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.

460 results

  • Ferienanlage Zum See in Plau am See // © Ferienanlage Zum See Plau am See

    Vacation resort Zum See

    • Quetziner Straße, 19395 Plau am See

    Our vacation resort "Zum See" is located directly on the northern shore of Lake Plau in the beautiful and quiet district of Heidenholz. Embedded in meadows, surrounded by almost untouched nature, you will find an idyllic place to relax and unwind.

    Read more: "Vacation resort Zum See"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Waren (Müritz)

    Show garden at the Tiefwarensee

    • Wossidlostraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Blossom splendor at the Tiefwarensee

    Read more: "Show garden at the Tiefwarensee"
  • © Van der Valk Linstow

    Van der Valk Golfhotel Serrahn

    • Dobbiner Weg, 18292 Serrahn

    Surrounded by crystal clear lakes, lush green meadows, wide open fields and forests lies the "Golfhotel Serrahn". An ideal place to unwind or enjoy some action-packed days during the most wonderful time of the year.

    Read more: "Van der Valk Golfhotel Serrahn"
  • Hotel & Restaurant Heidekrug

    • Grünplan, 17255 Grünplan

    The hotel & restaurant has 27 rooms and a restaurant with a beautiful lakeside terrace in the middle of unspoiled nature. This idyllic gem at the intersection of Mecklenburg and Brandenburg is an ideal place to relax. The hotel with a special lakeside ambience, stylish and close to nature.

    Read more: "Hotel & Restaurant Heidekrug"
  • Our village store - on the edge of the estate, right by the road. // © Schloss Broock GmbH & Co. KG - Jan Fischer

    Village store Broock

    • Open today
    • Gutshof Broock, 17129 Alt Tellin

    After decades without a shop and restaurant in Broock, our village store with café and beer garden is now open, on the edge of the future Schlossgut Broock cultural and conference center and in the middle of the beautiful Tollensetal valley.

    Read more: "Village store Broock"
  • Schlosshotel Neustrelitz // © Schloss Neustrelitz / Bianka Pogadl

    Schlosshotel Neustrelitz

    • Parkstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Schlosshotel Neustrelitz is located in the Mecklenburg Lake District, in the middle of the baroque residential town of Neustrelitz

    Read more: "Schlosshotel Neustrelitz"
  • Schilfhaus - Angeln fast aus dem Wohnzimmer heraus // © Ewald Krombholz

    Lake idyll Comthurey

    • Comthurey, 17237 Wokuhl-Dabelow

    Nature-oriented vacation homes with high standards directly on the lake with their own jetty and rowing boat. Not far from the Müritz National Park and the World Natural Heritage Old Beech Forests you can enjoy your vacation at any time of the year. Well then, welcome to kingfisher, beaver and Co.

    Read more: "Lake idyll Comthurey"
  • Horse in its box // © Bombis

    ReiterHof Peeneland

    • Hof Peeneland, 17111 Meesiger

    Idyllically situated on the shores of Lake Kummerow, the equestrian farm is surrounded by a hilly landscape. The surrounding fields and forests are perfect for horseback riding.

    Read more: "ReiterHof Peeneland"
  • © 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"
  • © Presse Theater

    Neustrelitz State Theater

    • Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Straße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Landestheater in Neustrelitz is rich in tradition and invites audiences of all ages to enjoy plays and musical theater. Every summer, the theater stages opulent operetta productions open air during the festival in the castle garden.

    Read more: "Neustrelitz State Theater"
  • © FSV GbR

    Go-kart & bike rental - Fleesensee Vermietung GbR

    • Wendhofer Str., 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    More fun with go-karts, bikes, and family mobiles in beautiful Land Fleesensee! Rental of bicycles and pedal-powered go-karts in Göhren-Lebbin. An experience for young and old.

    Read more: "Go-kart & bike rental - Fleesensee Vermietung GbR"
  • © 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"
  • © Pension und Restaurant Jägerrast

    Pension Jägerrast

    • Boeker Straße, 17248 Rechlin OT Boek

    Leisure oasis at the Müritz National Park - your starting point for Slow Travel in the Müritz National Park

    Read more: "Pension Jägerrast"
  • © Stadt Waren (Müritz)

    Public bath Waren (Müritz)

    • Kameruner Weg, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    This gated pool is very family-friendly and offers a large water slide, several beach volleyball courts, playground, a dock and designated non-swimmer areas, as well as changing facilities, restrooms and food service.

    Read more: "Public bath Waren (Müritz)"
  • Inn to the yew // © 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"
  • © Rene Julitz

    Federow distillery

    The distillery is located right at the entrance to the Müritz National Park. The village has only about 100 inhabitants, but a large number of guests. Almost all guided tours of the national park start in Federow.

    Read more: "Federow distillery"
  • © Roman Knie

    Old school Fürstenhagen

    • OT Fürstenhagen, Zur Alten Schule, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The home for gourmets! We have been running the renowned starred restaurant Alte Schule since 2010. Our house is characterized by regional star cuisine and family hospitality. In addition to the well-equipped hotel rooms in country style, we also offer modern rooms for meetings and seminars.

    Read more: "Old school Fürstenhagen"
  • Entspannen am Gadowsee // © Ferienhaus am Gadowsee/Antje Grunert

    House at the lake Gadow

    • Comthurey, 17237 Wokuhl

    We offer two vacation apartments for young and old in a special area for recreation and exploration. The house is located at the end of the village in the middle of the Feldberg lake district. Situated directly on the forest and lake you are here away from any mass tourism.

    Read more: "House at the lake Gadow"
  • The wolf pack roams through the undergrowth and tunes to the great howling concert // © Wildpark-MV

    Wildpark-MV

    • Primerburg, 18273 Güstrow

    Welcome to the wild animal adventure in Güstrow: Experience wolf, bear & Co. wilder than in the zoo! The 200 hectare wildlife and landscape park invites the whole family to an unforgettable experience. The local flora and fauna can be discovered in spacious enclosures, some of which can be walked on.

    Read more: "Wildpark-MV"
  • Aussicht auf einen der fünf Golfplätze // © Golf Fleesensee

    GOLF Fleesensee

    • Tannenweg, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    With momentum into the new golf season on the greens at GOLF Fleesensee. The Schloss-Platz as well as the tourer-proven Engel & Völkers Course are open again from 24.03. For those who appreciate the competitive aspect of golf: the tournament calendar offers numerous challenges. With no less than five different courses, you will find a unique golf offer right outside the doors of your hotel at the Hotel- und Sportresort Fleesensee.

    Read more: "GOLF Fleesensee"

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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.