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

  • Country vacation Diemitz

    • Dorfstraße, 17252 Diemitz

    In the heart of the Mecklenburg Kleinseenplatte, wonderful nature, nice people and animals of all kinds await you on our ecologically managed farm.

    Read more: "Country vacation Diemitz"
  • © Touristinformation Goldberg

    Goldberg Nature Museum and Tourist Information

    • Open today
    • Müllerweg, 19399 Goldberg

    Whether on the water, on horseback or on numerous hiking and cycling routes in the Goldberg-Mildenitz region in the Mecklenburg Lake District, you have countless opportunities for active recreation. For your vacation, the tourism association offers useful information on accommodation, tours, events and much more.

    Read more: "Goldberg Nature Museum and Tourist Information"
  • Beaver Holiday Farm

    • Diemitz Schleuse, 17252 Diemitz

    The three-sided farm is located directly on the Diemitz lock on the small Peetschsee lake. The lovingly renovated buildings house the vacation apartments, restaurant, reception and farm store. 11 other wooden houses offer peace and relaxation far away from mass tourism. The Schäferwagenburg and the large campsite by the water are something special for outdoor fans. The raft and boat rental invites you to discover the rustic landscape of Mecklenburg from the water. The beautiful landscape and the relaxed atmosphere at the Biber Ferienhof invite you to enjoy.

    Read more: "Beaver Holiday Farm"
  • Spannend kann sie sein, die Fahrt. gehen die Tiere durch´s Wasser? // © Reit- und Fahrtourstik Lychen

    Riding and driving tourism Lychen

    • Weinbergstraße, 17279 Lychen

    Water and forest, fun and recreation and all that with short and long-eared four-legged friends - to be found at the Reit- und Fahrtouristik Lychen, where the mules from the Uckermark are at home.

    Read more: "Riding and driving tourism Lychen"
  • © 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"
  • Doppelzimmer // © Schwidrowitz

    Hotel "Müritzperle"

    • Mühlenstraße 11, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    In the city, yet very close to nature. The hotel "Müritzperle", in Waren (Müritz) is your launching point for holidays, recreation, business appointments or excursions.

    Read more: "Hotel "Müritzperle""
  • Krakow raft trips // © Frank Tetmeyer

    Krakow raft tour

    • Windfang, 18292 Krakow am See

    Raft tours on one of the most beautiful and quietest lakes in Germany are offered by the "Krakower Flosstouren". Glide with the rafts over the Krakow lake!

    Read more: "Krakow raft tour"
  • © Jonas Kurverwaltung

    Plau am See railroad station playground

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

    The playground at the station is a small fenced soccer pitch.

    Read more: "Plau am See railroad station playground"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz/ Roman Vitt

    Slavic village Neustrelitz

    • Open today
    • Am Slawendorf, 17235 Neustrelitz

    A visit to the Slavic Village at Lake Zierk is an excursion into the early medieval settlement history of the region. Here you can be active and creative.

    Read more: "Slavic village Neustrelitz"
  • © Jonas Kurverwaltung

    Sparkasse Mecklenburg-Schwerin Schwerin Branch Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Lange Straße, 19395 Plau am See

    Banknote depositor Cash dispenser ATM with deposit and withdrawal function ATM with deposit and withdrawal function with NFC ATM with NFC Bank statement printer Customer parking spaces Coin counting machine Travel money (on order) Self-service terminal Locker facilities WLAN hotspot Largely wheelchair accessible

    Read more: "Sparkasse Mecklenburg-Schwerin Schwerin Branch Plau am See"
  • Eldenburg fishing farm

    • An der Reeck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    A fishing farm that offers everything! Enjoy the flair of a traditional fishing farm. Delicious fish fresh from the smoke, fisherman's rolls and of course fresh fish from the day's catch. Vacation apartments on the water, boat rentals and guided fishing tours complete the offer.

    Read more: "Eldenburg fishing farm"
  • © KiEZ Prebelow

    KiEZ Prebelow

    • Prebelow, 16831 Prebelow

    KiEZ Prebelow is the ideal base all year round, and not just for school trips and daycare stays. In addition to activities in the Mecklenburg Lake District, there are numerous offers on the 14-hectare site and in the immediate vicinity. Excursions are also possible.

    Read more: "KiEZ Prebelow"
  • © Van der Valk Linstow

    Van der Valk Bathing Fun Linstow

    • Krakower Chaussee, 18292 Linstow

    Amidst the breathtaking natural scenery of the Mecklenburg Lake District and just a stone's throw from the Baltic Coast, Van der Valk Resort Linstow awaits you in the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern between Berlin and Rostock.

    Read more: "Van der Valk Bathing Fun Linstow"
  • Barkow manor house

    • Heinrich-Zander-Straße, 19395 Barkow

    In the Mecklenburg Lake District not far from Plau am See lies the Barkow manor house built in 1913 by the Hülße family. The large garden borders directly on the Müritz-Elde waterway. The house was completely renovated in recent years and furnished as a guesthouse with eight apartments, two single rooms and ten double rooms. The Barkow Manor rents out canoes and bicycles.

    Read more: "Barkow manor house"
  • © Gerhild Meßner

    Vacation home Bittern

    • Speck, 17192 Kargow OT Speck

    Cozy vacation home in the middle of the Müritz National Park. Ideal for families, with CO2 neutral energy concept.

    Read more: "Vacation home Bittern"
  • © EBB Alt Rehse

    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"
  • Hotelansicht Wiesenseite // © Hotel am Müritz-Nationalpark

    Hotel At Müritz National Park

    • Specker Straße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The hotel at the Müritz National Park *** Superior offers with the unforgettable panoramic view into nature a resting place for connoisseurs! Here meet active individual tourists, nature lovers, friends of art, wine and good food with a flair for loving detail.

    Read more: "Hotel At Müritz National Park"
  • © 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"
  • Fishermen's yard Waren (Müritz)

    • Open today
    • Am Seeufer, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The Fischerhof Waren "Am Seeufer" is located in the immediate vicinity of the city harbor and the old town. From the terrace, guests enjoy an incomparable view of the Müritz and the old town.

    Read more: "Fishermen's yard Waren (Müritz)"
  • Blick vom See auf die Klinik // © Sonja Trabandt

    Medical Wellness Center at the Haussee Clinic

    • OT Feldberg, Buchenallee, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Medical Wellness in the Feldberg Lake District Nature Park - enjoy the enchanting landscape, breathe the fresh air and simply let your mind wander.

    Read more: "Medical Wellness Center at the Haussee Clinic"

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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.