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

  • SUBITOW Gallery - Studio - Life

    • Klempenow, 17089 Bartow

    SUBITOW - Gallery - Studio - Life - is a project that has something surprising to offer the connoisseur and the layman - painting, sculpture, quilt, photography, gARTen, sound. It shows Art-aktuell inter- and regional. Bau&Schauhaus. Art&Life - almost always open - accessible.

    Read more: "SUBITOW Gallery - Studio - Life"
  • The slube hotel in Krakow am See with its sleeping towers // © slube

    slube on Lake Krakow

    • Am Windfang, 18292 Krakow am See

    The fourth location, slube am Krakower See, has already opened and is another overnight accommodation option along the Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route.

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  • © 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""
  • © Jana Koch

    Forest adventure trail Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Lärchenweg, 17166 Teterow

    The forest adventure trail is divided into two areas: the Forest of Talents and the Philosopher's Path. In the Forest of Talents, visitors can explore or measure themselves against the talents of the forest or its inhabitants. On the Philosopher's Trail, an old forester tells his granddaughter interesting stories about the forest and man-made climate change.

    Read more: "Forest adventure trail Teterow"
  • MÜRITZEUM - The NatureExperienceCenter in Waren (Müritz)

    • Open today
    • Zur Steinmole, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The Müritzeum shows the beauty and special features of the Mecklenburg Lake District and the Müritz National Park in an interactive exhibition. In Germany's largest aquarium landscape for native freshwater fish, you dive under the water surface of the 1000 lakes.

    Read more: "MÜRITZEUM - The NatureExperienceCenter in Waren (Müritz)"
  • Ivenack Castle

    • Am Schloss, 17153 Ivenack

    The older, middle part of the castle dates back to the 16th century - the monastery building. A first extension took place in 1709 and after passing to the Imperial Counts v. Plessen around 1750. The semicircular stables, the orangery, the tea house and the church also date from this period. Around 1810, the castle was again extended by two wings. Since 2016, it has been renovated in accordance with the preservation order. The 1000-year-old Ivenack oaks in the former animal park are Germany's first national natural monument.

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  • Das angenehme Gefühl angekommen zu sein, einmal die Zeit fast stillstehen zu lassen und den Moment als solchen in vollen Zügen genießen. Für uns der Inbegriff des „Willkommen sein“. Ihr Besuch bei uns soll Ihnen genau das bescheren und gerne auch die Sehnsucht wecken, die außergewöhnliche Gastlichkeit in Rattey wieder erleben zu wollen. // © Inselmühle Usedom GmbH | Hotel Schloss Rattey

    Hotel Castle Rattey

    • Schlossplatz, 17349 Schönbeck

    Schloss Rattey is an inviting and unpretentious manor house with a park and surrounding vineyards and was built in 1806. Today's Hotel Schloss Rattey offers guests 15 spacious double rooms and suites equipped with modern comforts, as well as a restaurant, sauna and farm shop.

    Read more: "Hotel Castle Rattey"
  • Bootsverleih & Yachtcharter Halbeck in Rheinsberg // © Reederei Halbeck

    Yacht charter & boat rental Halbeck

    • Markt, 16831 Rheinsberg

    Halbeck Boat Hire & Yacht Charter is the place to go in Rheinsberg for all questions relating to leisure on the water. Whether it's a canoe, a small motorboat with or without an inland boating license or a motor yacht - everyone will find the boat that meets their vacation requirements here.

    Read more: "Yacht charter & boat rental Halbeck"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Malchow city windmill

    • Closed today
    • Friedrich-Ebert-Str., 17213 Malchow

    Of the former seven windmills, two are still preserved in the town area: The so-called Stadtmühle and the Achtkant. Both are owned by the island town of Malchow, which is committed to preserving the monuments that characterize the townscape.

    Read more: "Malchow city windmill"
  • Wohnung Nr. 5 (separat) // © A. Wilken

    Villa Blanck

    • Gartenstraße, 17213 Malchow

    Enjoy the peace and the beautiful landscape in the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern! Stay in one of our beautiful vacation apartments directly at the Malchower See.

    Read more: "Villa Blanck"
  • Maremüritz Marina Resort

    • Am Seeufer, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Infinite horizon - Between two lakes. The MAREMÜRITZ Yachthafen Resort is located in the land of 1,000 lakes, on a narrow strip of shoreline. Here you will find the highest quality apartments in the region with a view of the Müritz, its own marina with over 60 berths, a heated outdoor pool and saunas, as well as the most beautiful sunsets, which can be admired from the sun terrace of the "Bella Riva" restaurant & café.

    Read more: "Maremüritz Marina Resort"
  • 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“"
  • © Rene Legrand

    Campsite "Bolter Ufer" C15

    • Am Müritzufer, 17248 Boeker Mühle

    Welcome to the campsite "Bolter Ufer" C 15, in the state-recognized resort of Rechlin OT Boeker Mühle. The campsite with a catamaran and surfing mill is located directly on the south-eastern bank of the Müritz, in the middle of a mixed forest.

    Read more: "Campsite "Bolter Ufer" C15"
  • Stylish studios, on request with a fairy-tale lake view // © Hotel Rosendomizil, Malchow

    Hotel Rosendomizil Malchow

    • Lange Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Picturesque interior, delicious specialties and the feeling of being welcome at any time of the year await you at the Hotel Rosendomizil: Discover our individually and lovingly furnished Malchow house in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District!

    Read more: "Hotel Rosendomizil Malchow"
  • © Erlebniswerkstatt Zahren

    Zahren adventure workshop

    • Closed today
    • Hartwigsdorfer Weg, 17217 Penzlin /OT Zahren

    The Erlebniswerkstatt Zahren offers people of all ages a creative space. Here you can play and dream or tinker with recycled and natural materials, realize your own projects, make objects and art yourself.

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  • 1a Interior // © Sven Heinrich

    FEWO 1a

    • OT Feldberg, Mühlenweg, 17258 Feldberg

    Welcome to the FEWO 1a. This is located directly in Feldberg with space for two people. The short way to the center, the nature and waterways, offers many possibilities to arrange the vacation.

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  • © Staatliches Amt für Landwirtschaft und Umwelt Vorpommern

    Viewing platform Fleethof

    • 17099 Fleethof

    Viewing platform Fleethof

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  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Playground at Wesenberg Castle

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17255 Wesenberg

    The playground in Wesenberg is located directly at the castle Wesenberg. A good and family-friendly infrastructure is available. The arrival and departure with the Kleinseenbahn is possible.

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  • © Kurverwaltung Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Church Wittenhagen

    • 17258 Wittenhagen

    The present church dates back to 1758 and is made of cut rocks. 1.60 m thick is the so-called cyclopean masonry. The special feature of this church is its ground plan as a regular octagon with an inner diameter of 10.25 m.

    Read more: "Church Wittenhagen"
  • © Waren (Müritz) Information

    Consistency Waren (Müritz)

    • Friedensstraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Einklang is a lovingly designed store that offers a diverse selection of jewelry, decorative items, incense and small home accessories. The relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by calm music, invites you to browse and linger. A visit is worthwhile for anyone looking for special gift ideas or a touch of feel-good ambience for their own home.

    Read more: "Consistency Waren (Müritz)"

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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.