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.

462 results

  • © Antje Rost

    House Seeblick Carwitz

    • OT Carwitz, Carwitzer Str., 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Vacation apartments for 2- 4 persons. Due to its location, the "Haus Seeblick" is an ideal starting point for various leisure activities. Many of my guests appreciate exactly that: Recreation in an intact natural landscape, pleasant, comfortable accommodation and the amenities that the charming Carwitz offers.

    Read more: "House Seeblick Carwitz"
  • © Gästehaus BärenHof

    Guest House BärenHof

    • Ausbau am See, 19395 Barkhagen / OT Barkow-Ausbau

    A more than 100 year old farm in an exclusive location directly on the Kritzower See was lovingly remodeled. Thus, six comfortable vacation apartments were created, all with a terrace overlooking the lake. We now offer you, nestled in a beautiful natural and lake landscape, a place to relax far away from the stress and hustle and bustle of everyday life.

    Read more: "Guest House BärenHof"
  • © TMV/Gänsicke

    Müritz harbour village

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Alte Werftstraße, 17248 Hafendorf Müritz

    Your vacation domicile at the Müritz! Situated in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District, a vacation resort in a class of its own awaits you.

    Read more: "Müritz harbour village"
  • © Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte Touristik GmbH

    Erratic block garden Wesenberg

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Wustrower Chaussee, 17255 Wesenberg

    Wesenberg erratic boulder garden - it is located on the avenue road south on the outskirts of the town in the direction of Wustrow

    Read more: "Erratic block garden Wesenberg"
  • Simple and beautiful: Zarchlin manor house, © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

    • Dorfstraße, 19395 Zarchlin

    Ecologically renovated house with design vacation apartments, seminar room, large kitchen and music rehearsal room. Plain manor house with 100 historic windows in the Mecklenburg Lake District. Awarded the Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in the Preservation of Historical Monuments.

    Read more: "Manor house Zarchlin"
  • © Der Insulaner - Hotel & Restaurant

    The Insulaner - Hotel & Restaurant

    • Lange Straße, 17213 Malchow

    ARRIVE, TAKE A DEEP BREATH, RELAX! Fancy Malchow? Ready for the island? Leave everyday life behind and experience the Insulaner Hotel-Restaurant with spectacular lake views.

    Read more: "The Insulaner - Hotel & Restaurant"
  • © Stadt Parchim / Steffen Struck

    CULTURE MILL PARCHIM

    • Fischerdamm, 19370 Parchim

    Theater-Museum - A place of diversity, culture and youth, all under one roof.

    Read more: "CULTURE MILL PARCHIM"
  • Aerial view of the fishing farm with cottages, © Fischerei und Räucherei Alt-Schwerin/Dietmar Bürth

    Fishing & Smokehouse Alt Schwerin

    • Wendorf, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    Fishing business with boat mooring (also for large yachts) in Lake Plauer See, fish restaurant with original Mecklenburg fish cuisine, smokehouse and vacation apartments directly on the lake.

    Read more: "Fishing & Smokehouse Alt Schwerin"
  • Farm store, © H. Görlt

    Manufacture dandelion

    • Open today
    • Dorfstraße, 17214 Nossentiner Hütte

    Fine food from Mecklenburg is available in this small farm store. Experience nature - with all your senses. During a herb walk, guests can also be enchanted by the abundance and magic around them.

    Read more: "Manufacture dandelion"
  • © Heinrich-Schliemann-Museum Ankershagen

    Heinrich Schliemann Museum

    • Open today
    • Lindenallee, 17219 Ankershagen

    "Discover Schliemann's world" - under this credo, the Schliemann Museum in Ankershagen, Mecklenburg, will be guiding visitors through Heinrich Schliemann's multifaceted life with a new exhibition starting in June 2019.

    Read more: "Heinrich Schliemann Museum"
  • © Tommys Fahrradladen

    TOMMY'S bike store

    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Malchow

    Looking for the right bike, accessories, service and Co? With us you are exactly right.

    Read more: "TOMMY'S bike store"
  • © Jonas Kurverwaltung

    Playground Burghof Plau am See

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

    The Burghof Plau am See playground is located in the historic old town. The facility has swings, a climbing tower, slide, suspension bridge, swing and wine press scaffolding,

    Read more: "Playground Burghof Plau am See"
  • RS Land finishing

    • Strelitzer Str., 17094 Burg Stargard

    Visit our farm store with regional products from our mother-cow husbandry with direct marketing.

    Read more: "RS Land finishing"
  • © Bernd Kehrer

    Antiquarian bookshop

    • Am Stadthafen, 17235 Neustrelitz

    A treasure for book lovers

    Read more: "Antiquarian bookshop"
  • Krakow raft trips, © Frank Tetmeyer

    Krakow raft tour

    • Windfang, 18292 Krakow am See

    Raft tours on one of the most beautiful and quietest lakes in Germany are offered by the "Krakower Flosstouren". Glide with the rafts over the Krakow lake!

    Read more: "Krakow raft tour"
  • 3 Queens Palace

    • Open today
    • Schlossinsel, 17252 Mirow

    Suddenly Queen - How Mecklenburg princesses became important European queens. The 3-Queens-Palace on the castle island of Mirow offers an interactive exhibition on the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and the queens who came from this house. In addition to the exhibition, there is also a café with a view of the lake, a souvenir store with regional products and the Mirow tourist information office.

    Read more: "3 Queens Palace"
  • © Bluhm´s Delikat

    Bluhm's Delikat

    • Warener Str., 17194 Moltzow

    Bluhm's Delikat serves honest food made from fresh and seasonal products. We are caterers and producers as well as organizers of various culinary events in the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "Bluhm's Delikat"
  • © Steffen Tepasse

    Dat Waldhus - Holiday with dogs

    • Philosophenweg, 19395 Plau am See

    When they spend their vacation at Waldhus, they are among like-minded people. Here they will probably always meet more paws than feet.

    Read more: "Dat Waldhus - Holiday with dogs"
  • © Petra Asmuss

    Mecklenburger Fischstübchen - Restaurant and vacation homes

    • OT Feldberg, Amtsplatz, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    We run a small, cozy fish restaurant with its own smokehouse and offer you vacations in healthy nature with our child-friendly vacation homes.

    Read more: "Mecklenburger Fischstübchen - Restaurant and vacation homes"
  • © Martin Kaiser, NPA Müritz

    Peckatel Castle

    • Peckatel, 17237 Klein Vielen

    Dreamlike vacations in the castle - look forward to vacation apartments and rooms that offer everything your heart desires.

    Read more: "Peckatel Castle"

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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.