Mirow brings together two distinct themes: Castle Island is the focus of castle history and Johanniter tradition, while Lake Mirow is all about islands, waterways and water sports. When looking for accommodation, you can tailor your trip according to whether culture and history or activities on and in the water matter more to you.
Castle Island and Johanniter history
Mirow’s castle complex is located on an island and consists of the castle, gatehouse, Cavalier House, coach house and Johanniter Church. Today’s Mirow Castle was built under Adolf Friedrich III, based on plans by Christoph Julius Löwe, between 1749 and 1752 as a residence for his stepmother Elisabeth-Albertine. The Johanniter Church dates from the 18th century and is also located on Castle Island.
At the Johanniter Museum, the permanent exhibition traces the history of the Order of St John: from its beginnings in Jerusalem through Rhodes and Malta to its work in Mecklenburg, the Johanniter Commandery in Mirow and the order’s charitable work today. The castle and museum offer different perspectives: one tells the story of a specific building, while the exhibition spans the history of the order through to its work in Mirow. Castle Island is also home to a castle park surrounded by water.
Lake Mirow and waterways
From the small town that gives it its name, Lake Mirow stretches about 2.5 kilometres to the north and is up to 700 metres wide. Mirow’s Castle Island and the nearby so-called Lovers’ Island lie in the lake. Islands are thus part of both the historical setting of Castle Island and the lake’s landscape.
Mirow lies directly on the Müritz-Havel Waterway, making it well suited to water sports. A canal connects Lake Mirow to the waterway. Together with Granzower Möschen, the Great and Little Kotzower Lakes, Lake Leppin and Lake Woterfitz, it forms a chain of lakes popular with waterway travellers. The Strandhotel Mirow has a boat rental offering canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedal boats, as well as motorboats for trips on Lake Mirow and neighbouring waters. Check before your trip whether the rental service is currently operating.
Forest trails, a cycling tour and a town walk
Mirow is set amid the forest-and-lake landscape of the Mecklenburg Lake District. Car-free forest and country roads are particularly suitable for hiking, cycling and horse riding. A cycling tour of about 25 kilometres goes around the southern lake area of Mirow, in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District. The approximate distance gives you a guide for planning your tour; check the route details before setting off.
Those wishing to explore Mirow from a historical perspective could consider a town walk. Ask locally about current availability. This makes the town walk a separate activity alongside cycling tours, trails through forest and countryside, or time by the water.
A break at Palais Café
Palais Café in 3 Königinnen Palais serves cakes, freshly prepared soups and pastries. If you’re planning a visit, check the opening hours in advance. That way, Castle Island, the lake and the trails offer different themes for your stay in Mirow, without requiring a set daily itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Roggentin, Priepert, Wustrow, Wesenberg
For the broader travel overview: Amt Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte.
