Dömitz Fortress
The brick bulwark overlooks the Elbe near the town of Dömitz.
Its walls have seen princes, military leaders and kings come and go and inspired writers. In addition to the impressive large bastions and the gate with a real drawbridge, visitors can discover the exhibition in the museum and the information center of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Elbe River Landscape MV with the exhibitions "Man and Biosphere" and "Basically". ATTENTION: The Dömitz through road (B 195) in the area of the Steinschleuse bridge is fully closed to traffic until the end of 2025. The detour will be via the L 04 (Hohe Brücke Dömitz). A local detour will be in place for pedestrians and cyclists. The cultural monument Dömitz Fortress is located on the banks of the Elbe in Mecklenburg and is one of the few very well-preserved 16th century lowland fortresses in Northern Europe. Built in the shape of a pentagon and equipped with bastions and casemates, it displays the impressive defensive architecture of the Renaissance. It was built between 1559 and 1565 on the remains of a 13th century castle and was used for military purposes until the late 19th century. The five bastions and casemates, the arsenal, the old main guardhouse and the commandant's house provide an insight into the defenses of several centuries. Dömitz Fortress is of particular national importance due to its very high value in terms of national and military history and art history. Opening hours from December to March: Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays | 11:30 - 15:30 Exhibitions The fortress has been home to a museum since 1953. Visitors can learn more about the history of the town and fortress, about Fritz Reuter, the important Low German writer, and also about the history of the border. Regional and national artists show their works in changing exhibitions. Two exhibitions in the information center of the UNESCO biosphere reserve Flusslandschaft Elbe M-V invite visitors to get to know the transnational biosphere reserve and the global network of UNESCO biosphere reserves. Opening hours from December to March: Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays | 12:00 - 15:00
Dömitz Fortress - one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Northern Europe
Dömitz Fortress on the banks of the Elbe in Mecklenburg is one of the most important cultural monuments in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Built between 1559 and 1565 on the remains of a medieval castle, today it is one of the few very well-preserved 16th century lowland fortresses in the whole of Northern Europe. Its pentagonal layout with mighty bastions, casemates, armory and the gate with a real drawbridge convey an impressive picture of Renaissance defensive architecture.
Museum and Elbe Biosphere Reserve in Dömitz Fortress
Since 1953, the fortress has housed a museum with exhibitions on the history of the town and fortress, the history of the border and the important Low German writer Fritz Reuter. Changing art exhibitions by regional and national artists complement the program. In the integrated information center of the UNESCO biosphere reserve Flusslandschaft Elbe M-V, the exhibitions "Mensch und Biosphäre" and "Im Grunde" invite visitors to get to know this transnational protected area and the global UNESCO network.
Dömitz and the region between the Elbe and the Baltic coast
Dömitz is located in southern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, away from well-known vacation destinations such as Rügen, Usedom or Fischland-Darß-Zingst. It is precisely this location that makes the town a worthwhile excursion destination for anyone who wants to explore the natural landscape of the Elbe and the history of the region alongside their Baltic Sea vacation. The fortress forms the cultural center of the region. Please note: The Dömitz through road (B 195) in the area of the Steinschleuse bridge is currently fully closed to car traffic; the detour is via the L 04 (Hohe Brücke Dömitz). A local detour is in place for pedestrians and cyclists.
Travel to Dömitz Fortress by car and trainYou can reach Dömitz by car from Schwerin via the B 321 and then via the B 195. From the A 24 freeway (Hamburg-Berlin), take the Wittenburg exit, from where you can take the B 5 towards Dömitz. The nearest train station is in Ludwigslust, from where Dömitz can be reached by bus or bicycle.
Other attractions in Dömitz
Biosphere shelf in the Tourist Information Dömitz
● Dömitz
Would you like to purchase high-quality, artisan products from the region? Then visit one of the biosphere shelves in the UNESCO biosphere reserve Flusslandschaft Elbe MV e.V.! The shelves sell products from the biosphere reserve's partners. Join in - enjoy a piece of the region! On the shelves you will find a wide selection of products from the partners of the Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve M-V - from apple juice and sea buckthorn mustard to goat's milk soap, there is something for everyone. The products include regional specialties such as products from the largest certified organic sea buckthorn plantation in Germany, fruit spreads made from local berries and honey from regional beekeepers. But you will also find artisan baked goods, chocolate and freshly roasted coffee beans on the biosphere shelves. There are also partners who are committed to regional craft traditions and offer handicrafts. Some of the products are certified organic and some also bear the Fairtrade seal. All products have one thing in common: they are of high quality, are processed in the region and are also largely marketed here - from the region, for the region! By purchasing the products, you are supporting the network of partners and the sustainable development of the UNESCO Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve.
Biosphere shelf in the Hotel Dömitzer Hafen
● Dömitz
Would you like to purchase high-quality, artisan products from the region? Then visit one of the biosphere shelves in the UNESCO biosphere reserve Flusslandschaft Elbe MV e.V.! The shelves sell products from the biosphere reserve's partners. Join in - enjoy a piece of the region! On the shelves you will find a wide selection of products from the partners of the Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve M-V - from apple juice and sea buckthorn mustard to goat's milk soap, there is something for everyone. The products include regional specialties such as products from the largest certified organic sea buckthorn plantation in Germany, fruit spreads made from local berries and honey from regional beekeepers. But you will also find artisan baked goods, chocolate and freshly roasted coffee beans on the biosphere shelves. There are also partners who are committed to regional craft traditions and offer handicrafts. Some of the products are certified organic and some also bear the Fairtrade seal. All products have one thing in common: they are of high quality, are processed in the region and are also largely marketed here - from the region, for the region! By purchasing the products, you are supporting the network of partners and the sustainable development of the UNESCO Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve.
Dömitzer Kanu Verein - Canoe rental
● Dömitz
Dömitz, located in the Brandenburg-Lower Saxony-Mecklenburg border triangle, is the ideal starting point for canoeing tours. From here, water hikers can set off on several waterways. The Elde and Löcknitz are ideal for beginners and nature lovers, while experienced paddlers can explore the Elbe. Nature lovers who want to get to know the biosphere reserve with its unique landscape from the water will find Dömitz an ideal starting point for a canoe tour. The small town is not only located on the Elbe, but is also the gateway to the Müritz-Elde waterway. And if that wasn't enough, there is a third, no less interesting route: the Löcknitz. This leads past the sand dunes of Klein Schmölen into neighboring Brandenburg. If you don't have your own boat, you can hire one from the Dömitzer Kanu Verein. The club was founded in 1952 and offers its members the opportunity to actively participate in water sports. The club is run by recreational paddlers and has no age restrictions. Its activities mainly include paddling trips on the surrounding waters, but also training camps and longer trips with camping excursions. The association also runs its own canoe rental service for non-members and gives recommendations to non-members for a relaxing canoe trip with interesting impressions. The four decades of seclusion during the division of Germany meant that many endangered animal species were allowed to retain their natural habitat here and are still native today.
Events in Dömitz
04. July 2026, 20:00–23:45
18th Dömitz Music Night
● Slüterplatz Dömitz
Live music at various locations in the old town of Dömitz
12. July 2026, 18:00–20:00
ABBA show
● Innenhof der Festung Dömitz
ABBAcz at Dömitz Fortress A special anniversary deserves a special celebration: martins-music-café in Dömitz is celebrating its 20th anniversary at Dömitz Fortress this year. On Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 6:00 pm
01. August – 02. August 2026
Dömitzer Rock Night
● Innenhof der Festung Dömitz
20 years of martins-music-café: Dömitz rock night To mark the 20th anniversary of the popular music venue, two of Europe's most high-profile tribute bands will be taking to the stage: AC/DC cover band Ballbreakers and the Status Quo specialists Quotime.
Accommodations nearby
Vacation rentals, hotels, and more in the region
Alter Hof am Elbdeich country idyll hotel
● Unbesandten
Hotel-restaurant-holiday apartments, a listed farm dating from 1823 directly on the Elbe dyke, with a cozy restaurant, terrace, wellness area, sauna, sunbathing lawn, lake in the immediate vicinity, bicycles, book corner and fireplace.
Dömitzer Hafen jetty
● Dömitz
There are 16 boat moorings available in Dömitz harbor.
Dreenkrögen bathing lake - Silbersee campsite
● Dreenkrögen
The idyllically situated gravel lake is the ideal place to cool off in summer. Top water quality, large and fine sandy sunbathing areas, a jetty, snack facilities, sanitary facilities and lifeguards ensure safety in the cool water. Campers, motorhome tourists and caravan vacationers are welcome.