Dömitz on the Elbe and its waterways

River landscape and fortress history

Dömitz Fortress is a pentagonal Renaissance fortress on the Mecklenburg bank of the Elbe. Its museum features exhibitions on the history of the fortress and town, the Elbe, and the history of the harbour and bridge. Other topics include Fritz Reuter, as well as special and art exhibitions. This makes it possible to combine a stay with a variety of historical and cultural interests without focusing on just one subject.

The stone lock is a notable structure in the town. It was built between 1568 and 1572 and retained its original form despite later alterations. Surviving features include the original brick lock chamber, parts of the mitre gates, and coats of arms and inscription plaques. It is considered the oldest brick lock in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The fortress complex, harbour and old department store are also among the places worth seeing in Dömitz.

From the “Drache” bastion, you can look across the Elbe to the Dömitz Elbe Bridge and the Dömitz Railway Bridge industrial monument. The former arsenal of the fortress also houses the exhibition “People and the Biosphere—Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” at the information centre for the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe M-V.

Waterways and activities on the Elbe

At kilometre 0.00 in Dömitz begins the navigable Müritz-Elde Waterway, which connects the Elbe with the Mecklenburg Lake District. From Dömitz harbour, you can take tours on the Elbe without passing through locks. The largely unspoilt Müritz-Elde Waterway has a gentle current, making it suitable for paddlers and for inexperienced raft and houseboat users.

The Dömitz Waterway Activity Centre includes a marina, Huckleberry’s raft station, a canoe rental service, pedal boats and a stand-up paddleboard rental service. The activities give your trip planning a clear focus on the water: you can choose a tour on the Elbe or consider the Müritz-Elde Waterway as a link between the river and the lake district. Which activity suits your stay depends on whether you would rather paddle, travel by raft or houseboat, or choose a pedal boat or stand-up paddleboarding.

Cycle routes and nature experiences

Cyclists will also find several long-distance routes in Dömitz: the Elbe Cycle Route, the Mecklenburg Lake District Cycle Route and the international Iron Curtain Trail pass through the town or run via Dömitz. Another option is the Elbetal star-shaped tour. It runs from Dömitz via the Klein Schmölen inland dune and the Klein Schmölen oxbow lake, before returning to Dömitz. There are different routes to choose from, including one with specific destinations in the Elbe valley.

In the area around the destination, a completed skywalk as part of the “Dömitz Railway Bridge Nature and Cultural Experience” project offers a new view of the variety of habitats in the floodplain landscape. Guided ranger tours are also offered in the area around Dömitz. If you would like to include both nature and culture, you can consider these options alongside the exhibitions and the fortress when planning your trip.

Getting here and planning your trip

When planning your journey, bear in mind that Dömitz has had no rail connection since the Dömitz–Ludwigslust railway line was closed in 2001. So do not plan on taking a train directly to the town. Dömitz is particularly suited to trips focused on the river landscape, fortress history, cycling or water activities. You can choose these themes individually or combine them when planning your trip.

Find more destinations here: Vielank, Karenz, Malk Göhren, Grebs-Niendorf, Malliß and Neu Kaliß.

For the broader travel overview: Amt Dömitz-Malliß.