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.

462 results

  • KIWI apartments in winter, © Thomas Ziebuhr

    KIWI Apartments at the Dreier Lake

    • Fischweg, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    KIWI apartments on Lake Dreier - a dream place for people who want to experience nature up close during their vacation, but do not want to sacrifice comfort.

    Read more: "KIWI Apartments at the Dreier Lake"
  • Rechlin beach with pier

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Fritz-Reuter-Straße, 17248 Rechlin

    The baby beach in Rechlin offers an idyllic setting for families and those seeking relaxation alike. Rechlin, a picturesque little town in Germany, is known for its breathtaking lake landscape and wide range of leisure activities.

    Read more: "Rechlin beach with pier"
  • © TMV / Gohlke

    Lift bridge Plau am See

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

    The Plau lift bridge is an industrial monument.

    Read more: "Lift bridge Plau am See"
  • Ferry station and ideal starting point for water hikers, © Felix Gaensicke

    Luzin ferry & boat rental

    • An der Fähre, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Call out "Fährmann hol över" - and ferryman Tom will take hikers, walkers and cyclists safely across the Narrow Luzin to the other bank on one of Europe's last hand-operated cable ferries.

    Read more: "Luzin ferry & boat rental"
  • Neubrandenburg-Nettelkuhl climate forest, © Landesforst MV

    Climate Forest Neubrandenburg

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Am Eschenhof, 17033 Neubrandenburg

    In cooperation with the Neubrandenburg municipal forestry office, 300 shares were purchased here by a company based in Neustrelitz. Together with the company, residents of the region were involved in planting a climatic forest of 2000 sessile oaks on an area of 0.3 hectares. The planting took place on 10.04.2010.

    Read more: "Climate Forest Neubrandenburg"
  • © Landesforst MV

    Climate forest Fleesensee

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    The new "Climate Forest Fleesensee" in the Mecklenburg Lake District was inaugurated with a fantastic planting campaign on October 22, 2011. Since its opening, around 20 hectares of new forest have already been established during the annual planting campaigns. From 2024, the Fleesensee climate forest will be significantly expanded once again: East of the Kostermühle and south of the "Rosinenberg", around 4 hectares of agricultural land will be turned into a site-adapted climatic forest with a forest edge. Over the course of 100 years, native hardwood species will have absorbed a further 467 tons of CO2 per hectare or 1889 tons of CO2 over the entire area.

    Read more: "Climate forest Fleesensee"
  • © 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."
  • 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"
  • © Meyer-Gattermann

    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"
  • Carriage House, © Planwagencamping/Köster

    Wagon camping & vacation farm

    • Am Nationalpark, 17237 Grünow

    Covered wagon trekking tours and covered wagon camp for children and youth groups as well as families Comfortable FeWos on active farm on the edge of the Müritz National Park

    Read more: "Wagon camping & vacation farm"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    DDR Everyday Life Museum Malchow

    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Inselstadt Malchow

    The building was inaugurated in 1957 as a "movie palace", but today presents objects from past times.

    Read more: "DDR Everyday Life Museum Malchow"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    "Kiek in un wunner di" - Museum of Curiosities

    • Friedrich-Lessen-Weg, 17213 Malchow

    Not far from the monastery church is a museum full of rarities and curiosities from the everyday life of the population of the first half of the 20th century exhibits.

    Read more: ""Kiek in un wunner di" - Museum of Curiosities"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Bathing place Großer Fürstenseer See

    • 17235 Fürstensee

    The bathing area is located directly in Fürstensee about 10 minutes drive from Neustrelitz. Crystal clear water and beautiful bathing beach with light sand.

    Read more: "Bathing place Großer Fürstenseer See"
  • Pasterhof Eichhorst, © Daniel Auer

    Pasterhof Eichhorst

    • Kastanienallee, 17098 Friedland

    Welcome to our listed former vicarage in the idyllic nature of the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "Pasterhof Eichhorst"
  • 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"
  • © Friederike Hegner

    Nature and vacation park at the Altdorf lake

    • Am Altdorfer See, 18292 Krakow am See

    The vacation homes offer those seeking peace and quiet, nature and sports lovers up to 140 m² of sophisticated comfort, high-quality furnishings and modern architecture.

    Read more: "Nature and vacation park at the Altdorf lake"
  • Mirow Holiday Park is located on the Granzower Lake - a vacation paradise for families., © Ferienpark Mirow GmbH

    Vacation park Mirow

    • Walter-Gotsmann-Straße, 17252 Mirow OT Granzow

    A vacation park - everything in it for families. The child-friendly facility has everything a Seenplatte vacation must offer: Direct location at the bathing lake, adventure playground, horse riding and one of the most beautiful canoe routes in front of the vacation home.

    Read more: "Vacation park Mirow"
  • © Kunsthaus Neustrelitz e.V.

    Art House Neustrelitz

    • Schloßstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Kunsthaus is an "open house". It is open to anyone who wants to try their hand at art and culture and is looking for a space, like-minded people or support.

    Read more: "Art House Neustrelitz"
  • "Lovers of Lakes" - Kayak Courses & Tours

    • Rundweg, 17258 Hasselförde

    "Lovers of Lakes" offers kayak courses & tours with light lake and hiking kayaks and high quality equipment in the region. Courses & tours are suitable for beginners and advanced kayakers and take place in small groups. Learn to love kayaking!

    Read more: ""Lovers of Lakes" - Kayak Courses & Tours"
  • A sailing class trip inspires young and old, © SeenLandAgentour

    LakesCountryAgentour - Salem base

    • Am Hafen, 17139 Salem

    Get to know the 1x1 of sailing from scratch with the SeenLandAgentour - whether big or small - there is something for everyone here.

    Read more: "LakesCountryAgentour - Salem base"

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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.