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.

443 results

  • Front view Seehotel Ecktannen // © Mirko Runge

    Seehotel Ecktannen

    • Fontanestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Enter and be at home! The Seehotel Ecktannen, an owner-managed four-star hotel in the health spa Waren (Müritz), inspires with its unique location in the immediate vicinity of the Müritz and the Müritz National Park.

    Read more: "Seehotel Ecktannen"
  • Dalwitz Manor Park

    • Dalwitz, 17179 Walkendorf

    In the estate park you can discover a monument dedicated to Sabine von Bassewitz (1716-1790). She was considered by contemporaries as a "woman of great and rare talents".

    Read more: "Dalwitz Manor Park"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Playground "In the city park

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Malchow

    Directly next to the town church, the playground, which will be opened in the fall of 2021, invites visitors to linger.

    Read more: "Playground "In the city park"
  • City Hall Waren (Müritz)

    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The historical town hall with the city history museum

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  • © Rene Julitz

    Federow distillery

    • An der Brennerei, 17192 Federow

    The distillery is located right at the entrance to the Müritz National Park. The village has only about 100 inhabitants, but a large number of guests. Almost all guided tours of the national park start in Federow.

    Read more: "Federow distillery"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    DDR Everyday Life Museum Malchow

    • Open today
    • 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"
  • Gretchenheim Plau am See

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

    Monument

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  • © E. Gazioch

    Vacation home on Lake Trams

    • Von-Barner-Straße, 19417 Trams

    Vacation home on Lake Trams //sauna//whirlpool//accessible//incl. boat

    Read more: "Vacation home on Lake Trams"
  • Catholic Church of St. Peter Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Niels-Stensen-Straße, 17166 Teterow

    Parish church

    Read more: "Catholic Church of St. Peter Teterow"
  • © Daniel Steinke Fotografie

    MÜRITZ-captain

    • Seebadstr., 17207 Röbel/Müritz

    MÜRITZ-captain rents out modern, license-free houseboats for 2-7 people from Röbel/Müritz. With comforts such as WLAN, air conditioning, TV and much more, as well as extras such as a water slide, you will experience unforgettable vacation days on the Mecklenburg Lake District - safe, flexible and relaxed.

    Read more: "MÜRITZ-captain"
  • Peitz Organic Farm

    • 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: "Peitz Organic Farm"
  • Country house & apiary Polak

    • Schulstraße, 19386 Kreien

    Where man and nature are in harmony! On our farm with guest boxes for horses, organic beekeeping and 2 vacation apartments we invite you to a vacation in nature.

    Read more: "Country house & apiary Polak"
  • © Van der Valk Freizeit und Touristik GmbH

    Van der Valk Nature Resort Drewitz

    • Am Drewitzer See, 17214 Nossentiner Hütte OT Drewitz

    In the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District, halfway between Berlin and Rostock and directly on Lake Drewitz, you will find a spot that some say is paradise ...

    Read more: "Van der Valk Nature Resort Drewitz"
  • Seminar and Country House Schönbeck

    • Neu Schönbeck, 17349 Schönbeck

    Relax, unwind, gather resources is our motto. The country house offers enough space and room for single travelers, as well as small groups up to 12 people. Our Tiny House is ideal for 2 people. The Farm Barn offers guests regional products for self-catering or memory shopping.

    Read more: "Seminar and Country House Schönbeck"
  • 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"
  • Heidekrug Hotel & Restaurant

    • Grünplan, 17255 Grünplan

    The hotel & restaurant has 27 rooms and a restaurant with a beautiful lakeside terrace in the middle of unspoiled nature. This idyllic gem at the intersection of Mecklenburg and Brandenburg is an ideal place to relax. The hotel with a special lakeside ambience, stylish and close to nature.

    Read more: "Heidekrug Hotel & Restaurant"
  • Herzlich Willkommen in der FerienResidenz MüritzPark // © FerienResidenz MüritzPark

    HolidayResidence MüritzPark

    • Bahnhofstraße, 17207 Röbel/Müritz

    The FerienResidenz MüritzPark - located in Röbel, the colorful town by the small sea. Personal, individual, spacious - the perfect choice for a relaxed and restful vacation for families, couples, those seeking relaxation and activity, as well as for parties and conferences.

    Read more: "HolidayResidence MüritzPark"
  • Schlosshotel Neustrelitz

    • Parkstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Schlosshotel Neustrelitz is located in the Mecklenburg Lake District, in the middle of the baroque residential town of Neustrelitz

    Read more: "Schlosshotel Neustrelitz"
  • © Rene Julitz

    Federow distillery

    The distillery is located right at the entrance to the Müritz National Park. The village has only about 100 inhabitants, but a large number of guests. Almost all guided tours of the national park start in Federow.

    Read more: "Federow distillery"
  • © "Kirche-MV"

    Church ruins - "Desert church" - Domherrenhagen

    • 17194 Moltzow

    The church of St. Nikolai Domherrenhagen is also known as the "desert church" - a ruined church

    Read more: "Church ruins - "Desert church" - Domherrenhagen"

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Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

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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.