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

  • © Julia Reichheim

    Neustrelitz Stasi Prison Töpferstraße Memorial Site e. V.

    • Closed today
    • Tiergartenstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Secret Stasi prison in the middle of Neustrelitz

    Read more: "Neustrelitz Stasi Prison Töpferstraße Memorial Site e. V."
  • Aparthotel Seepanorama – 47 Hotelappartements direkt am See // © Ferienpark Mirow GmbH

    Aparthotel Seepanorama

    • Granzow, 17252 Mirow OT Granzow

    The modern hotel with 47 apartments is located directly on the lake in Mirow. It was built in 2006. In the hotel there is a restaurant with a lake terrace, an indoor pool and sauna area as well as a fitness center and a bicycle storage room.

    Read more: "Aparthotel Seepanorama"
  • Blick auf das Gutshaus Barkow // © Tourist Info Plau am See GmbH

    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"
  • © Waren (Müritz) Kur- und Tourismus GmbH

    House of the guest Waren (Müritz)

    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    the small, fine event location for locals and guests

    Read more: "House of the guest Waren (Müritz)"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH

    St. John's Church Boek

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17248 Boek

    "St. Johannis Church is a listed church building in Boek, a district of the municipality of Rechlin in the Mecklenburg Lake District in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It belongs to the parish of Rechlin in the Neustrelitz provostry, Mecklenburg church district of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany.

    Read more: "St. John's Church Boek"
  • © Gerlind Clemens

    Open air stage Waren

    • Am Mühlenberg, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Near the historic city center of Waren is the Bürgerpark Mühlenberg. Here is the open-air stage surrounded by tall trees and lots of greenery.

    Read more: "Open air stage Waren"
  • © Hotel & Restaurant Heidekrug

    Hotel & Restaurant Heidekrug

    • 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: "Hotel & Restaurant Heidekrug"
  • Lake hotel Ichlim

    • Am Nebelsee, 17248 Lärz

    The Seehotel Ichlim is located on the southern foothills of the Müritz, directly on the romantic Nebelseel. It has 29 comfort rooms and 3 vacation cottages.

    Read more: "Lake hotel Ichlim"
  • Familie im BarfussPfad von Plau am See // © Kletterpark Plau am See

    Barefoot adventure trail

    • Open today
    • Ziegeleiweg, 19395 Plau am See

    Barefoot adventure trail in Plau am See

    Read more: "Barefoot adventure trail"
  • Hotel Ingeborg // © Hotel Ingeborg

    Hotel Ingeborg ***

    • Rosenthalstraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    We captured the colors of the Mecklenburg lake landscape and immersed the Hotel INGEBORG in Waren in light and blue.

    Read more: "Hotel Ingeborg ***"
  • Camping and camper park Cameroon

    • Open today
    • Zur Stillen Bucht, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The campsite is located directly on the north shore of the Müritz.

    Read more: "Camping and camper park Cameroon"
  • The Eldenburg marina with its jetty // © 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"
  • © Bernhard Pfitzner

    Amtswerder - House Pfitzner vacation apartments

    • OT Feldberg, Amtsplatz, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Located in Feldberg on the west side of the Amtswerder peninsula on the Haussee lake, the former hotel farmstead (listed ensemble) with its 2 reconstructed half-timbered clay houses dating from 1765 and 1838 now offers individual apartments of various sizes with comfort and charm.

    Read more: "Amtswerder - House Pfitzner vacation apartments"
  • From the Fischerhof enjoy the view of the Müritz and the old town of Waren // © Müritzfischer

    Fishermen's yard Waren (Müritz)

    • Closed 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)"
  • © Burg Stargard

    Stargard Castle

    • Burg, 17094 Burg Stargard

    The castle complex, built around 1236, now houses a museum, herb and root garden and a garment tailor shop, offering visitors a unique glimpse into life in the Middle Ages.

    Read more: "Stargard Castle"
  • © Stadt Plau am See

    Ackerbürgerhaus Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Große Burgstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Ackerbürgerhaus Plau am See

    Read more: "Ackerbürgerhaus Plau am See"
  • © Pöhl GmbH

    Ring Hotel Villa Margarete

    • Fontanestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The facade with its wooden balconies and view into the Müritz National Park, as well as the neat interior design convey a pleasant atmosphere. In the restaurant with garden terrace directly at the Müritz National Park, the chef will spoil you with his special creations.

    Read more: "Ring Hotel Villa Margarete"
  • © 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"
  • © Waren (Müritz) Information

    Consistency Waren (Müritz)

    • Friedensstraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Einklang is a lovingly designed store that offers a diverse selection of jewelry, decorative items, incense and small home accessories. The relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by calm music, invites you to browse and linger. A visit is worthwhile for anyone looking for special gift ideas or a touch of feel-good ambience for their own home.

    Read more: "Consistency Waren (Müritz)"
  • © Aquafun Fleesensee

    AQUAFUN Fleesensee

    • Open today
    • An der Therme, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    The adventure pool AQUAFUN Fleesensee offers a fitness and wellness area, saunas, a steam bath,as well as a newly designed outdoor and indoor area.

    Read more: "AQUAFUN Fleesensee"

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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.