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.

466 results

  • The slube hotel in Krakow am See with its sleeping towers // © slube

    slube on Lake Krakow

    • Am Windfang, 18292 Krakow am See

    The fourth location, slube am Krakower See, has already opened and is another overnight accommodation option along the Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route.

    Read more: "slube on Lake Krakow"
  • The Liepen moated castle and the servants' quarters can be reached from the park via a small wooden bridge. // © Burmeister

    Liepen moated castle

    • Liepen, 17139 Liepen

    Liepen moated castle is located on an island surrounded by an idyllic park. It was built in the 15th century by the Count Hahn family, who live here again today. The medieval vaulted cellar belongs to the oldest part of the castle complex and can be visited

    Read more: "Liepen moated castle"
  • auf Kanu-Safari durch den Müritz-Nationalpark // © Kanu-Hecht

    With canoe pike on national park tour

    • Dalmsdorf, 17237 Kratzeburg

    Here you can experience the beauty of the Müritz National Park from a completely different side. It is called board a boat of the diverse fleet and enjoy the silence and partial solitude of the region.

    Read more: "With canoe pike on national park tour"
  • © FSV GbR

    Go-kart & bike rental - Fleesensee Vermietung GbR

    • Wendhofer Str., 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    More fun with go-karts, bikes, and family mobiles in beautiful Land Fleesensee! Rental of bicycles and pedal-powered go-karts in Göhren-Lebbin. An experience for young and old.

    Read more: "Go-kart & bike rental - Fleesensee Vermietung GbR"
  • 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"
  • © Jana Koch

    Tennis facility Teterow

    • Langhäger Chaussee, 17166 Teterow

    Three playing fields, which can also be booked by guests subject to availability.

    Read more: "Tennis facility Teterow"
  • © treckerausflug.de

    treckerausflug.de - lovingly maintained vintage tractors for self-driving

    • Lindenplatz, 17194 Lupendorf

    Lovingly maintained vintage tractors for self-driving - the genuine original experience for the whole family

    Read more: "treckerausflug.de - lovingly maintained vintage tractors for self-driving"
  • © Landurlaub Diemitz/ Renate Strohm

    Country vacation Diemitz

    • Dorfstraße, 17252 Diemitz

    In the heart of the Mecklenburg Kleinseenplatte, wonderful nature, nice people and animals of all kinds await you on our ecologically managed farm.

    Read more: "Country vacation Diemitz"
  • Vacation on the farm vacation house/holiday apartment (FH Schafstall 3 stars according to DTV)

    • OT Wittenhagen, Hullerbuscher Weg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    2 modern vacation houses as well as a vacation apartment for 4 persons each on the farm near the forest and water, own jetty and bathing place.

    Read more: "Vacation on the farm vacation house/holiday apartment (FH Schafstall 3 stars according to DTV)"
  • Homuth farm store

    • Untergöhrener Str., 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Hofladen Homuth in the Land Fleesensee - incredibly tasty and with a good portion of love, soooo delicious!

    Read more: "Homuth farm store"
  • Seehotel Schloss Klink

    • Schlossstraße, 17192 Klink

    Klink Castle was built in 1898 in the neo-Renaissance style in the style of the Loire castles. One hundred years after its construction, Schlosshotel Klink opened its doors in 1998. The Orangery was opened two years later.

    Read more: "Seehotel Schloss Klink"
  • Hotel zwischen den Seen // © Hotel zwischen den Seen

    Hotel between the lakes

    • Am Mühlenberg, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Great new hotel (renovated villa) - quiet location and close to the city center

    Read more: "Hotel between the lakes"
  • room // © Hotel_Am_Tierpark_J.Hertzsch

    Family hotel at the zoo

    • Verbindungschaussee, 18273 Güstrow

    Short vacation and vacation with the whole family in a cozy and casual atmosphere with all the extras that promise a pleasant vacation. Especially suitable also for dog owners!

    Read more: "Family hotel at the zoo"
  • © Waren (Müritz)-Information

    WineTango

    • Alter Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    At WeinTango, everything revolves around good wines. With our dedication to excellent wines, we are in the process of deepening our expertise so that we can offer you first-class advice. We take you on a journey through the world of fine wine. In addition to a wide selection of wines, we also offer a small but fine selection of specialties to round off your taste experience.

    Read more: "WineTango"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz

    Hotel Garni Schlossgarten

    • Tiergartenstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Your Hotel Garni at the baroque palace garden in the heart of the residence city

    Read more: "Hotel Garni Schlossgarten"
  • Damerower Werder bison reserve

    • Open today
    • Zum Werder, 17194 Damerow

    The colossi of Europe up close...

    Read more: "Damerower Werder bison reserve"
  • Good Zahren

    • Dorfstraße, 19386 Zahren

    Space for ideas - that is the motto of the spacious estate with French flair. There are vacation apartments, lounges, seminar rooms and an estate kitchen.

    Read more: "Good Zahren"
  • Badespaß das ganze Jahr // © Van der Valk Linstow

    Van der Valk Resort Linstow

    • Krakower Chaussee, 18292 Linstow

    The Van der Valk Resort Linstow is surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Mecklenburg Lakes and a mere stone's throw from the Baltic Sea coast at the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern between Berlin and Rostock.

    Read more: "Van der Valk Resort Linstow"
  • Fischers Land Boek - Müritzfischer // © TDG Rechlin mbH / Rene Legrand

    Bolter Schleuse fishing and angling lodge

    • Boeker Mühle, 17248 Boek

    Fischers Land in Boek has become a magnet for visitors in the southern Müritz region in recent years. Located on the edge of the Müritz National Park, visitors have a magnificent view of the breathtaking natural surroundings. Enjoy delicious fish specialties right by the water.

    Read more: "Bolter Schleuse fishing and angling lodge"
  • 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"

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Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

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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.