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

  • © Mirko Runge

    Kells Müritz Farmers Market

    • Hafenstraße, 17192 Klink

    Discover culture and tradition at the Müritz. We offer you taste experiences, such as sea buckthorn products, regional sausage specialties, exquisite tea blends, various wines and honeys, chocolate products, sweets and much more.

    Read more: "Kells Müritz Farmers Market"
  • © Remo Block

    Adventure & Water Sports

    • An der Metow, 19395 Plau am See

    Our vacation park is located directly on the water and yet in the city. In Mecklenburg the clocks go slower, they say, and to some extent time seems to stand still, so you also have more of it available on vacation.Feel the Plau summer freshness in every season, the clear sea air and the wholesome, healthy nature.

    Read more: "Adventure & Water Sports"
  • © Katamaran- und Surfmühle

    Catamaran and surf mill

    • Am Müritzufer, 17248 Boeker Mühle

    The versatile water sports center / surfing and sailing school, located on the eastern shore of the Müritz, offers beginners and advanced surfers the best opportunities for an eventful vacation. Sailing, surfing, stand-up paddling, water skiing and wakeboarding, and much more. .... Taster sessions are available daily (15.4.-12.10.).

    Read more: "Catamaran and surf mill"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH

    Playground Seglerhafen Rechlin

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Fritz-Reuter-Straße, 17248 Rechlin

    The playground at the Seglerhafen is not only a place to play, but also a place of community.

    Read more: "Playground Seglerhafen Rechlin"
  • 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"
  • © Stadt Friedland

    Museum of the city of Friedland

    • Mühlenstraße, 17098 Friedland

    Discover history up close. The museum invites you on an exciting journey through different eras - at three special locations: the main building with its idyllic museum courtyard, the MPSB exhibition hall and the historic Fangelturm.

    Read more: "Museum of the city of Friedland"
  • © Touristinformation Krakow am See

    City Hall Krakow on the Lake

    • Open today
    • Markt, 18292 Krakow am See

    A listed ensemble of buildings is the Krakow marketplace, consisting of the town hall, the town church and mostly town houses of the 18th and 19th centuries.

    Read more: "City Hall Krakow on the Lake"
  • © Wassersport Fleesensee

    Water sports Fleesensee

    • Waldweg, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Wassersport Fleesensee, the 5-star water sports center at Ferienresort Fleesensee, offers courses in windsurfing, catamaran sailing, sailing for children, standup paddling and guided canoe tours. In addition, you can also simply rent boats and boards.

    Read more: "Water sports Fleesensee"
  • Old school, © TI Krakow am See

    Old school Krakow on the lake

    • Open 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"
  • © WerkHausWaren e.V.

    WerkHausGoods

    • Closed today
    • Schulstraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The WerkHaus at Schulstraße 6 offers an open door three times a week and a space to linger, drink coffee, read, socialize and view a changing exhibition.

    Read more: "WerkHausGoods"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Waren (Müritz)

    City Hall Waren (Müritz)

    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The historical town hall with the city history museum

    Read more: "City Hall Waren (Müritz)"
  • © Theater Schiefe Ebene

    Theater Inclined Plane

    • Wilhelm-Stolte-Str., 17235 Neustrelitz

    Theater Schiefe Ebene - A unique variety & cabaret in Neustrelitz.

    Read more: "Theater Inclined Plane"
  • © Kurverwaltung Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Church Wittenhagen

    • 17258 Wittenhagen

    The present church dates back to 1758 and is made of cut rocks. 1.60 m thick is the so-called cyclopean masonry. The special feature of this church is its ground plan as a regular octagon with an inner diameter of 10.25 m.

    Read more: "Church Wittenhagen"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Play ship "At the swing bridge

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    In the immediate vicinity of the swing bridge is a pirate wooden ship for real buccaneers.

    Read more: "Play ship "At the swing bridge"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Waren (Müritz)

    Holy Cross Church Waren (Müritz)

    • Goethestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The Catholic Church and Parish Niels Stensen

    Read more: "Holy Cross Church Waren (Müritz)"
  • © Parkhotel Klüschenberg

    Parkhotel Klüschenberg

    • Klüschenberg, 19395 Plau am See

    When you come to us, you come to yourself ... Wonderful location in the middle of the quiet and shady Klüschenberg Park. Fresh Mecklenburg cuisine from local seasonal products. Selected wine cellar with growths from all over the world.

    Read more: "Parkhotel Klüschenberg"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Malchow city windmill

    • Friedrich-Ebert-Str., 17213 Malchow

    Of the former seven windmills, two are still preserved in the town area: The so-called Stadtmühle and the Achtkant. Both are owned by the island town of Malchow, which is committed to preserving the monuments that characterize the townscape.

    Read more: "Malchow city windmill"
  • © 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"
  • © TDG

    Tourismus- und Dienstleistungsgesellschaft Rechlin mbH

    • Müritzstraße, 17248 Rechlin

    Welcome to the southern Müritz region, in the state-recognized resort of Rechlin.

    Read more: "Tourismus- und Dienstleistungsgesellschaft Rechlin mbH"
  • © Jana Koch

    Mill district Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Mühlenstraße, 17166 Teterow

    Historic ensemble of old town mill, mill pond and old fire engine house.

    Read more: "Mill district Teterow"

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. Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle

    Read more: "Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle"
  2. Top

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

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

    5

    Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland

    Read more: "Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland"
  4. Mother and daughter on tour together

    Read more: "Mother and daughter on tour together"
  5. Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)

    Read more: "Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)"
  6. Top

    5

    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  7. Romantic weekend at the manor house

    Read more: "Romantic weekend at the manor house"
  8. Houseboat adventure

    Read more: "Houseboat adventure"
  9. On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow

    Read more: "On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow"
  10. By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  11. Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  12. Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  13. Wonderful winter experiences

    Read more: "Wonderful winter experiences"
  14. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  15. On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa

    Read more: "On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa"
  16. Top

    5

    Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow

    Read more: "Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow"
  17. Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path

    Read more: "Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path"
  18. Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect

    Read more: "Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect"
  19. With the houseboat across the lake district of MV

    Read more: "With the houseboat across the lake district of MV"
  20. Top

    7

    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  21. Top

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  22. Canoe and camping tour

    Read more: "Canoe and camping tour"
  23. The Nature Park Trail

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

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation with teenagers"
  25. Top

    7

    Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn

    Read more: "Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn"
  26. Inclusive sailing in Plau am See

    Read more: "Inclusive sailing in Plau am See"
  27. Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend

    Read more: "Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend"
  28. Health-promoting cure with natural remedies

    Read more: "Health-promoting cure with natural remedies"
  29. In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz

    Read more: "In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz"
  30. Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle

    Read more: "Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle"
  31. The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle

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