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.

461 results

  • © Frank Eilrich

    Campingplace at Krakower See

    • Windfang, 18292 Krakow am See

    In the climatic health resort of Krakow am See, the 4-star campsite at the Krakow Lake offers everything you need for a good holiday.

    Read more: "Campingplace at Krakower See"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Hotel & Restaurant Fackelgarten

    • Dammstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    The Fackelgarten with its excellent location, on the one hand in the heart of Plau am See and on the other hand in the middle of nature - romantically by the river. From here you can reach all the important sights of Plau am See on foot or watch the boat traffic on our sunny terrace.

    Read more: "Hotel & Restaurant Fackelgarten"
  • Exterior view of Hohenzieritz Castle, © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Hohenzieritz Castle

    • Schlossplatz, 17237 Hohenzieritz

    Hohenzieritz went down in history as the place where the legendary Queen Luise of Prussia died. The castle was once the summer residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Today, a memorial in the castle provides information about Queen Luise. One of the earliest landscape gardens in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern extends behind the palace. It was created from 1771 by the English garden architect Thomson.

    Read more: "Hohenzieritz Castle"
  • View into the vacation apartment Seerose at the Kölpinsee, © Andre Pretzel

    Vacation apartment Seerose at the Kölpinsee

    • Eldenholz, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The vacation apartment "Seerose" at the Kölpinsee promises pure nautical vacation. Situated directly on the Kölpinsee and the long-distance bicycle trail "Berlin-Copenhagen", on the edge of the Müritz National Park, it is a perfect destination for active holidaymakers and nature lovers. Enjoy the unobstructed view of the Kölpinsee from the balcony.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Seerose at the Kölpinsee"
  • Family on the barefoot path in Plau am See, © Kletterpark Plau am See

    Barefoot adventure trail

    • Ziegeleiweg, 19395 Plau am See

    Barefoot adventure trail in Plau am See

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  • © TDG Rechlin mbH / Hans Blossey

    Sailing harbor Rechlin

    • Fritz-Reuter-Straße, 17248 Rechlin

    The sailing harbor of the Müritz-Segel-Verein Rechlin e.V. is located on the eastern shore of the Kleine Müritz.

    Read more: "Sailing harbor Rechlin"
  • © André Pretzel

    KUHNLE-TOURS Houseboats in the Müritz Harbor Village

    • Marinastraße, 17248 Rechlin

    Vacations on the water: The license-free houseboats from KUHNLE-TOURS are an integral part of the landscape of the Mecklenburg Lake District and are the epitome of cosiness and comfort.

    Read more: "KUHNLE-TOURS Houseboats in the Müritz Harbor Village"
  • © Rabennest/Friederike Hegner

    Luxury vacation home "RabenNest

    • Windfang, 18292 Krakow am See

    The location of the vacation home "RabenNest" is unique. Directly on a small, man-made canal with access to the Krakow Lake. Situated in an absolutely quiet location, the vacation home RabenNest invites you to relax and unwind all year round. A true nest to recharge your batteries and draw strength.

    Read more: "Luxury vacation home "RabenNest"
  • © Haus Plau am See

    House Plau am See

    • Dammstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Wheelchair-accessible guest house and facilities

    Read more: "House Plau am See"
  • © Jana Koch

    Tennis facility Teterow

    • Langhäger Chaussee, 17166 Teterow

    Three playing fields, which can also be booked by guests subject to availability.

    Read more: "Tennis facility Teterow"
  • © M.Höppner

    Plau am See post office

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 19395 Plau

    Old post office

    Read more: "Plau am See post office"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz

    White bridge

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Weiße Brücke, 17235 Neustrelitz

    A vantage point with a breathtaking view over Lake Zierk

    Read more: "White bridge"
  • Lido Hafendorf Müritz

    • Marinastraße, 17248 Rechlin Nord

    The lido at Hafendorf Müritz in Rechlin-Nord is a popular bathing resort on the southeastern shore of Müritz.

    Read more: "Lido Hafendorf Müritz"
  • © G. Marin-Ziegler

    Small exhibition of the Nature Park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“

    • Wargentiner Straße, 17139 Basedow

    The exhibition about the nature park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“ in Basedow can be found in the cafe “Alter Schafstall“, on the right side of the guest room. It displays land and people of the region.

    Read more: "Small exhibition of the Nature Park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“"
  • © Amt Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte

    Mirow lido

    • 17252 Mirow

    The bathing beach in Mirow is within sight of the castle island. A good and family-friendly infrastructure is available. The arrival and departure with the Kleinseenbahn is possible.

    Read more: "Mirow lido"
  • © Peter Ramsch

    Rambow Hof playground

    • Rambow Hof, 17194 Rambow

    A small playground with a large meadow, covered rest area, swing and slide. A directly adjacent parking lot is the starting point for a longer hike through Mecklenburg Switzerland.

    Read more: "Rambow Hof playground"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH

    Boek Manor House

    • Temporarily closed
    • Boeker Straße, 17248 Boek

    The Boek manor house was built in the first half of the 19th century as a two-storey plaster building with 13 axes and a central risalit. The history of the estate is marked by numerous changes of ownership. The National Park Ticket buses stop in Boek directly in front of the manor house. Before it was taken over by the German air force in 1935, it was owned by the Le Fort family.

    Read more: "Boek Manor House"
  • © funMüritz Wassersportcenter

    funMüritz Water Sports Center

    • Zur Stillen Bucht, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The funmüritz water sports center is located in a wonderful location on the western shore of the Binnenmüritz directly on the Stillen Bucht in Kamerun

    Read more: "funMüritz Water Sports Center"
  • © FV Kirche Ankershagen / Sophie Ludewig

    Ankershagen village church

    • Lindenallee, 17219 Ankershagen

    Located directly on the Berlin-Copenhagen long-distance cycle path, Ankershagen Church invites you on a short journey through time and space. One of the oldest village churches in Mecklenburg, full of fascinating paintings, medieval art and a peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for a break - to discover, pause and move on.

    Read more: "Ankershagen village church"
  • © Fleesensee Feriendorf GmbH

    Mini Golf Fleesensee

    • Am Kalkberg, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Great fun for the whole family. On the BEECH Resort Fleesensee grounds are several mini golf courses set up to play together.

    Read more: "Mini Golf Fleesensee"

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Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District

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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.