The real Amazon of the north

The Wakenitz has borne the name “Amazon of the North” since 1967. The name was bestowed on it by the world-famous deep-sea explorer and documentary director Jacques-Yves Cousteau and the circumnavigator, adventurer and Mississippi explorer Reinhold Kasten, in the presence of Jürgen Colemann, the editor-in-chief of the Lübecker Nachrichten and Generalanzeiger newspapers, and Manfred Quandt, the owner of the “Lübecker passenger ship Manfred Quandt”.

During a trip on the Wakenitz past magnificent alder forests, through a heath landscape of the tundra in the Wakenitz lowlands, along the former inner-German border, you quickly realise that the Wakenitz has rightly been given the name “The Amazon of the North”. The name was given when the first section of the Wakenitz was sighted on the barge MS Dolores “Der lange Jammer” and both of them said at the same time “That looks like the Amazon”. As a result, Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Reinhold Kasten christened the Wakenitz “The Amazon of the North”. Not only the indescribable nature, the clear water and mighty birds of prey hovering overhead during the trip are proof of this, but also over 204 endangered animal species that have found their home in the Amazon of the North. If you are lucky, you may spot the legendary kingfisher while it is being hunted by a silent grey heron. Nandus, turtles, raccoons and many other animals are at home in the Wakenitz Valley.

Due to its unique nature and landscape, the Wakenitz is also still home to a number of explorers and discoverers who spend their twilight years here. For example, the Federal Cross of Merit winner, explorer, adventurer and circumnavigator Burghard Pieske, who became famous for his shipwreck in the Pacific and discovered sculptures during his work in South America.

Unfortunately, today we often have to contend with false statements and misunderstandings. The true Amazon of the North is and remains the Wakenitz.

The Amazon of the North is now waiting to be discovered by you. Climb aboard and let yourself be inspired and overwhelmed by the marvellous nature and landscape. We look forward to welcoming you on board one of our passenger ships and showing you one of the most beautiful nautical areas in Germany.