Time out in Graal-Müritz: Dreamy beaches, nature and relaxation on the Baltic Sea
Do you desperately need a break from everyday life, but flights to Ibiza are too expensive and the lake around the corner is too boring? Then head to Graal-Müritz! This Baltic Sea resort in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has everything you need for a perfect short trip: a kilometer-long sandy beach with plenty of space to breathe, fish sandwiches at unbeatable prices, and a coastal forest with meter-high pine trees.
Travel reporter Michèle enjoys visiting Graal-Müritz for a weekend getaway and introduces you to the highlights of this dog-friendly coastal region.
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Graal-Müritz is one of the Baltic Sea resorts that receives less attention—and that's precisely what makes it so appealing. This seaside spa is located in the Bay of Mecklenburg, just 30 kilometers northeast of Rostock. And thanks to Rostock's excellent rail connections, it's even easily accessible without a car.
The main attraction is the kilometer-long, fine sandy beach. While it can get a bit crowded around the pier on warm days, there are quieter stretches of sand to the east with plenty of space. The water is pleasantly shallow, the bottom isn't rocky, and the wide sandy beach is cleaned every morning – ideal for (sun)bathing, long walks, or shell collecting.
During the summer months, the beach is divided into different sections, so that sports enthusiasts, nudists, and dog walkers all get their money's worth. In the off-season, the areas flow more smoothly into one another, and people are tolerant and considerate.
The town's landmark is the 350-meter-long pier, which extends far into the sea. It offers a perfect vantage point and also serves as a landing point for boat tours. Right next to it, the beach promenade stretches along the dunes. It's almost as long as the town itself and car-free. Cafés, snack stands, and small shops invite you to linger.
Graal-Müritz looks back on a long history: As early as 1820, the first bathers came to enjoy the healthy sea air and refreshing water. The oldest houses in the Baltic Sea spa, the Büdner houses, are located in the Müritz district.
Fishermen once lived in these low, thatched buildings with gardens. Many of them have been lovingly renovated, making a stroll through the streets a little journey back in time.
Another significant building is the historic water tower, dating back to 1913. The red tower, at 32 meters high, is a real eye-catcher even from the outside. While you can't visit the interior, you can spend the night there. A vacation rental in a water tower is sure to be a special experience on your Baltic Sea trip.
Also worth a visit is the 4.5-hectare Rhododendron Park. Between May and June, a colorful sea of blossoms from over 2,000 perennials unfolds, filling the air with their fragrance. But the park is also worth seeing outside of the blooming season: concerts and readings are regularly held in the concert pavilion.
In summer, you can simply board a boat from the pier and experience the Baltic Sea from the water . On the two-hour cruises toward Wustrow, you'll breathe in the fresh sea air while you gaze out over Graal-Müritz and the Fischland-Darß-Zingst coast.
Or how about a trip to Warnemünde? After a good hour and a half, you'll dock at the Alter Strom, where you can stroll through the alleys, marvel at cruise ships and ferries, or take a short harbor tour—before returning to Graal-Müritz in the afternoon.
Those who enjoy active pursuits will love the wooded hinterland. East of Graal-Müritz lies the Rostock Heath, the largest contiguous coastal forest area in Northern Germany. It's perfect for hikes and bike rides – the Baltic Sea Cycle Route also runs through here, from Rostock to Fischland-Darß-Zingst. The region's largest campsite is also located here, idyllically nestled between tall pines and directly on a quiet sandy beach.
Another highlight is the Ribnitz Great Moor. You can hike along wooden plank paths through the wild, romantic landscape – and with a bit of luck, you might spot the rare moor frog in spring. During the mating season in March and April, the males glow a striking blue to attract females.
Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter .
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