A waterway to a cultural highlight: Schwerin via the Müritz-Elde waterway and Schwerin lakes

This waterway runs through verdant countryside from Dömitz, a small town on the Elbe, to Lake Müritz, northern Germany's largest lake. There are pretty towns, villages and excellent places to stop along its length. In the last few years, the infrastructure has been greatly improved. Attractions along the waterway include Plau, with its restored lift bridge. Making a detour on the Stör canal, you reach Schwerin, the "town on the water", where you might just think you are in Venice: a quarter of the town's area consists of a series of lakes. There are 140 berths for touring boats. And sitting in splendour above it all is Schwerin Castle, idyllically positioned on an island and a prime example of European Historicism.