Mecklenburg Lake District

Land of 1,000 Lakes

More than 1,000 lakes - including Germany's largest lake, the Müritz - come together in the Mecklenburg Lake District to form a veritable El Dorado for water sports fans - whether paddling, vacationing on a houseboat or sailing.

A couple sits on a jetty at sunset on Lake Mirov. A houseboat passes by in the background.

Here you are always on or near the water. After all, the area is considered Europe's largest closed lake district. There is a glistening body of water behind practically every hill and forest. The more than 1,000 lakes and the rivers that connect them invite you to Excursions by boat or raft. The scenery of such an adventure is as varied as it is impressive, the landscape is lush and nature is protected. Of course, this is particularly true of the Müritz National Park and the Nossentiner / Schwinzer Heide and Feldberger Seenlandschaft nature parks. Between the unspoilt natural surroundings lie sleepy villages and winding little towns, charming manor houses and enchanted Schlösser – a popular excursion destination for culture vultures.

And when was the last time you went stargazing? No light pollution spoils the view of the seemingly endless night sky above the Mecklenburg Lake District, which is particularly inviting in the fall and winter for extended „bathing“ in the shining sea of stars.

The vacation experts for the Mecklenburg Lake District

 

The most beautiful places

in the Mecklenburg Lake District

Malchow

As a climatic health resort, the island town of Malchow offers the perfect environment for spa vacationers and nature lovers. Situated between Müritz and Lake Plau, the water is never far away. A summer toboggan run and the monkey forest provide varied entertainment for children.

Neustrelitz

The residential town of Neustrelitz is a baroque gem with a star-shaped town complex. Even today, numerous buildings and the Neustrelitz palace park are reminders of the town's magnificent past. The adjacent Müritz National Park with its protected beech forests and around 100 lakes is also a popular excursion destination for hikers, cyclists and water sports enthusiasts.

Mirow

The town of Mirow is best known for the castle of the same name, where the British Queen Sophie Charlotte grew up in the 18th century. But Mirow not only has a lot to offer those interested in culture: Surrounded by dense forests and a glistening lake landscape, hikers, nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts will find a breathtaking landscape here for fantastic excursions on and around the water.

Plau am See

Plau am See delights visitors with its historic town center, romantic half-timbered houses and the impressive castle ruins and observation tower. As a state-approved climatic health resort, the charming little town offers ideal conditions for those seeking relaxation. The characteristic lifting bridge is not only a technical monument, but also a popular vantage point. Situated directly on the western shore of Lake Plau, access to the water can be felt everywhere - whether on a relaxing walk along the lakeside promenade, swimming on family-friendly beaches or on boat and canoe tours through the wide waterways. A nature adventure trail, the Plau city forest area and a nearby forest make Plau am See an attractive destination for families and nature lovers.

Krakow by the lake

Krakow am See is one of the oldest climatic health resorts in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and is idyllically nestled between forests, hills and the lake of the same name. The charming town center with historic houses, cozy cafés and small galleries invites you to linger. The lakeside promenade offers sweeping views across the water, while pedal boat or stand-up paddle board excursions promise active enjoyment. On the Jürnberg, a viewing tower provides sweeping views of the region. Those who prefer a quieter pace can discover the tranquil beauty of the surrounding nature while hiking, cycling or on a tour through the fog moor. Krakow am See is an ideal retreat for those seeking relaxation and nature lovers.

Neubrandenburg

History and architecture enthusiasts should – the city of four gates –. As part of the European Route of Brick Gothic, you can admire the old city wall with its four gates and St. Mary's Church, one of the most exciting concert halls in Germany, in the third largest city in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. For culture lovers, numerous concerts, ballets and musicals offer an entertaining program for the vacation.

Waren

Waren an der Müritz: a town with a rich history and unique nature. The lively town center attracts visitors with its cosy cafés and shops and the surrounding countryside can be explored in a relaxed way while hiking or cycling.

The Müritz offers water sports opportunities for everyone. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the diversity of this beautiful city.

The best vacation activities

Activities in and on the water

With over 1,000 lakes, the Mecklenburg Lake District is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and recreational boaters. Whether Stand-up paddling, an excursion with the sailboat or relaxing vacation days on the houseboat – the Mecklenburg Lake District offers numerous vacation activities on the water.

Hiking and cycling

The region's magnificent lake landscape can also be enjoyed from the countryside. With its unspoiled nature, it offers ideal conditions for extensive cycling and hiking tours. The Müritz circular cycle route and the Mecklenburg Lake District pilgrimage route, for example, offer unique experiences.

Camping

Camping right by the lake: If you don't want to have to travel far from your motorhome or tent to the nearest shore, the Mecklenburg Lake District is the place to be. Some Campingplätze also offer an entertainment program for children and canoes, stand-up paddleboards and motorboats can be rented at many bathing lakes.  

Popular excursion destinations

and famous sights in the Mecklenburg Lake District

 

Mirow Castle

Built in the mid-18th century and situated on an island, Mirow Castle is best known as the birthplace of Princess Sophie Charlotte, who went down in history as Queen of Great Britain when she married King George III. Today, the castle museum offers families and culture enthusiasts insights into baroque castle life.

Neustrelitz Palace Garden

The ducal palace garden in Neustrelitz is a gem of 18th and 19th century garden art. Temples and avenues adorn the magnificent park, which invites nature lovers to stroll and discover at any time of year.

Müritzeum Nature Experience Center

The Müritzeum invites young and old to explore the water world of the Mecklenburg Lake District. The interactive exhibition offers insights into the local flora and fauna and impresses with a two-story aquarium basin where the underwater world of the Müritz, including a silvery shimmering shoal of vendace, can be admired up close.

Müritz Bear Forest

In the Müritz Bear Forest, visitors meet brown bears that have been freed from often disastrous keeping conditions and have found a new home in the Müritz Bear Conservation Center. During a guided tour through the deliberately natural forest, you will learn a lot about the life and characteristics of the imposing animals and can admire the bears up close. An exciting destination for families and animal lovers!

Heinrich-Schliemann-Museum

In the Heinrich Schliemann Museum, young and old visitors go on a discovery tour with the famous archaeologist and antiquities researcher: How did the boy from Ankershagen become the man who discovered Troy? The museum in Schliemann's former childhood home displays some of his most significant finds and traces Schliemann's fascinating life in detail.

457 results

  • © Ferienkontor

    Country inn Wirtshaus zur Eibe

    • Hoher Damm, 17194 Jabel

    The country inn is centrally located on the L 205 of the small village of Jabel, an ideal place to spend relaxing days in the Müritz region. The inn convinces with six cozy double rooms and a good home cooking. The Jabel lake is about 500 meters away.

    Read more: "Country inn Wirtshaus zur Eibe"
  • Tourist information of the island town Malchow

    • Open today
    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Malchow

    The island town of Malchow is located in the center of a lake-forest landscape rich in contrasts in Mecklenburg between Lake Fleesensee and Lake Plauer See on the shores of Lake Malchow.

    Read more: "Tourist information of the island town Malchow"
  • Boat and water sports rental in the Müritz harbor village

    • Skipperstraße, 17248 Rechlin

    Day charter on the Mecklenburg Lake District, directly on the Müritz in the harbor village of Müritz for just half a day, a whole day or longer. Simply set off in a motorboat, sailing boat or cabin cruiser: no previous experience is required. Canoes, rowing boats and SUP are also available.

    Read more: "Boat and water sports rental in the Müritz harbor village"
  • Bahnhofshotel Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Steinstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    The old Bahnhofshotel Plau am See is located at the end of Steinstraße (no. 96). The building is one of the architectural monuments of the small Mecklenburg town. Today, a memorial plaque commemorates the "forced unification" of the KPD and SPD parties. Since 2015, the old station hotel has been the children's and boys' center of the town of Plau am See.

    Read more: "Bahnhofshotel Plau am See"
  • © Roman Vitt

    Neustrelitz water sports club

    • Zierker Nebenstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Wassersportverein Neustrelitz e. V. - numerous offers for water hikers and campers

    Read more: "Neustrelitz water sports club"
  • © Foto: von Levetzow

    Lelkendorf Castle

    • Schlossweg, 17168 Lelkendorf

    Stylishly furnished vacation apartment in the castle with antiques, magnificent view of the castle park, regular cultural events, cozy barbecue area in the park with permanently installed barbecue, spacious entrance hall furnished with seating areas and works of art.

    Read more: "Lelkendorf Castle"
  • Jörnberg lookout tower

    • Open today
    • Jörnbergweg, 18292 Krakow am See

    Krakow am See is easily recognizable by the simple and imposing lookout tower on the Jörnberg peninsula.

    Read more: "Jörnberg lookout tower"
  • © Hotel Villa Passion

    Hotel "Villa Passion

    • August-Bebel-Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Experience a vacation without stress and hustle and bustle with plenty of space for rest and relaxation.

    Read more: "Hotel "Villa Passion"
  • © Seehotel Zielow

    Flair Seehotel Zielow

    • Seeufer, 17207 Ludorf OT Zielow

    Our hotel is located directly on the south bank of the Müritz and offers restaurant, wellness area, pool, riding stable, beach and pure relaxation.

    Read more: "Flair Seehotel Zielow"
  • © Theresa Lange Fotografie

    Zoo Neustrelitz

    • Open today
    • Am Tiergarten, 17235 Neustrelitz

    One of the oldest zoos in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - rustic habitat for 450 animals!

    Read more: "Zoo Neustrelitz"
  • © Christin Drühl

    Prillwitz hunting lodge

    • Prillwitz, 17237 Hohenzieritz

    In 1890 the house was built as a hunting lodge of the Grand Duke of Strelitz in the neo-Renaissance style. The old manor house next to it is a simple 11-axis building over two floors. The facade of the hunting lodge is richly articulated and changes from red clinker to sandstone. The theme of hunting is found in the decor of the house. Inside, parts of the wall paneling have been preserved. Also noteworthy is the beautiful lake location on the Lieps.

    Read more: "Prillwitz hunting lodge"
  • © Landhotel Prälank

    Country Hotel & Restaurant PRÄLANK

    • Prälank-Kalkofen, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Are you looking for a place to slow down? You want to escape the big city jungle or simply enjoy the wonderful nature? Then visit our small country hotel in an idyllic location on a small lake in the Müritz National Park, not far from the residential town of Neustrelitz.

    Read more: "Country Hotel & Restaurant PRÄLANK"
  • Ice rink island city Malchow

    • Schulstraße, 17213 Malchow

    Whether it's a fast-paced skating session, joining in the excitement of ice hockey or dancing at the ice disco, the Malchow ice rink offers variety during your vacation, whether it's summer or winter.

    Read more: "Ice rink island city Malchow"
  • © 1000seen.de

    Müritz National Park

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17192 Federow

    The Müritz National Park is the largest contiguous protected area in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and part of the Mecklenburg Lake District. It consists of two separate parts - one around the Müritz, Germany's largest lake, and one to the east near Serrahn. The landscape is characterized by forests, moors, lakes and vast meadows. Many endangered animal and plant species find a protected habitat here - including cranes, ospreys, white-tailed eagles, red deer and even rare insects and amphibians.

    Read more: "Müritz National Park"
  • Ball house on the lake

    • Mühlendamm, 17217 Wustrow

    On the edge of the Mecklenburg Lake District, 12 spherical houses invite you to an unforgettable vacation. Located directly on the lake, surrounded by unspoiled nature.

    Read more: "Ball house on the lake"
  • KUHNLE-TOURS houseboat base in Malchin

    • Am Kanal, 17139 Malchin

    The Peene and Lake Kummerow region is a paradise for houseboaters with impressive birdwatching opportunities. Lake Kummerow and the Peene offer idyllic landscapes for a variety of nature experiences. Enjoying nature, birdwatching and relaxing on the water - there is something for everyone here.

    Read more: "KUHNLE-TOURS houseboat base in Malchin"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Play ship "At the swing bridge

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    In the immediate vicinity of the swing bridge is a pirate wooden ship for real buccaneers.

    Read more: "Play ship "At the swing bridge"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH / Rene Legrand

    Bolter Schleuse fishing and angling lodge

    • Boeker Mühle, 17248 Boek

    Fischers Land in Boek has become a magnet for visitors in the southern Müritz region in recent years. Located on the edge of the Müritz National Park, visitors have a magnificent view of the breathtaking natural surroundings. Enjoy delicious fish specialties right by the water.

    Read more: "Bolter Schleuse fishing and angling lodge"
  • The manor house, © Jürgen Höfer

    Manor house Lexow

    • Dorfstraße, 17213 Lexow

    A simple manor house, very tastefully renovated in a dreamlike location in the Mecklenburg Lake District with vacation apartments and bed & breakfast rooms, a small café and restaurant. Ideal also for small groups and workations.

    Read more: "Manor house Lexow"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    View pulpit sea eagle

    • 18292 Glave

    The Seeadler viewing platform offers a fantastic view of the Krakow Obersee nature reserve.

    Read more: "View pulpit sea eagle"

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FAQ about a vacation in the Lake District

What makes the Mecklenburg Lake District special?

With over 1,000 lakes, the Lake District is the largest contiguous lake area in Central Europe. It offers a unique diversity of nature - from huge bodies of water such as the Müritz to idyllic small lakes - ideal for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.

Where is the lake district and how big is it?

The region extends in the north-east of Germany (MV, partly BB and SH) over a length of around 240 km and a width of around 30 km with approx. 6,000 km of surface area.

Which lake is the largest in Germany?

The Müritz, at 109 km², is the largest fully inland lake in Germany. It is often referred to as the „Little Sea“.

Can you sail on the waters of the lake district without a boating license?

Yes, license-free houseboats or small boats can be rented – ideal for carefree navigation on rivers and canals.

Who is the lake district particularly suitable for?

For families, nature lovers and active vacationers – there are campsites, forests, animal parks, water & cycle paths, barrier-free offers and quiet children's beaches.

When is the best time to travel?

The main season with pleasant temperatures is from May to September - ideal for water and outdoor activities. In the low season, you can experience relaxed tranquillity and idyllic nature.

Which cities and places should I visit?

Recommendable are Waren and R&R on the Müritz, Schlossinsel Mirow, Malchow, Plau am See – with historic towns, ports, castles and cozy cafés.