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.

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  • Sunset bench // © Groh

    Beach Sommersdorf

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17111 Sommersdorf

    On the western shore of Lake Kummerow, a wide sandy beach, several swimming bays and usually a light breeze await you. From here you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets.

    Read more: "Beach Sommersdorf"
  • © 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.

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  • Brohm village church

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17099 Brohm

    The village church Brohm is an early gothic fieldstone church with baroque equipment

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  • Old school Krakow on the lake

    • Open today
    • Schulplatz, 18292 Krakow am See

    Experience tradition in the "Old School", which was extensively renovated in 1998 and houses the library, the local history room and the printing museum.

    Read more: "Old school Krakow on the lake"
  • 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"
  • Small exhibition of the Nature Park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“

    • Wargentiner Straße, 17139 Basedow

    The exhibition about the nature park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“ in Basedow can be found in the cafe “Alter Schafstall“, on the right side of the guest room. It displays land and people of the region.

    Read more: "Small exhibition of the Nature Park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“"
  • © Rainer Gottwald

    Vacation home Laeven

    • Mooskoppel, OT Laeven, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The vacation home is located about 4 km from Feldberg, in the district of Laeven in a secluded location on a large plot with unobstructed views. Due to its spacious layout, it is also particularly suitable for groups of 4 - 10 people.

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  • Cultural Quarter Mecklenburg-Strelitz

    • Open today
    • Schloßstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Discover. Marvel. Linger. Encounter.

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  • © Bernd Kehrer

    Antiquarian bookshop

    • Am Stadthafen, 17235 Neustrelitz

    A treasure for book lovers

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  • © 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"
  • © Gina Schulenberg

    Klink beach

    • Am Seeblick, 17192 Klink

    With its idyllic location directly on the Müritz, the beach in Klink invites you to spend relaxing hours by the water. Comfortable beach chairs are available for the perfect day at the lake and can be easily hired from the nearby Strandläufer restaurant.

    Read more: "Klink beach"
  • Außenansicht Hotel mit Strand und Badeplattform // © Seehotel Fleesensee

    Seehotel Fleesensee Resort & SPA

    • Seeblick, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    At the Seehotel Fleesensee, wellness, comfort and the fantastic location on Lake Fleesensee in the middle of the Mecklenburg Lake District combine to create a relaxing vacation.

    Read more: "Seehotel Fleesensee Resort & SPA"
  • Herzlich Willkommen im Seminar- und Landhaus Schönbeck // © Seminar- und Landhotel Schönbeck / Szeszkat

    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"
  • © Gutshaus Rumpshagen / von Bismarck

    Manor house Rumpshagen

    • Parkstraße, 17219 Ankershagen

    The baroque manor house was built in 1730.

    Read more: "Manor house Rumpshagen"
  • © Pension am See

    Pension by the lake

    • Güstrower Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Welcome to the pension "By the lake"!

    Read more: "Pension by the lake"
  • Haupthaus Schloss Groß Plasten // © Finn Steen

    The Reset Hotel

    • Parkallee, 17192 Groß Plasten

    With its location on the edge of the Müritz National Park, THE RESET in Groß Plasten Castle offers a very special place for rest and relaxation. The Reset stands for detox and fasting cures with first-class medical care.

    Read more: "The Reset Hotel"
  • KIWI apartments in winter // © Thomas Ziebuhr

    KIWI Apartments at the Dreier Lake

    • Fischweg, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    KIWI apartments on Lake Dreier - a dream place for people who want to experience nature up close during their vacation, but do not want to sacrifice comfort.

    Read more: "KIWI Apartments at the Dreier Lake"
  • 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"
  • © Roman Knie

    Old school Fürstenhagen

    • OT Fürstenhagen, Zur Alten Schule, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The home for gourmets! We have been running the renowned starred restaurant Alte Schule since 2010. Our house is characterized by regional star cuisine and family hospitality. In addition to the well-equipped hotel rooms in country style, we also offer modern rooms for meetings and seminars.

    Read more: "Old school Fürstenhagen"
  • © Thomas Neske

    Malchow lido

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Strandstraße, 17213 Malchow

    with playground / basketball court / streetball court / volleyball court

    Read more: "Malchow lido"

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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.