Paddling fun on the Warnow: enjoying nature for the whole family!

Paddling fun on the Warnow: enjoying nature for the whole family!

The Warnow, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's most watery river, enjoys continued popularity among nature lovers. With an impressive length of over 150 kilometers, the river meanders from Grebbin near Parchim to the mouth of the Baltic Sea near Warnemünde. This diverse water landscape not only attracts paddling enthusiasts, but also provides habitat for a variety of animal species. Beavers, nutrias and kingfishers roam its banks, while the picturesque surroundings are perfect for family outings. [Ostseewelle] reports that demand for paddling tours increases significantly, especially during the summer holidays.

Canoe rental company Yves Piehl, who has been running a holiday camp in Weitendorf since 2010, is very popular. On weekends, the operators of his camp often count up to 300 boats within three hours. With prices between 35 and 75 euros per day, boat rentals are affordable for many families. Most bookings are spontaneous and often from locals wanting to enjoy the water experience.

Varied routes for every ability

The Warnow is not only interesting for experienced paddlers. Even beginners will get their money's worth on most sections. Under optimal water conditions, the river can be navigated for around 115 kilometers. You should only have experience in the Warnow breakthrough valley, because there are rapids and fallen tree trunks waiting for paddlers. On the quieter section between Eickhof and Rostock, however, it is ideal for family tours. The river also crosses idyllic nature reserves that contain fascinating flora and fauna. [NDR] highlights the numerous boat rental offerings that allow paddlers to explore the region's beauty.

For paddling enthusiasts, the Warnow area offers many rest areas where you can take a creative break. These are located in Weitendorf, Schwaan, Eickhof and Bützow, among others. A popular tour leads from Eickhof to Bützow, which is both scenic and a relaxing paddling route. If you are looking for even more variety, you can venture to other waters in northern Germany and test your skills in different paddling conditions.

Nature and conservation in harmony

Despite the booming water tourism, there are challenges. Conflicts between nature conservation and tourist use cannot be overlooked. In order to protect the habitats of beavers, otters and the rare stream mussel, a voluntary agreement was concluded in 2011 that regulates the nature-friendly behavior of water sports enthusiasts. Certain sections are prohibited for water sports, and driving is prohibited when the water is less than 30 centimeters deep. The state tourism association emphasizes the importance of water tourism for the region, which generates around one billion euros in sales annually and creates more than 19,000 jobs.

With almost 140 canoe tourism providers, the infrastructure is well developed, but there are also deficits, for example at some locks that suffer from a lack of staff and maintenance problems. However, the charming water landscape of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania remains an attraction for paddlers and nature lovers. [Off to MV] even describes the region as the “Amazon of the North” and focuses on leisure opportunities that offer relaxation and adventure in equal measure.