Tom`s travels: Müritz National Park (01/05/2024)

On the first weekend of May, Ania and I decided to go on a day trip to hike in the Müritz National Park, north of Berlin, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. After taking the train we got off at the station of Kratzeburg where we would start our hike. We began by heading through open countryside, siding the Käbelicksee, and then a bit later another lake, the Granziner See. From there on we officially entered the national park, starting to head through the typical pine forests of northern and eastern Germany. After a bit of walking through the forest we passe yet another lake, Pagelsee, and then started heading northwards following the main trail. A few kilometers later, we bordered the Priesterbäker See and halfway up its length took a slight detour to climb up the Käflingsberg lookout tower. This 55m high tower stands on top of the 100m high hill of the same name. From the top, we could then admire an amazing 360-degree view. All around a vast endless green of the forests that cover the national park. Here and there the glistening blue of the many lakes dotting the landscape shimmering in the sunlight. Heading back down the tower we rejoined the trail and continued further through the forest. At one point we took another small detour this time reaching a platform on the Priesterbäker See where all alone, had a beautiful view of the lake with its shimmering water and the sound of birds all around us. Heading back to the trail we reached a small hamlet, called Speck, where an 800-year-old large-leaved linden. Nearby we reached the Hofsee where I had a refreshing naked swim. Continuing on and bordering the Specker See we spotted a large herd of cows and finally, the more apt deciduous trees were taking the place of the pine ones. As we continued we passed by some smaller lakes, Rederangsee and Warnkersee, and even spotted a large hare right on the trail. Finally, we came in sight of Waren the largest town in the area, and the immense Müritz which we had constantly kept to our left in the distance. The lake is the second-largest in Germany, after Lake Constance, and the largest located entirely in the country. After reaching Waren, we walked through the old town and then headed to the train station 36km from our starting point where we eventually took our ride back to Berlin.