waren (Müritz) to other towns like Klink and Röbel/Müritz.

4. Cycling around Waren and Müritz National Park

Cycling through Waren and the surrounding Müritz National Park provides an active way to absorb the diverse landscapes. An extensive network of over 230 kilometers of cycling paths caters to all levels, from leisurely rides along the lake shore to more challenging trails through forests and hilly terrain. You can rent various types of bicycles, including e-bikes, making longer distances more accessible. Combining a bike ride with a boat trip is a popular option, allowing you to explore different parts of the park by land and water.

Cost: Bicycle rentals start from approximately €10.00-€12.00 per day for a standard bike, and from €21.00-€25.00 per day for an e-bike. Helmets, locks, and pumps are often included, with child seats and trailers also available.

Transport: Numerous bike rental shops are available directly in Waren (Müritz) town center. Buses of the National Park Ticket and regional trains can transport bicycles for a fee, facilitating multi-modal tours.

5. Stroll through Waren Old Town and Harbor

Wandering through Waren's historic Old Town reveals charming half-timbered houses and historic buildings, including the Gothic St. Marien Church, which offers panoramic views from its tower. The pedestrian zone is perfect for leisurely strolls, leading to the vibrant city harbor. Here, visitors gather at cafes and restaurants, enjoying local specialties like fresh fish from Lake Müritz. The harbor also features small boutiques and souvenir shops offering unique local crafts, making it a delightful area for both relaxation and cultural engagement.

Cost: Exploring the Old Town and harbor is free. Costs are incurred for dining, shopping, or specific attractions like climbing the church tower (if applicable, not explicitly priced in search results).

Transport: The Old Town and city harbor are central to Waren (Müritz) and easily explored on foot from most accommodations.

6. Relax at a Thermal Brine Spa

As a climatic spa town, Waren (Müritz) offers excellent opportunities for relaxation and wellness, particularly through its thermal brine. The local spa center utilizes Waren's natural thermal brine, sourced from deep underground, for various health and therapeutic treatments. Visitors can enjoy the healing effects of brine baths, saunas, and heated outdoor thermal brine pools. These facilities provide a serene environment to recharge, reduce stress, and indulge in pampering treatments.

Cost: Multi-day packages at the Spa Centre Waren (Müritz), which include 7 nights with full board and various brine therapies, start from approximately €1,106.00 per person. Specific daily access costs for just the thermal brine baths were not explicitly available, but some resorts with spas may offer day passes, for example, active Clever Fit members can use the SPA area at Maremüritz Yachthafen Resort.

Transport: The Spa Centre Waren (Müritz) is centrally located. Some spa hotels may also offer complimentary shuttle services from Waren (Müritz) train station.

7. Visit Müritz Bear Sanctuary (Bärenwald Müritz)

Located a short distance from Waren (Müritz), the Müritz Bear Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe rescued brown bears in a natural, spacious outdoor enclosure. This sanctuary provides a safe home for bears rescued from poor conditions, allowing visitors to learn about their protection and rehabilitation through informative exhibitions and tours. It is an engaging and educational experience, particularly for families, to witness these majestic animals in a semi-wild environment.

Cost: Admission prices vary; a combined ticket with the Müritzeum is available, offering a reduction of up to 25% on separate admission prices.

Transport: The Müritz Bear Sanctuary is approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Waren (Müritz). While a direct public transport link from Waren is not explicitly detailed, the National Park Ticket bus system and regional trains can transport visitors to the broader region, from which local buses or taxis might be necessary. A taxi from the general Müritz National Park area to Waren can cost €26-€31. Self-driving or taking a taxi would be the most straightforward options to reach the sanctuary.

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