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Lock closure in Lübz: Tourism suffers, Elde attracts with peace and quiet!
Lübz lock closure until July 31, 2025: Challenges for water vacationers, opportunities for water tourism on the Elde.
Lock closure in Lübz: Tourism suffers, Elde attracts with peace and quiet!
The lock in Lübz remains closed and is causing frustration for water hikers and boat tourists. The repair work has been underway since October 2024, and the closure will last until July 31, 2025, as ndr.de reports. This poses significant challenges for boat tourism, especially during high season. Holidaymakers can no longer commute between Lake Schwerin and the Elbe, which is leading to a massive decline in bookings.
Among those affected is Robert Bonk, operator of the marina in Matzlow-Garwitz, who expects a decline in sales of an impressive two-thirds. In order to stay afloat, he tries to generate additional income by renting canoes and motorboats. Dirk Reiher, who, as operator of the port in Lübz, recorded over 1,300 guests from April to June 2024, but only 35 in 2025, sees it similarly. Reiher has reacted to the circumstances and is offering a mobile boat service, as a stay in the port is hardly worth it anymore.
A new adventure on the Elde
However, beyond the difficulties, there are also positive reports. The closure of the lock is seen by many boating holidaymakers as an opportunity to discover the lesser-known Elde waterway. This offers a decelerated travel feeling, far away from the hectic boat traffic. According to prnews24.com, over 20 crews have already visited the picturesque landscape around the Elde and raved about the peace, closeness to nature and freedom on the water.
The Elde impresses with dense forests, wide fields, avenues and small gardens. In addition to the scenic charm, budding naturalists can also observe a variety of animals here, including herons, otters and kingfishers. In addition, cultural stopovers invite you to explore – such as a stroll through the historic city center of Parchim or a visit to the castle complex in Neustadt-Glewe. The possibility of getting to the Elbe in Eldena and Dömitz completes the offer.
Impact on the local economy
Despite the positive feedback, the special situation is having an impact on local gastronomy and accommodation options. Isabelle Ventelou, a charterer, complains about losses of 15 to 20 percent due to postponed bookings. The hotel and restaurant “Zur Eldenburg” is also suffering from the lack of guests, as charter customers traditionally like to stay and dine there. Malgorzata Czaplicka from the hotel describes the situation as worrying as income has fallen sharply.
The work on the badly damaged lock in Lübz is taking longer than originally planned. Hartwig Meyer from the Elbe Waterways and Shipping Authority explained that more damage was discovered during the repairs than expected. The lock with new gates is scheduled to be completed on July 16th, but the final reopening will not take place until the end of July. After the renovation, the Lübz lock will be the last of a total of 18 locks along the Müritz-Elde and Störwasserstraße to be completely renovated.
Anyone interested in a water tourism holiday in the region can find further information and tour offers on the website of the State Government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.