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

  • Fassade // © Otilija Witt

    Hotel Restaurant Nordischer Hof

    • Markt, 18292 Krakow am See

    Small hotel, very popular between cyclists, with cozy rooms and good Eastern European cuisine.

    Read more: "Hotel Restaurant Nordischer Hof"
  • © Foto: von Levetzow

    Lelkendorf Castle

    • Schlossweg, 17168 Lelkendorf

    Stylishly furnished vacation apartment in the castle with antiques, magnificent view of the castle park, regular cultural events, cozy barbecue area in the park with permanently installed barbecue, spacious entrance hall furnished with seating areas and works of art.

    Read more: "Lelkendorf Castle"
  • Exterior view // © Landhotel Prälank

    Country Hotel & Restaurant PRÄLANK

    • Prälank-Kalkofen, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Are you looking for a place to slow down? You want to escape the big city jungle or simply enjoy the wonderful nature? Then visit our small country hotel in an idyllic location on a small lake in the Müritz National Park, not far from the residential town of Neustrelitz.

    Read more: "Country Hotel & Restaurant PRÄLANK"
  • Laden in der Schaumanufaktur // © Papadoxx-Fotografie GbR

    Jolu natural cosmetics

    • Open today
    • Demminer Straße, 17159 Dargun

    In one of the most beautiful regions of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern you will find cosmetics made in harmony with nature from all the regional treasures that our state has to offer. The pampering and care products can be purchased on site in the cosmetics manufactory or ordered quite comfortably via the online store.

    Read more: "Jolu natural cosmetics"
  • © Touristinformation Krakow am See

    City Hall Krakow on the Lake

    • Open today
    • Markt, 18292 Krakow am See

    A listed ensemble of buildings is the Krakow marketplace, consisting of the town hall, the town church and mostly town houses of the 18th and 19th centuries.

    Read more: "City Hall Krakow on the Lake"
  • Das Kavaliershaus lädt zum Verweilen ein // © Kavaliershaus am Finckener See / Cyrus Saedi

    Kavaliershaus Suitehotel am Finckener See

    • Hofstraße, 17209 Fincken

    The Kavaliershaus Suitehotel am Finckener See is a peaceful haven in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lakes. Located directly on Lake Fincken with its own beach, it boasts beautiful hotel parkland, 12 modern furnished suites for 2-6 persons, own restaurant, small wellness area and much more!

    Read more: "Kavaliershaus Suitehotel am Finckener See"
  • Tandemflug // © Norddeutsche Gleitschirmschule GmbH

    North German Paragliding School

    • Schillerstraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Realize the dream of flying and be close to nature: That is paragliding. The feeling of boundless freedom makes this sport unique. We want to share this experience with our guests. Your beaming smile after a paragliding flight is our motivation. We are looking forward to seeing you.

    Read more: "North German Paragliding School"
  • Vacation farm Zempow

    • Zempower Dorfstraße, 16909 Zempow

    Vacations in Zempow - that means heavenly peace, fresh country air, finally space to move and lots of animals to get to know!

    Read more: "Vacation farm Zempow"
  • © Segelschule Plau am See

    Marina and sailing school Plau am See

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

    The marina is located on the western shore of Lake Plau south of Plau am See. The oldest sailing school in Mecklenburg is also located here.

    Read more: "Marina and sailing school Plau am See"
  • © Rabennest/Friederike Hegner

    Luxury vacation home "RabenNest

    • Windfang, 18292 Krakow am See

    The location of the vacation home "RabenNest" is unique. Directly on a small, man-made canal with access to the Krakow Lake. Situated in an absolutely quiet location, the vacation home RabenNest invites you to relax and unwind all year round. A true nest to recharge your batteries and draw strength.

    Read more: "Luxury vacation home "RabenNest"
  • © Gina Schulenberg

    Fitness trail & mini golf in Klink

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17192 Klink

    The fitness trail in Klink offers the ideal opportunity to exercise and enjoy nature at the same time. Situated directly on the Müritz circular trail, the course with its various training stations invites you to try out, stretch and strengthen - whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete. There is a small mini-golf course next to the fitness trail.

    Read more: "Fitness trail & mini golf in Klink"
  • Welcome to the 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"
  • Familotel Borchard's Rookhus by the lake

    • Am Labus, 17255 Wesenberg

    100% family vacation in Mecklenburg - only at Familotel Borchard's Rookhus. The right place for the whole family in the middle of the Müritz National Park.

    Read more: "Familotel Borchard's Rookhus by the lake"
  • Der stillvoll gestalteten Hofladen mit Café in der Windmühlenstadt Woldegk // © Bauernhof am Mühlenblick/GWW

    Farm at the mill view

    • Neubrandenburger Chaussee, 17348 Woldegk

    Landgenuss aus Mecklenburg- Taste hearty sausage specialties from the farm's own production and discover other regional products in our stylishly designed farm store with café in the windmill town of Woldegk.

    Read more: "Farm at the mill view"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Malchow city windmill

    • Friedrich-Ebert-Str., 17213 Malchow

    Of the former seven windmills, two are still preserved in the town area: The so-called Stadtmühle and the Achtkant. Both are owned by the island town of Malchow, which is committed to preserving the monuments that characterize the townscape.

    Read more: "Malchow city windmill"
  • © Bernd Friedrich

    Vacation on the farm vacation house/holiday apartment (FH Schafstall 3 stars according to DTV)

    • OT Wittenhagen, Hullerbuscher Weg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    2 modern vacation houses as well as a vacation apartment for 4 persons each on the farm near the forest and water, own jetty and bathing place.

    Read more: "Vacation on the farm vacation house/holiday apartment (FH Schafstall 3 stars according to DTV)"
  • Country house Polak // © Polak

    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"
  • Historical view of Malchow monastery // © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Malchow Monastery Art Museum

    • Open today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    The Malchow Monastery Art Museum is located in historically renovated rooms where works of art are presented in their uniqueness. The history of regional artists becomes a tangible experience.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery Art Museum"
  • Aeronautical Engineering Museum Rechlin

    • Open today
    • Am Claassee, 17248 Rechlin

    In historical ensembles of buildings you can learn more about the impressive history of Rechlin's development into the former central and largest test site for land-based aircraft up to 1945 and the reuse by Soviet-Russian aviation until 1993. The NVA's information centre and the former shipyard are also presented - as well as the lives of the people who worked and lived here.

    Read more: "Aeronautical Engineering Museum Rechlin"
  • Außenansicht Gut Zahren // © DOMUSImages

    Good Zahren

    • Dorfstraße, 19386 Zahren

    Space for ideas - that is the motto of the spacious estate with French flair. There are vacation apartments, lounges, seminar rooms and an estate kitchen.

    Read more: "Good Zahren"

Content is loaded

Select a location in the region

Select a region

or enter a location directly

Content is loaded

Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend

    Read more: "Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend"
  2. By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  3. Houseboat vacation with teenagers

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation with teenagers"
  4. With the houseboat across the lake district of MV

    Read more: "With the houseboat across the lake district of MV"
  5. Top

    5

    Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow

    Read more: "Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow"
  6. Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  7. On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow

    Read more: "On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow"
  8. Top

    5

    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  9. Mother and daughter on tour together

    Read more: "Mother and daughter on tour together"
  10. Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path

    Read more: "Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path"
  11. The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle

    Read more: "The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle"
  12. On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa

    Read more: "On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa"
  13. Romantic weekend at the manor house

    Read more: "Romantic weekend at the manor house"
  14. In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz

    Read more: "In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz"
  15. Health-promoting cure with natural remedies

    Read more: "Health-promoting cure with natural remedies"
  16. Canoe and camping tour

    Read more: "Canoe and camping tour"
  17. Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle

    Read more: "Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle"
  18. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  19. Wonderful winter experiences

    Read more: "Wonderful winter experiences"
  20. Inclusive sailing in Plau am See

    Read more: "Inclusive sailing in Plau am See"
  21. Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect

    Read more: "Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect"
  22. Top

    5

    Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland

    Read more: "Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland"
  23. Top

    7

    Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn

    Read more: "Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn"
  24. Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)

    Read more: "Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)"
  25. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  26. Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle

    Read more: "Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle"
  27. Top

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  28. Top

    7

    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  29. Houseboat adventure

    Read more: "Houseboat adventure"
  30. Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  31. Top

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

    Read more: "Country holiday tips for the fall"
1- 0 from 0

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.