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.

464 results

  • © Heike Dworatzek

    National Park Hotel Kranichrast

    • Dorfstraße, 17192 Kargow OT Schwarzenhof

    The family-run hotel is idyllically located in the middle of the Müritz National Park, away from noise, bustle and stress.

    Read more: "National Park Hotel Kranichrast"
  • Theater Inclined Plane

    • Wilhelm-Stolte-Str., 17235 Neustrelitz

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

    Read more: "Theater Inclined Plane"
  • © Rene Julitz

    Federow distillery

    • An der Brennerei, 17192 Federow

    The distillery is located right at the entrance to the Müritz National Park. The village has only about 100 inhabitants, but a large number of guests. Almost all guided tours of the national park start in Federow.

    Read more: "Federow distillery"
  • © Waren (Müritz)-Information

    Man o man - Men's fashion

    • Lange Straße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Man o man ... fashion for men FROM SPORTY TO FESTIVE Mann, ... O Mann is the men's fashion from Waren /Müritz that simply makes every man look good. The aim of this fashion is to give his personality more expression. With great success!

    Read more: "Man o man - Men's fashion"
  • © 1000seen.de

    Malchow Monastery Church Lookout Tower

    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    At a height of 55 meters, you can experience breathtaking views of nature in good weather.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery Church Lookout Tower"
  • © Page Holger Brümmer

    Waterski and surf school Holger Brümmer

    • August-Bebel-Strasse, 19395 Plau am See

    Waterskiing and wakeboarding has been our specialty since we were founded in 1995. Our experience with students of all ages and skill levels as well as first-class equipment makes our school the No. 1 in the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "Waterski and surf school Holger Brümmer"
  • 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"
  • © Fleesensee Clubanlage GmbH

    ROBINSON Fleesensee

    • Penkower Straße, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    365 days of vacation. Whether sports, relaxation or simply enjoying the pristine nature of the Mecklenburg Lake District: You can experience this and much more during your vacation at ROBINSON Fleesensee. Good things are so close. And when will you be ready to see it again?

    Read more: "ROBINSON Fleesensee"
  • Eldenburg fishing farm

    • An der Reeck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    A fishing farm that offers everything! Enjoy the flair of a traditional fishing farm. Delicious fish fresh from the smoke, fisherman's rolls and of course fresh fish from the day's catch. Vacation apartments on the water, boat rentals and guided fishing tours complete the offer.

    Read more: "Eldenburg fishing farm"
  • View over the set table to the houseboats, © Orlowski

    Restaurant and Hostel Am Hafen - Neukalen

    • Am Hafen, 17154 Neukalen

    At the idyllic harbor in Neukalen you can enjoy delicious food here in the restaurant and on the terrace!

    Read more: "Restaurant and Hostel Am Hafen - Neukalen"
  • © Gemeinde Schwarz

    Heimatstube Schwarz

    • Dorfstraße, 17252 Schwarz

    Home room

    Read more: "Heimatstube Schwarz"
  • View into the living area, © Andre Pretzel

    Vacation home Kornblume - with large garden

    • Dorfstraße, 17207 Groß Kelle

    In Groß Kelle, the bright and friendly country-style vacation home "Kornblume" awaits you. With its three bedrooms and a size of 70 m² it is perfect for groups and families. A 1,500 m² outdoor area with barbecue and sandbox as well as swing invites you to relax and play.

    Read more: "Vacation home Kornblume - with large garden"
  • © Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz

    Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz

    • Kiefernhain, 17213 Fünfseen

    The Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz at Lake Plauer See represents a unique feature in the cultural landscape of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz"
  • © Ch. Krüger

    Vacation apartment family B. and Ch. Krüger

    • Erdamm, OT Feldberg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Situated in the middle of the Feldberg lakes on a hill is your vacation apartment for 2 persons ...

    Read more: "Vacation apartment family B. and Ch. Krüger"
  • © Mario Bünger

    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"
  • © 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"
  • Yacht charter Schulz

    • An der Reeck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Yachtcharter Schulz offers everything a boater's heart desires, from boating vacations on a thousand lakes to day trips and one-way tours.

    Read more: "Yacht charter Schulz"
  • Historical view of Malchow monastery, © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Malchow Monastery Art Museum

    • Closed today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    The Malchow Monastery Art Museum is located in historically renovated rooms where works of art are presented in their uniqueness. The history of regional artists becomes a tangible experience.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery Art Museum"
  • © Foto: Markgraf

    Markgraf Holiday Farm

    • Ausbau, 17166 Groß Wokern

    Would you like to relax and experience nature on a small family-run horse farm near the Baltic Sea and the Müritz? Then you've come to the right place! We offer a small secluded vacation complex with a vacation apartment and a small romantic wooden holiday home with a fireplace - ideal for families who want to enjoy an adventure vacation on a farm.

    Read more: "Markgraf Holiday Farm"
  • Learning and GeDenkOrt Alt Rehse

    • Am Gutshof, 17217 Alt Rehse

    Alt Rehse is an idyllic place on Lake Tollensee, charged with history. An exhibition and guided tours provide information about the "Führer School of the German Medical Profession", which was established from 1934.

    Read more: "Learning and GeDenkOrt Alt Rehse"

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. On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow

    Read more: "On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow"
  2. Canoe and camping tour

    Read more: "Canoe and camping tour"
  3. By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  4. Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle

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

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

    Read more: "Country holiday tips for the fall"
  6. The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle

    Read more: "The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle"
  7. In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz

    Read more: "In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz"
  8. Top

    5

    Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland

    Read more: "Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland"
  9. On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa

    Read more: "On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa"
  10. Switch off and recharge your batteries?

    Read more: "Switch off and recharge your batteries?"
  11. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  12. Wonderful winter experiences

    Read more: "Wonderful winter experiences"
  13. Top

    5

    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  14. Top

    7

    Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn

    Read more: "Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn"
  15. Romantic weekend at the manor house

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

    Read more: "Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect"
  17. Top

    5

    Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow

    Read more: "Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow"
  18. Houseboat vacation with teenagers

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation with teenagers"
  19. Health-promoting cure with natural remedies

    Read more: "Health-promoting cure with natural remedies"
  20. Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)

    Read more: "Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)"
  21. Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend

    Read more: "Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend"
  22. Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  23. Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path

    Read more: "Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path"
  24. With the houseboat across the lake district of MV

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

    7

    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  26. Inclusive sailing in Plau am See

    Read more: "Inclusive sailing in Plau am See"
  27. Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle

    Read more: "Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle"
  28. Mother and daughter on tour together

    Read more: "Mother and daughter on tour together"
  29. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  30. Houseboat adventure: cruising the Mecklenburg way

    Read more: "Houseboat adventure: cruising the Mecklenburg way"
  31. Top

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  32. Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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