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.

464 results

  • National Park Hotel Kranichrast

    • Dorfstraße, 17192 Kargow OT Schwarzenhof

    The family-run hotel is idyllically located in the middle of the Müritz National Park, away from noise, bustle and stress.

    Read more: "National Park Hotel Kranichrast"
  • The advertising bike in front of the "Emma" vacation apartment, © Bärbel Kuhrt

    Vacation apartment "Emma"

    • Dorfstraße, 17111 Siedenbrünzow

    A cozy vacation apartment with partly antique furnishings in the Tollensetal.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment "Emma""
  • © Katja Schülke

    Doll museum - in Frieda's little barn

    • Malchower Chaussee, 17209 Altenhof/Darze

    In Frieda's little barn there is a doll's house museum above a store for old and beautiful things. Free admission

    Read more: "Doll museum - in Frieda's little barn"
  • Access to the hostel, © UrlaubmiteinAnders e.V.

    Urlaub MiteinAnders e.V.

    • Seltz-Pflegeheim, 17089 Gültz

    Seeing the wood for the trees - nestled between the trees, the former nursing home offers peace and space to relax. Not alone, but together with the WaldMeister, you can chill out and chat away from the noise of time, including the noise in your head.

    Read more: "Urlaub MiteinAnders e.V."
  • © Sven Heinrich

    Vacation apartment elm

    • OT Feldberg, Ulmenallee, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Welcome to the vacation apartment ,,Ulme,,. The apartment offers space for 2-3 people. The quiet location in Feldberg, the short distance to the center and the nature and waterways, will make your vacation in the Feldberg lakeland unforgettable.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment elm"
  • Simply painterly - studio in the country Fleesensee

    • Penkowerstr., 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    The studio of owner Agnes Bruhn offers exciting and creative courses in addition to free design at a high level of artistic and craft opportunities.

    Read more: "Simply painterly - studio in the country Fleesensee"
  • Galenbeck soapbox

    • Closed today
    • Galenbeck, 17153 Ritzerow OT Galenbeck

    The Galenbeck Soap Box is the factory outlet of the Galenbeck Soap Manufactory. It is always open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 16:00 to 19:00. Here you can immerse yourself in "the little house of fragrances" and be enchanted by the scents of the soaps, oils and creams.

    Read more: "Galenbeck soapbox"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Göhren-Lebbin

    Eagle Nest Viewing Platform

    • Kirchweg, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    The platform was modeled after the former platform, rebuilt in 2019 with the help of funding. From here you have a great view of an "inhabited" eagle nest. With the naked eye you can see the eyrie and its inhabitants dimly, so it is recommended to bring binoculars.

    Read more: "Eagle Nest Viewing Platform"
  • The ideal taster season - autumn vacation on the houseboat, © Mortan Strauch

    Yacht charter Schulz

    • An der Reeck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Yachtcharter Schulz offers everything a boater's heart desires, from boating vacations on a thousand lakes to day trips and one-way tours.

    Read more: "Yacht charter Schulz"
  • Learning and GeDenkOrt Alt Rehse

    • Am Gutshof, 17217 Alt Rehse

    Alt Rehse is an idyllic place on Lake Tollensee, charged with history. An exhibition and guided tours provide information about the "Führer School of the German Medical Profession", which was established from 1934.

    Read more: "Learning and GeDenkOrt Alt Rehse"
  • For the little ones our ponies are the greatest - calm in handling, reliable and safe on the terrain., © Waldhof Bruchmühle

    Forest yard Bruchmühle

    • Open today
    • Bruchmühle, 17213 Fünfseen

    An "island" in the middle of the forest - that is our family-run farm with the osprey as a neighbor. Enjoy a relaxing time in our vacation homes and the extensive riding trails on horseback directly from the farm to the eastern shore of Lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Forest yard Bruchmühle"
  • © Annette Rösler

    Quetzin fir healing forest

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Quetziner Straße / Steindamm, 19395 Plau am See

    The healing forest in Plau am See is used as a natural therapy space. On the almost 2km long circuit, 10 stations are available for exercise therapy. Furthermore, a nature trail and a Nordic walking route run through the area.

    Read more: "Quetzin fir healing forest"
  • © Bernd Friedrich

    Vacation on the farm vacation house/holiday apartment (FH Schafstall 3 stars according to DTV)

    • OT Wittenhagen, Hullerbuscher Weg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    2 modern vacation houses as well as a vacation apartment for 4 persons each on the farm near the forest and water, own jetty and bathing place.

    Read more: "Vacation on the farm vacation house/holiday apartment (FH Schafstall 3 stars according to DTV)"
  • © Hotel "Zum Löwen"

    Restaurant, beer garden & café "Zum Löwen"

    • Schleusengasse, 17255 Wesenberg OT Strasen

    he excursion destination at the Strasen lock. Open daily from April to October. Regional fish and game specialties, vegetarian & vegan offer

    Read more: "Restaurant, beer garden & café "Zum Löwen""
  • © Tourist-Information Malchow

    Soviet monument of the island city of Malchow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    The place, which was used to bury Soviet soldiers from 1945, is now a monument to them.

    Read more: "Soviet monument of the island city of Malchow"
  • © Margit Wild

    KUHNLE-TOURS - Yachtcharter Römer - Riverlodge

    • Marinastraße, 17248 Rechlin

    Vacation on a boat? You can fulfill this dream of a vacation on the water even without a boat license. Vacation on the water and explore the Mecklenburg Lake District to Berlin with the right boat. We have a boat for you: for 2 to 12 people.

    Read more: "KUHNLE-TOURS - Yachtcharter Römer - Riverlodge"
  • Pure enjoyment and relaxation at the Fischerhof Damerow, © Müritzfischer

    Fishermen's farm Damerow

    • Zum Werder, 17194 Jabel OT Damerow

    Directly at the Jabel lake our guests enjoy a varied offer fresh from the smoker and our delicious fisherman's rolls. Here you will experience pure enjoyment and relaxation! For the little guests there is a water play mobile for lots of fun for children.

    Read more: "Fishermen's farm Damerow"
  • Hotel between the lakes, © Hotel zwischen den Seen

    Hotel between the lakes

    • Am Mühlenberg, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Great new hotel (renovated villa) - quiet location and close to the city center

    Read more: "Hotel between the lakes"
  • Exterior view, © 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"
  • © treckerausflug.de

    treckerausflug.de - lovingly maintained vintage tractors for self-driving

    • Lindenplatz, 17194 Lupendorf

    Lovingly maintained vintage tractors for self-driving - the genuine original experience for the whole family

    Read more: "treckerausflug.de - lovingly maintained vintage tractors for self-driving"

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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.