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

  • © TMV/Gänsicke

    Viewpoint Reiherberg

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Reiherberg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The Reiherberg is with 143 m one of the highest elevations in the Feldberg lake district and offers a really fantastic view over the Haussee with the two picturesque islands to the silhouette of Feldberg.

    Read more: "Viewpoint Reiherberg"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Ice rink island city Malchow

    • Schulstraße, 17213 Malchow

    Whether it's a fast-paced skating session, joining in the excitement of ice hockey or dancing at the ice disco, the Malchow ice rink offers variety during your vacation, whether it's summer or winter.

    Read more: "Ice rink island city Malchow"
  • © HdG

    Historic tile pottery

    • Temporarily closed
    • Am Teschenberg, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    A lively look into the past and discover the history of tiles, ovens and the master potters.

    Read more: "Historic tile pottery"
  • Game enclosure on 35 ha for fallow deer and red deer, animals are marketed alive or the game meat can be bought in the farm's own store., © AG Chemnitz

    Strawberry & adventure farm Chemnitz

    • Neubrandenburger Str., 17039 Blankenhof OT Chemnitz

    An eventful excursion for young and old! Space to romp, play, barbecue, pet animals and harvest! Agrargesellschaft Chemnitz is a classic mixed farm with arable farming and game management. On more than 2,000 hectares of arable land and grassland, field farming and animal husbandry of fallow and rusty deer, dairy cows and suckler cows are carried out with professional know-how and modern machinery.

    Read more: "Strawberry & adventure farm Chemnitz"
  • © 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"
  • © Michael Schauenberg

    Herian stud

    • Kargower Weg, 17192 Groß Dratow

    Experience the rustic forests of the Müritz National Park and the romantic landscape of the Mecklenburg Lake District on the back of our horses. Get to know the rare breed of Spanish-Norman Horses.

    Read more: "Herian stud"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Bathing establishment Krakow on the lake

    • Jörnbergweg, 18292 Krakow am See

    The bathing establishment is one of the few natural baths in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and offers bathing fun for the whole family.

    Read more: "Bathing establishment Krakow on the lake"
  • Malchow Monastery

    • Open today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    Go on a journey of discovery in the shadow of the monastery and spend a day in Malchow's impressive monastery complex right on Malchow Lake.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz

    White bridge

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Weiße Brücke, 17235 Neustrelitz

    A vantage point with a breathtaking view over Lake Zierk

    Read more: "White bridge"
  • © Mirja Peitz

    BIOHOF Peitz

    • Feldweg, 17194 Klocksin

    Since 1934, the family business has been managing the farm in the middle of Mecklenburg Switzerland in the third and fourth generation.

    Read more: "BIOHOF Peitz"
  • 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"
  • © Seehotel Heidehof

    Seehotel Heidehof***

    • Seestraße, 17094 Klein Nemerow

    Welcome to the Seehotel Heidehof - your retreat in the middle of the idyllic Mecklenburg Lake District. The traditional hotel is picturesquely perched on a steep bank of Lake Tollensesee and inspires with its tranquillity, closeness to nature and unmistakable flair. Only a few minutes away from Neubrandenburg, a harmonious combination of relaxation, enjoyment and living history awaits you here.

    Read more: "Seehotel Heidehof***"
  • 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"
  • Windsurfing course including equipment in the standing area, © Katamaran- und Surfmühle

    Catamaran and surf mill

    • Am Müritzufer, 17248 Boeker Mühle

    The versatile water sports center / surfing and sailing school, located on the eastern shore of the Müritz, offers beginners and advanced surfers the best opportunities for an eventful vacation. Sailing, surfing, stand-up paddling, water skiing and wakeboarding, and much more. .... Taster sessions are available daily (15.4.-12.10.).

    Read more: "Catamaran and surf mill"
  • © Presse Theater

    Neustrelitz State Theater

    • Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Straße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Landestheater in Neustrelitz is rich in tradition and invites audiences of all ages to enjoy plays and musical theater. Every summer, the theater stages opulent operetta productions open air during the festival in the castle garden.

    Read more: "Neustrelitz State Theater"
  • Living room of the vacation apartment Schmiede in Blücherhof, © Andre Pretzel

    Vacation apartment Schmiede Blücherhof

    • Hof, 17194 Blücherhof

    Our 4-star vacation apartment "Schmiede Blücherhof" is perfect for families, golf lovers alike. In the middle of nature you can escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy the peace and quiet. There is room for two to four people on 70 m².

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Schmiede Blücherhof"
  • 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""
  • With the steam locomotive between Schwichtenberg and Uhlenhorst, © Steffen's Werbe- und Eventagentur

    Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Narrow-gauge railway (MPSB)

    • Zur Kleinbahn, 17099 Galenbeck, OT Schwichtenberg

    You can experience the beauty of nature, the driving pleasure of slowness and the original driving experience in a 600 mm narrow-gauge railway in Schwichtenberg. Visit a exhibition in the original local railway control room and the locomotive show. Opening hours: 1.May – 3.October, every Saturday and Sunday from 02:00 pm – 05:00 pm.

    Read more: "Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Narrow-gauge railway (MPSB)"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH

    Beach volleyball courts Strandbad "Mili" Rechlin North

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Bissendorferstr., 17248 Rechlin

    The beach volleyball courts offer ideal conditions for thrilling matches and unforgettable moments under the bright sun.

    Read more: "Beach volleyball courts Strandbad "Mili" Rechlin North"
  • © S. Schulz

    Marina Eldenburg

    • An der Reeck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Marina Eldenburg is located in a quiet bay on the Reecksee between Müritz and Kölpinsee. In the vacation accommodations you can spend a relaxing vacation. Also a license-free sport boat for a day trip on the Mecklenburger Oberseen can be rented here in addition.

    Read more: "Marina Eldenburg"

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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.