The water glistens. Dragonflies dance on the shore. The first canoe glides into the water. This is the start of an approximately three-hour journey of discovery. The tour begins with the launching of the boats at the small Lewitzcamp waterway rest area directly on the Müritz-Elde waterway in Garwitz. Lined by old oak trees, the waterway runs about 180 kilometers through Mecklenburg until it meets the Elbe in Dömitz. A small part of it is to be discovered today.
The canoes glide past the extensive woodlands of the Garwitz Forest without any significant countercurrents. Occasionally, a cyclist greets us from the Elde valley circular path that runs along the river bank. About 150m before the canal bridge Damm-Malchow we have to portage. After about 30 meters overland you enter the Alte Elde - the original river arm. A small pine forest directly at the river invites to a picnic. Afterwards, the boats glide comfortably with the current back towards Garwitz. Here the contrast to the waterway becomes apparent. Barely 200 meters straight ahead in one stretch, curves again and again offer a new view of the river and meadow landscape. The 'diamonds of the water', the kingfishers, nest in the break-off edges of the banks. Herons watch the passing boats carefully, occasionally a beaver sticks its head out of the water.
After about 7 kilometers the old river and the canal meet again. Via the Garwitz lock, you get back to the upper section of the waterway after a lift of about 4 meters. The kiosk at the local open-air swimming pool offers the possibility to enjoy a delicious ice cream directly at the canal bank. The last 300 meters to the operation site are now easily done. If you wish, you can end the tour here with a hearty barbecue around the campfire.
Water profile
The first section of the tour leads from the Lewitzcamp on the Elde to Damm. The waterway is easily navigable, light currents and occasional motorboats on the canal section note. No locks. Shortly before the weir the boat must be transferred. Back we go on the tributary of the Elde. Motorboat-free section, again and again wide curves, low gradient, easy and continuous to navigate.
