A canal running through the village, a village church with a distinctive organ and an airfield for civilian aviation give Lärz several clearly distinct themes. The village lies south of the Müritz in the Mecklenburg Lake District, between Rechlin and Mirow. Its waterscapes, local history, cycling and aviation can be explored as separate highlights rather than combined into a single route.
Waterscapes and Location
The Mirow–Vietzen Canal runs through Lärz and is part of the Müritz-Havel Waterway. The Upper Elde flows into Lake Müritz; the lake is connected to the Müritz via the Müritzarm. The municipality is heavily wooded and has numerous lakes in and near its western and southern areas. These include Thüren, Tralowsee, Nebel, Müritzsee and Müritzarm.
Church and Village History
Lärz Church stands in the village center. Construction began in 1618, and it was consecrated four years later. It can be visited during the summer months on days when the church is open to visitors. Check the current visiting arrangements before your trip. The 1895 organ is Mecklenburg’s only completely preserved instrument by the former firm Schlag & Söhne. The village’s history also stretches far back: Lärz was first mentioned on November 23, 1237, in connection with the recorded demarcation of the boundaries of Dobbertin Monastery. The village developed as a farming village belonging to Dobbertin Monastery.
Airfield and Culture
Müritz Airfield Rechlin-Lärz serves as a civilian airfield for powered aircraft, ultralights and gliders. Formerly a military airfield, it reopened for civilian use in 1994 after 48 years of Soviet use. Scenic flights over the Lake District are offered from Lärz Airfield. Operating details and the availability of scenic flights may change; check the current offerings before your trip. The Fusion Festival takes place at the former military airfield in Lärz. It combines electronic music with theater, performance, cinema and workshops. Kulturkosmos Müritz e.V. has organized the volunteer-run major event since 1997.
Cycling in Lärz
For a cycling trip, two different options can be compared: the Mirow-Rechlin Lake Loop passes through Lärz and is aimed at e-bike riders and recreational cyclists; the Waren–Ankershagen–Mirow route, which also passes through the village, is a road cycling route. Check current route conditions before setting off.
Regional Extension: Mecklenburg Lake District
The wider travel destination of the Mecklenburg Lake District also includes Müritz National Park and the Damerower Werder Bison Reserve. The national park is characterized by forests, marshes, lakes and wide meadows. Its hiking trail takes in the park’s landscape types and distinctive features over nine stages; it passes lakes, winds through ancient forests, goes by inland dunes and leads to the source of the Havel. Certified nature and landscape guides offer educational tours in the park, including guided visits to the UNESCO World Heritage beech forest in Serrahn and tours from the water. The Damerower Werder Bison Reserve is located on a peninsula in Lake Kölpin, in the Mecklenburg Lake District and the Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heide Nature Park. Visitors can observe bison there. The forest adventure trail features climbing opportunities, an anthill house, an exhibition with touch-and-see panels, and a dendrophone.
Discover more destinations: Gotthun, Rechlin, Zepkow, Bütow, Schwarz, Altenhof, Röbel/Müritz, Sietow
Go to the wider travel overview: Amt Röbel-Müritz.
