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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  • © Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte Touristik GmbH

    Wesenberg castle with fishing tower

    • Burg, 17255 Wesenberg

    Castle complex with local history room and exhibition on fishing and regional history, tourist information, public Internet access, nationwide ticket service

    Read more: "Wesenberg castle with fishing tower"
  • © Inselstadt Malchow

    Ladies Square at Malchow Monastery

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    The Ladies' Square at Malchow Monastery, together with the former refectory (now the Art Museum), forms the center of the site.

    Read more: "Ladies Square at Malchow Monastery"
  • Ferienanlage Zum See in Plau am See // © Ferienanlage Zum See Plau am See

    Vacation resort Zum See

    • Quetziner Straße, 19395 Plau am See

    Our vacation resort "Zum See" is located directly on the northern shore of Lake Plau in the beautiful and quiet district of Heidenholz. Embedded in meadows, surrounded by almost untouched nature, you will find an idyllic place to relax and unwind.

    Read more: "Vacation resort Zum See"
  • Luzinferien.de

    • OT Carwitz/ Carwitzer Str., 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Spacious vacation home for 8 to 10 people with open gallery and panoramic terrace above the treetops on the narrow Luzin for weekly rent (7 days, each from Saturday to Saturday)

    Read more: "Luzinferien.de"
  • © Jonas Kurverwaltung

    Sparkasse Mecklenburg-Schwerin Schwerin Branch Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Lange Straße, 19395 Plau am See

    Banknote depositor Cash dispenser ATM with deposit and withdrawal function ATM with deposit and withdrawal function with NFC ATM with NFC Bank statement printer Customer parking spaces Coin counting machine Travel money (on order) Self-service terminal Locker facilities WLAN hotspot Largely wheelchair accessible

    Read more: "Sparkasse Mecklenburg-Schwerin Schwerin Branch Plau am See"
  • Zoo Neustrelitz

    • Open today
    • Am Tiergarten, 17235 Neustrelitz

    One of the oldest zoos in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - rustic habitat for 450 animals!

    Read more: "Zoo Neustrelitz"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH / Hans Blossey

    Sailing harbor Rechlin

    • Fritz-Reuter-Straße, 17248 Rechlin

    The sailing harbor of the Müritz-Segel-Verein Rechlin e.V. is located on the eastern shore of the Kleine Müritz.

    Read more: "Sailing harbor Rechlin"
  • 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"
  • Neubrandenburg-Nettelkuhl climate forest // © Landesforst MV

    Climate Forest Neubrandenburg

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Am Eschenhof, 17033 Neubrandenburg

    In cooperation with the Neubrandenburg municipal forestry office, 300 shares were purchased here by a company based in Neustrelitz. Together with the company, residents of the region were involved in planting a climatic forest of 2000 sessile oaks on an area of 0.3 hectares. The planting took place on 10.04.2010.

    Read more: "Climate Forest Neubrandenburg"
  • SPA AT THE SEA

    • Amsee, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    the oasis of peace in our region

    Read more: "SPA AT THE SEA"
  • Vacation home Bittern

    • Speck, 17192 Kargow OT Speck

    Cozy vacation home in the middle of the Müritz National Park. Ideal for families, with CO2 neutral energy concept.

    Read more: "Vacation home Bittern"
  • Ferienwohung Freiheit in Warin // © MV-T/A.Wilken

    Vacation apartment Freiheit

    • Schilfweg, 19417 Warin

    Accessible vacation apartment in Warin just a few meters from Lake Groß Warin. Enjoy a relaxing vacation in the vacation home built in 2020.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Freiheit"
  • © Hotel Amsee GmbH

    SPA Hotel Amsee

    • Amsee, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Nestled in a hilly landscape shaped by the ice age, directly on the Tiefwarensee and on the edge of Mecklenburg Switzerland, the 4-star SPA Hotel Amsee is the first address for travellers in search of relaxation and activities in the nature.

    Read more: "SPA Hotel Amsee"
  • © MüritzTherme

    MüritzTherme

    • Am Gotthunskamp, 17207 Röbel/Müritz

    The MüritzTherme Röbel offers in harmony with the natural advantages of the Müritz as the largest inland lake in Germany further opportunities for recreation on and in the water.

    Read more: "MüritzTherme"
  • 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"
  • Alte Schule // © TI Krakow am See

    Old school Krakow on the lake

    • Closed 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"
  • Playground at Wesenberg Castle

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17255 Wesenberg

    The playground in Wesenberg is located directly at the castle Wesenberg. A good and family-friendly infrastructure is available. The arrival and departure with the Kleinseenbahn is possible.

    Read more: "Playground at Wesenberg Castle"
  • © BEECH Resort Fleesensee

    Mill store Fleesensee

    • Am Kalkberg, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Coffee To Go, treats from the region, souvenirs, toys and fresh baker's rolls every day. In the mill store at BEECH Resort you will find everything you need.

    Read more: "Mill store Fleesensee"
  • © Landurlaub M-V e.V./ Anika Weisbrich

    Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm

    • Open today
    • Alter Forsthof, 17209 Zislow

    The cozy Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm serves homemade cakes, changing soups and hot and cold drinks. A child-friendly atmosphere with a reading corner, occasional cultural events and the adjacent horse farm make it a popular destination. The café can also be hired for private events by prior arrangement.

    Read more: "Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm"
  • So close to nature // © Horst

    Country farm to the dairy

    • Meierei, 17217 Penzlin / Mallin

    In the heart of Mecklenburg, near the Tollensesee, in the middle of forest, meadow and water you will find our small pension with 22 beds. On 9 hectares of farm you will find your well-deserved rest and at the same time have a charming starting point for your active recreation.

    Read more: "Country farm to the dairy"

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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.