Discover Mürwik: Nature and Maritime History

In Mürwik, there is plenty to discover, from the Twedter Feld nature reserve to the Naval Academy and the water tower. Nature, technological history and maritime sights give the district its varied character. Flensburg itself adds an old town, a harbour and more routes to explore.

Water Tower, Fjord and Twedter Feld

Mürwik Water Tower was built in 1961–1962 to maintain network pressure and increase the network’s storage capacity. The technical structure also welcomes visitors: from its observation platform, you can look out over the city of Flensburg and the Flensburg Fjord. Here, the tower’s role in the water supply stands alongside views of the city and water.

Different uses come together in the Twedter Feld nature reserve. The area lies in the Mürwik district; in the north, it includes a military training area formerly used by the Bundeswehr, while the south consists of agricultural land. Designated paths allow visitors to hike, cycle, ride horses and jog. Use of the area is therefore clearly restricted to these designated paths. Another route is the Ewoldtweg, which runs along the beach and connects Fahrensodde with Solitüde and Meierwik.

Maritime History in the District

The Naval Academy in Flensburg’s Mürwik district has been the German Navy’s central training institution for naval officers since 1910. Its waterfront is more than 200 metres long, and its tower is about 60 metres high. Both shape the panorama on the south bank of the Flensburg Fjord. The former Commandant’s House is home to the Military History Collection, which presents German naval history from 1848 to the present day.

Christ Church Mürwik preserves another historical detail: it houses a 16th-century crucifix from the late Gothic church in Wilster. Together with the Naval Academy and the water tower, it offers different ways to explore Mürwik’s history—from sacred art to maritime training and technical infrastructure.

Flensburg: Old Town, Routes and Beach

Flensburg itself also has plenty to offer culturally. Oluf-Samson-Gang connects Norderstraße and Schiffbrücke; its picturesque half-timbered houses date from the 17th century. The Kompagnietor is among the city’s oldest buildings. The Flensburger Schiffergelag, the association of Flensburg’s fishermen, commissioned its construction between 1602 and 1604. At the Flensburg Maritime Museum, exhibits and interactive activities bring to life the maritime history of the city and the surrounding region, shaped by both German and Danish influences. Historic traditional and commercial sailing ships are moored in the old town’s museum harbour.

Other routes offer different highlights. The Captains Route, marked by ground signs and information boards about maritime history, starts at the Maritime Museum. RadRundUm Flensburg comprises three themed cycling routes around the city, extending into the surrounding communities of Harrislee, Handewitt, Tastrup, Wees and Glücksburg. Along the way, themed stops provide information about nature, ecology, history and culture at notable locations. In the city centre, the St. Jürgen Steps form part of the E1 European long-distance path and lead to panoramic views over the city and harbour. A barrier-free city tour is about 3.5 kilometres long, takes approximately two hours and includes stops such as Rote Straße, Südermarkt, St. Nicholas Church, Hafenspitze and Nordermarkt.

Water and the waterfront are also central to Flensburg’s appeal. Solitüde Beach on the east coast is broad and sandy, with space for picnics, volleyball and kite flying, as well as views of the Danish coast. Hafenspitze has room for games, concerts and small markets; seasonal offerings also include an ice rink. During the Museum Harbour’s apple cruise, the apple festival begins at the quay, where apples, local vegetables and smoked fish are sold from historic ships. Dates are seasonal—check them before your trip.

When choosing accommodation, it helps to distinguish Mürwik’s nature and history from the attractions elsewhere in the wider Flensburg destination.

For the wider travel overview: Flensburg.