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.

459 results

  • © Jana Koch

    Hotel WENDENKRUG

    • Temporarily closed
    • Burgwallinsel, 17166 Teterow

    Excursion restaurant with lake terrace and pension rooms under the thatched roof on the Burgwallinsel in Lake Teterow

    Read more: "Hotel WENDENKRUG"
  • Autumn at Ivenack Castle // © DOMUSImages

    Ivenack Castle

    • Am Schloss, 17153 Ivenack

    The older, middle part of the castle dates back to the 16th century - the monastery building. A first extension took place in 1709 and after passing to the Imperial Counts v. Plessen around 1750. The semicircular stables, the orangery, the tea house and the church also date from this period. Around 1810, the castle was again extended by two wings. Since 2016, it has been renovated in accordance with the preservation order. The 1000-year-old Ivenack oaks in the former animal park are Germany's first national natural monument.

    Read more: "Ivenack Castle"
  • Living area of the vacation apartment osprey with large barn windows // © Andre Pretzel

    Vacation apartment osprey- barn at the lake Loppin

    • Am Wallberg, 17194 Jabel

    The vacation apartment "Fischadler" is located in the renovated 100 year old barn in Loppin, directly at the Loppin Lake, in the middle of the nature park "Schwinzer Heide". It is perfect for a vacation with the whole family or for fishing enthusiasts.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment osprey- barn at the lake Loppin"
  • Ten Commandments" cycle // © W. Kothe

    Glass art in the forge garden at Rattey

    • Rattey, 17349 Schönbeck

    Since 2020, the artist Werner Kothe has been showing his glass art objects in the open space - in the middle of the village, opposite the castle - the exhibition is open all year round.

    Read more: "Glass art in the forge garden at Rattey"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Bahnhofshotel Plau am See

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

    The old Bahnhofshotel Plau am See is located at the end of Steinstraße (no. 96). The building is one of the architectural monuments of the small Mecklenburg town. Today, a memorial plaque commemorates the "forced unification" of the KPD and SPD parties. Since 2015, the old station hotel has been the children's and boys' center of the town of Plau am See.

    Read more: "Bahnhofshotel Plau am See"
  • © Plauer Hai-Live e. V.

    Plauer Hai-Live e. V. - Sailing connects

    • Seestraße, 19395 Plau am See

    The Plauer Hai-Live e. V. sailing club in Plau am See in the Mecklenburg Lake District has been in existence since 2006. The association was founded as an inclusive sailing club right from the start.

    Read more: "Plauer Hai-Live e. V. - Sailing connects"
  • Spaß für die ganze Familie mit der "schwimmenden Ferienwohnung" // © Müritz Yacht Management

    Müritz-Yacht-Management e.K.

    • Müritzstraße, 17248 Rechlin

    "Your strong partner for water sports in the Mecklenburg Lake District. Here in the center of the lake district, in the southern Müritz region, is our home. Our philosophy is that our charter guests and our customers should feel completely carefree and comfortable and that we want to offer a "one-stop service".

    Read more: "Müritz-Yacht-Management e.K."
  • © Gina Schulenberg

    Nudist beach at Kölpingsee

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17192 Klink

    The naturist beach at Kölpingsee in Klink is a real insider tip for anyone who wants to enjoy nature and swimming without clothing in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The natural bathing area impresses with its unspoiled nature and beautiful location away from the hustle and bustle.

    Read more: "Nudist beach at Kölpingsee"
  • 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"
  • © Christin Drühl

    Prillwitz hunting lodge

    • Prillwitz, 17237 Hohenzieritz

    In 1890 the house was built as a hunting lodge of the Grand Duke of Strelitz in the neo-Renaissance style. The old manor house next to it is a simple 11-axis building over two floors. The facade of the hunting lodge is richly articulated and changes from red clinker to sandstone. The theme of hunting is found in the decor of the house. Inside, parts of the wall paneling have been preserved. Also noteworthy is the beautiful lake location on the Lieps.

    Read more: "Prillwitz hunting lodge"
  • The pleasant feeling of having arrived, letting time almost stand still for once and enjoying the moment to the full. For us, this is the epitome of "being welcome". Your visit with us should give you exactly that and also awaken the desire to experience the extraordinary hospitality in Rattey again. // © Inselmühle Usedom GmbH | Hotel Schloss Rattey

    Hotel Castle Rattey

    • Schlossplatz, 17349 Schönbeck

    Schloss Rattey is an inviting and unpretentious manor house with a park and surrounding vineyards and was built in 1806. Today's Hotel Schloss Rattey offers guests 15 spacious double rooms and suites equipped with modern comforts, as well as a restaurant, sauna and farm shop.

    Read more: "Hotel Castle Rattey"
  • Das Hotel Am Tiefwarensee liegt in einer Parklandschaft und einem großen Schaugarten. // © Torsten Rassmann

    Hotel Am Tiefwarensee

    • Richard-Wossidlo-Straße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    3-star hotel with 70 beds in a quiet location directly on the Tiefwarensee in a garden landscape. Café-restaurant with garden terrace, sauna. Open all year round.

    Read more: "Hotel Am Tiefwarensee"
  • Park Hotel Fasanerie

    • Karbe-Wagner-Straße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Park Hotel Fasanerie awaits you in the residential town of Neustrelitz, idyllically situated next to a small park with a pond (small lake).

    Read more: "Park Hotel Fasanerie"
  • Village store Broock

    • Open today
    • Gutshof Broock, 17129 Alt Tellin

    After decades without a shop and restaurant in Broock, our village store with café and beer garden is now open, on the edge of the future Schlossgut Broock cultural and conference center and in the middle of the beautiful Tollensetal valley.

    Read more: "Village store Broock"
  • © Fleesensee Feriendorf GmbH

    BEECH Resort Fleesensee creative workshop

    • Am Kalkberg, 17213 Goehren-Lebbin

    In the BEECH studio, your creativity will come to the fore - painting ceramics, making mosaics, fabric printing or felting and, last but not least, carving for young and old. Registration required Tel. 039932 80300, BEECH Resort Fleesensee

    Read more: "BEECH Resort Fleesensee creative workshop"
  • Waldhotel & Restaurant Stieglitzenkrug (3 stars)

    • OT Feldberg, Schlichter Damm, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The Waldhotel Stieglitzenkrug with its 53 beds is located in a quiet forest location on the outskirts of Feldberg, above the Haussee lake. It is the starting point for various Nordic walking and hiking tours. Our kitchen offers home-style cooking as well as Mecklenburg specialties.

    Read more: "Waldhotel & Restaurant Stieglitzenkrug (3 stars)"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Göhren-Lebbin

    Playground at Fleesensee OT Untergöhren

    • 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Small playground with climbing frame, pirate ship, seesaw, swing and seating area

    Read more: "Playground at Fleesensee OT Untergöhren"
  • © Stadt Waren (Müritz)

    Public bath Waren (Müritz)

    • Kameruner Weg, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    This gated pool is very family-friendly and offers a large water slide, several beach volleyball courts, playground, a dock and designated non-swimmer areas, as well as changing facilities, restrooms and food service.

    Read more: "Public bath Waren (Müritz)"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Penzlin Castle - Witch Museum

    • Open today
    • Burg, 17217 Penzlin

    Cultural History Museum of Everyday Magic and Witch Persecutions in Mecklenburg

    Read more: "Penzlin Castle - Witch Museum"
  • © Malchower Reiterhof

    Malchow Riding School

    • Friedrich-Lessen-Weg, 17213 Malchow

    Horseback riding in charming surroundings You will find the Malchower Reiterhof in the Mecklenburg Lake District between Lake Plauer See and Müritz on the B192 (at Malchow Monastery) in an idyllic forest and meadow landscape with very good riding opportunities.

    Read more: "Malchow Riding School"

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. Health-promoting cure with natural remedies

    Read more: "Health-promoting cure with natural remedies"
  2. Top

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

    Read more: "Country holiday tips for the fall"
  3. Top

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  4. By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  5. Top

    7

    Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn

    Read more: "Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn"
  6. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  7. Houseboat vacation with teenagers

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation with teenagers"
  8. Mother and daughter on tour together

    Read more: "Mother and daughter on tour together"
  9. Top

    5

    Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow

    Read more: "Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow"
  10. Canoe and camping tour

    Read more: "Canoe and camping tour"
  11. Houseboat adventure

    Read more: "Houseboat adventure"
  12. Wonderful winter experiences

    Read more: "Wonderful winter experiences"
  13. Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  14. With the houseboat across the lake district of MV

    Read more: "With the houseboat across the lake district of MV"
  15. Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle

    Read more: "Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle"
  16. Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle

    Read more: "Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle"
  17. Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)

    Read more: "Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)"
  18. On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa

    Read more: "On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa"
  19. Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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

    5

    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  21. The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle

    Read more: "The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle"
  22. Top

    5

    Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland

    Read more: "Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland"
  23. On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow

    Read more: "On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow"
  24. Inclusive sailing in Plau am See

    Read more: "Inclusive sailing in Plau am See"
  25. In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz

    Read more: "In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz"
  26. Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend

    Read more: "Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend"
  27. Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path

    Read more: "Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path"
  28. Top

    7

    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  29. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  30. Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect

    Read more: "Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect"
  31. Romantic weekend at the manor house

    Read more: "Romantic weekend at the manor house"
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.