Havel spring

The Havel spring was erected south of the Mühlensee in 2007 and symbolizes the beginning of the Havel as a 334 km long river through north-eastern Germany.

The most important towns and municipalities along the course of the Havel are depicted with coats of arms. The source of the Havel is difficult to find, as sufficient water has to accumulate in its extensive source area before the Havel "springs". As the Havel source area has very little precipitation, averaging 580 mm per year, water from the large area from Freidorf to Kratzeburg is needed until a constant outflow occurs. Human intervention in this area since the Middle Ages has changed the origin of the Havel - and therefore the watershed between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea - several times. The most significant measure was the breakthrough at Mühlensee, 3 km to the north, which was probably carried out in the 16th century. Since then, the water from the Bornsee, Trinnensee and Mühlensee has flowed towards Ankershagen to operate a water mill there. As a result, the outflow to the south dried up, so that Lake Dambeck was considered the source of the Havel for a long time. Melioration work in the 19th and 20th centuries moved the spring area northwards again towards Diekenbruch. This moor has been restored to its natural state since 2004. The dam between Mühlensee and Diekenbruch, along which the path from Ankershagen to Ulrichshof runs, is the watershed between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The Havel spring, built here in 2007, is now a popular excursion destination.

Havelquelle Ankershagen - where a 334 km long river begins

The Havel spring near Ankershagen in the Mecklenburg hinterland is located south of the Mühlensee and was erected in 2007 as a symbolic starting point for the Havel. Coats of arms of the most important towns and municipalities along the entire course of the Havel make the site an informative and atmospheric excursion destination in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - not far from the Baltic Sea coast with its well-known destinations such as Rostock, Stralsund or Fischland-Darß-Zingst.

Watershed between the North Sea and Baltic Sea

Of particular note: the dam between Mühlensee and the renaturalized Diekenbruch moor, along which the path from Ankershagen to Ulrichshof runs, forms the watershed between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The extensive headwaters of the Havel stretch from Freidorf to Kratzeburg, as the region is comparatively dry with an average of 580 mm of rainfall per year.

History of the Havel spring - from the Middle Ages to renaturation

Human intervention since the Middle Ages has changed the source of the Havel several times. A decisive incision was the breakthrough at Mühlensee, probably in the 16th century, which diverted the water towards Ankershagen. Since 2004, the moorland around the Diekenbruch has been restored to its natural state and the historically significant spring area is now open to visitors.

Nearby

Other attractions in Ankershagen

Ankershagen village church

● Ankershagen

Located directly on the Berlin-Copenhagen long-distance cycle path, Ankershagen Church invites you on a short journey through time and space. One of the oldest village churches in Mecklenburg, full of fascinating paintings, medieval art and a peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for a break - to discover, pause and move on. Welcome to the Ankershagen church The church of Ankershagen - one of the oldest village churches in Mecklenburg - awaits you in the middle of the idyllic Mecklenburg Lake District. It was consecrated back in 1266 - and to this day it exudes a special calm and history that you can sense as soon as you enter. The church, built from fieldstone and with a half-timbered tower added later, is a two-aisled hall church with impressive neo-Gothic furnishings. The oldest part, the choir, even dates back to the early 13th century. Be fascinated by the unusual ceiling paintings - their depictions are unique, and an accompanying exhibition invites you to discover their possible meanings. On the east wall you will find impressive frescoes from the 15th century - including the St. George fresco with St. George fighting the dragon. There is also plenty to discover inside: a wooden baptismal font from the 17th century, an expressive crucifix corpus from the 15th century and an altarpiece with the biblical scene of the resurrection of Lazarus. Music lovers will be delighted by the Lütkemüller organ - a valuable instrument from 1874 that is regularly played at church services and concerts. The Ankershagen church is not only a place of history, but also a place of tranquillity - it is a certified cycle path church and is located directly on the Berlin-Copenhagen long-distance cycle path. Whether you are looking for a short break, want to stop for some peace and quiet or simply want to be inspired - you are welcome here. There is a small reading room, a rest area and lots of information about the region.

Sleeping

Accommodations auf Mecklenburgische Seenplatte

Vacation rentals, hotels, and more in the region

Camping

"Your family park" Am Kleinen Labussee

● Wesenberg

Family-friendly vacation resort with campsite, vacation bungalows and accommodation for cyclists. Located in Wesenberg, at the southern tip of the "Kleiner Labussee".

Camping

Ahoy Camp Canow

● Wustrow

The Naturcamp is a place for all those who like to drift - whether on water or on land. From camping with a tent to camping with a van or caravan to brand new tiny houses with panoramic windows and charming Swedish-style vacation homes, there is something for all nature lovers!

Hotel

Old tiled stove factory (restaurant, gallery, culture & hotel)

● Neustrelitz

A cultural center for art, culture and cuisine in a unique ambience

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