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

    Playground at Schulkamp

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Pastor-Fiedler-Weg, 17166 Teterow

    Children's playground in the Teterow city park in the immediate vicinity of Schulkamp and the historic city center

    Read more: "Playground at Schulkamp"
  • 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"
  • Milk vending machine Van der Ham, Neustrelitz

    • EDEKA Groth - Kühlhausberg, 17235 Neustrelitz

    You can draw your own fresh, pasteurized milk from our milk vending machines in town.

    Read more: "Milk vending machine Van der Ham, Neustrelitz"
  • Das Kavaliershaus lädt zum Verweilen ein // © Kavaliershaus am Finckener See / Cyrus Saedi

    Kavaliershaus Suitehotel am Finckener See

    • Hofstraße, 17209 Fincken

    The Kavaliershaus Suitehotel am Finckener See is a peaceful haven in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lakes. Located directly on Lake Fincken with its own beach, it boasts beautiful hotel parkland, 12 modern furnished suites for 2-6 persons, own restaurant, small wellness area and much more!

    Read more: "Kavaliershaus Suitehotel am Finckener See"
  • Das Kurzentrum Waren (Müritz) mit Thermalsoleaußenbecken // © Kurzentrum Waren (Müritz)

    Waren (Müritz) spa center

    • Am Kurpark, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Let your soul dangle on vacation, enjoy beautiful moments and free time and do something good for your health. For your relaxing health and pampering vacation, the Waren (Müritz) spa center in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District combines 4-star hotel comfort with healing therapies and wellness treatments.

    Read more: "Waren (Müritz) spa center"
  • Treetop path Ivenacker oaks

    • Tiergarten, 17153 Ivenack

    The accessible treetop trail is 620 meters long. The highlight is the 40-meter-high observation tower with elevator and visitor platforms. The facility is located in the Ivenack Zoo.

    Read more: "Treetop path Ivenacker oaks"
  • Vacation farm Zempow

    • Zempower Dorfstraße, 16909 Zempow

    Vacations in Zempow - that means heavenly peace, fresh country air, finally space to move and lots of animals to get to know!

    Read more: "Vacation farm Zempow"
  • © Van der Valk Resort Linstow

    Van der Valk Bathing Fun Linstow

    • Krakower Chaussee, 18292 Linstow

    Amidst the breathtaking natural scenery of the Mecklenburg Lake District and just a stone's throw from the Baltic Coast, Van der Valk Resort Linstow awaits you in the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern between Berlin and Rostock.

    Read more: "Van der Valk Bathing Fun Linstow"
  • © Jana Koch

    Playground on the Burgwallinsel Teterow

    • Burgwallinsel, 17166 Teterow

    Fun and games for kids on Teterow's historic castle wall island

    Read more: "Playground on the Burgwallinsel Teterow"
  • © Landesforst MV

    Damerower Werder bison reserve

    • Open today
    • Zum Werder, 17194 Damerow

    The colossi of Europe up close...

    Read more: "Damerower Werder bison reserve"
  • Mecklenburg Organ Museum

    • Open today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    The largest organ museum in northern Germany invites you to examine and listen to the most beautiful organs.

    Read more: "Mecklenburg Organ Museum"
  • Aparthotel Seepanorama

    • Granzow, 17252 Mirow OT Granzow

    The modern hotel with 47 apartments is located directly on the lake in Mirow. It was built in 2006. In the hotel there is a restaurant with a lake terrace, an indoor pool and sauna area as well as a fitness center and a bicycle storage room.

    Read more: "Aparthotel Seepanorama"
  • © 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"
  • ReiterHof Peeneland

    • Hof Peeneland, 17111 Meesiger

    Idyllically situated on the shores of Lake Kummerow, the equestrian farm is surrounded by a hilly landscape. The surrounding fields and forests are perfect for horseback riding.

    Read more: "ReiterHof Peeneland"
  • © André Pretzel

    KUHNLE-TOURS Houseboats in the Müritz Harbor Village

    • Marinastraße, 17248 Rechlin

    Vacations on the water: The license-free houseboats from KUHNLE-TOURS are an integral part of the landscape of the Mecklenburg Lake District and are the epitome of cosiness and comfort.

    Read more: "KUHNLE-TOURS Houseboats in the Müritz Harbor Village"
  • © Aquafun Fleesensee

    AQUAFUN Fleesensee

    • Open today
    • An der Therme, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    The adventure pool AQUAFUN Fleesensee offers a fitness and wellness area, saunas, a steam bath,as well as a newly designed outdoor and indoor area.

    Read more: "AQUAFUN Fleesensee"
  • © Pöhl GmbH

    Ring Hotel Villa Margarete

    • Fontanestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The facade with its wooden balconies and view into the Müritz National Park, as well as the neat interior design convey a pleasant atmosphere. In the restaurant with garden terrace directly at the Müritz National Park, the chef will spoil you with his special creations.

    Read more: "Ring Hotel Villa Margarete"
  • Sommergalerie Klein Gievitz // © A. Mecklenburg

    Summer Gallery Klein Gievitz

    • Klein Gievitz, 17192 Peenehagen

    North of Waren (Müritz), the Klein Gievitz summer gallery presents one or two exhibitions a year with paintings by Annette Mecklenburg and works by one or two guest artists. The artworks are shown in two exhibition rooms dominated by wood, glass, clay and brick as well as in the garden.

    Read more: "Summer Gallery Klein Gievitz"
  • © Andrea Harden

    Timeless at the house lake

    • Strelitzer Str., 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    2 beautiful vacation apartments for 2 - 4 pers. directly on the lake, also as a vacation home for sole use. Own jetty and boathouse with boat and bathing ladder. Balcony, sauna, terrace and garden with grill directly at the lake. Breakfast at the bakery against over possible, boat rental right next door.

    Read more: "Timeless at the house lake"
  • © Hotel Inselhof Malchow

    Hotel Inselhof Malchow

    • Lange Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Welcome to the Hotel Inselhof in Malchow, the small but fine private hotel on the island directly on Lake Malchow!

    Read more: "Hotel Inselhof Malchow"

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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.