Lock closure in Lübz: Tourism suffers - Elde as a new discovery!

Lock closure in Lübz: Tourism suffers - Elde as a new discovery!

The lock in Lübz, which has been closed since October 2024 due to urgent repair work, is currently causing disillusionment among water hikers and boat tourism. Since this closure occurs in the middle of the peak season, many operators, including Robert Bonk from the marina in Matzlow-Garwitz, are facing major challenges. He expects his sales to fall by two-thirds even as he tries to stay afloat with canoe and motorboat rentals, reports NDR.

The situation in the port of Lübz is also tense. Dirk Reiher, on-site operator, recorded over 1,300 guests in the first six months of 2024. In 2025, however, there were only 35. This shows the drastic absence of charter users who used to frequent the port. In order to maintain contact with the water world, Reiher now offers a mobile boat service, as early visits to the harbor are no longer profitable due to the situation.

The consequences of the lockdown

The unused houseboats in Lübz harbor stand as empty witnesses to the crisis. While the hotel and restaurant “Zur Eldenburg” is also suffering greatly, charter companies such as “Revier Charter” are reporting losses of between 15 and 20 percent. The installation of new gates, scheduled for July 16, could be a game-changer, but the work will not be completed until the end of July 2025. The unexpected damage to the lock has led to an extended closure until July 31, 2025, as PR News 24 reported.

At first glance, this situation may seem like a disaster, but there is also a positive twist. Some boating vacationers have already had their experiences and report a new way of traveling on the Elde, a lesser-known and quieter waterway. Here you will find dense forests, wide fields and picturesque avenues that invite you to explore. Animal sightings of herons, otters and kingfishers are not uncommon here and give this region a distinctive charm.

New avenues for water tourism

Cultural highlights along the Elde invite you to linger: The town of Parchim with its historic city center and the castle complex in Neustadt-Glewe offer the perfect setting for excursions steeped in history. In the last few weeks, over 20 crews have explored the Elde and report a decelerated travel feeling and freedom on the water, despite the challenges at the lock.

The lock closure is also seen as an opportunity to revitalize water tourism on the Elde. Information for those interested about tours and boat rentals can be found on the website of the state government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which also supports this Government MV.

It remains to be seen how the situation will develop further. With a bit of luck, the repair of the lock will not only bring relief for the operators, but also open doors to new experiences on and off the water.