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.

458 results

  • © Waren (Müritz) Kur- und Tourismus GmbH

    Church of St. George Waren (Müritz)

    • St.Georgen Kirchplatz, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    evangelic city church at the old market

    Read more: "Church of St. George Waren (Müritz)"
  • © Landurlaub M-V e.V./ Anika Weisbrich

    Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm

    • Open today
    • Alter Forsthof, 17209 Zislow

    The cozy Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm serves homemade cakes, changing soups and hot and cold drinks. A child-friendly atmosphere with a reading corner, occasional cultural events and the adjacent horse farm make it a popular destination. The café can also be hired for private events by prior arrangement.

    Read more: "Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm"
  • © Staatliches Amt für Landwirtschaft und Umwelt Vorpommern

    Viewing platform Fleethof

    • 17099 Fleethof

    Viewing platform Fleethof

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  • 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"
  • 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"
  • 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.

    Read more: "slube on Lake Krakow"
  • © 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"
  • © Gerlind Clemens

    Open air stage Waren

    • Am Mühlenberg, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Near the historic city center of Waren is the Bürgerpark Mühlenberg. Here is the open-air stage surrounded by tall trees and lots of greenery.

    Read more: "Open air stage Waren"
  • © Milchhof Warlin

    Milk filling station, Warlin

    • Hauptstr., 17039 Warlin

    Enjoy the genuine taste of our fresh milk, which you can tap directly and around the clock with us. In the Regiomaten we offer you other regional products.

    Read more: "Milk filling station, Warlin"
  • © Homuth Hofladen

    Homuth farm store

    • Untergöhrener Str., 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Hofladen Homuth in the Land Fleesensee - incredibly tasty and with a good portion of love, soooo delicious!

    Read more: "Homuth farm store"
  • Eingang Biohof Donst // © Biohof Donst

    Organic farm Donst

    • Strietfeld, 17209 Walow

    Enjoy "pure nature" while hiking, biking, swimming and experience the species-rich landscape, where even the native wild animals still have their place. Thanks to the quiet location of our farm, surrounded by our ecological agriculture, it invites you to spend your vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District between Lake Plauer and Müritz.

    Read more: "Organic farm Donst"
  • © Burg Stargard

    Stargard Castle

    • Burg, 17094 Burg Stargard

    The castle complex, built around 1236, now houses a museum, herb and root garden and a garment tailor shop, offering visitors a unique glimpse into life in the Middle Ages.

    Read more: "Stargard Castle"
  • © Amt Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte

    Granzow bathing beach

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17252 Granzow

    In the vacation park Granzow is the bathing beach with very family-friendly infrastructure around it.

    Read more: "Granzow bathing beach"
  • © Bluhm´s Delikat

    Bluhm's Delikat

    • Warener Str., 17194 Moltzow

    Bluhm's Delikat serves honest food made from fresh and seasonal products. We are caterers and producers as well as organizers of various culinary events in the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "Bluhm's Delikat"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz

    Bathing establishment at the Glambeck lake

    • Closed today
    • Adolf-Friedrich-Straße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Bathing fun for the whole family

    Read more: "Bathing establishment at the Glambeck lake"
  • © Fleesensee Resort & Spa

    Fleesensee BOWL

    • Teichgasse, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    With ball and pin to strike, rounded off with Italian cuisine at Susanna's Trattoria e Pizzeria & Fleesensee BOWL, nothing stands in the way of a sporty afternoon. Good wood!

    Read more: "Fleesensee BOWL"
  • © FV Kirche Ankershagen / Igor Heinzel

    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"
  • 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"
  • © Pension am See

    Pension by the lake

    • Güstrower Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Welcome to the pension "By the lake"!

    Read more: "Pension by the lake"
  • © Malchower Reiterhof

    Malchow Riding School

    • Friedrich-Lessen-Weg, 17213 Malchow

    Horseback riding in charming surroundings You will find the Malchower Reiterhof in the Mecklenburg Lake District between Lake Plauer See and Müritz on the B192 (at Malchow Monastery) in an idyllic forest and meadow landscape with very good riding opportunities.

    Read more: "Malchow Riding School"

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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.