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

  • © RVF Roman-Vitt-Fotografie

    Apartments Roman Vitt in the middle of the core zone of the Müritz National Park

    • Serrahn, 17237 Carpin

    NATURE-PURE-URLAUB and unique in Germany: apartments in the middle of a world natural heritage, secluded and also in the core and quiet zone of the Müritz National Park, surrounded by unique fauna and flora.

    Read more: "Apartments Roman Vitt in the middle of the core zone of the Müritz National Park"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • Exhibits by Dr. Ernst Alban, © Jörn Lehmann

    Castle Museum Plau am See

    • Burgplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    Children and museums - you might think that doesn't fit. In Plau am See, that's not true. The town has a museum where even the young won't get bored. The former Plau Castle offers interesting insights into history, and it also houses a unique museum of local history and technology.

    Read more: "Castle Museum Plau am See"
  • © 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"
  • © Planwagencamping/Köster

    Wagon camping & vacation farm

    • Am Nationalpark, 17237 Grünow

    Covered wagon trekking tours and covered wagon camp for children and youth groups as well as families Comfortable FeWos on active farm on the edge of the Müritz National Park

    Read more: "Wagon camping & vacation farm"
  • © 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"
  • Entrance to the AGRONEUM Alt Schwerin, © AGRONEUM/Hans Dieter Graf

    AGRONEUM Alt Schwerin

    • Achter de Isenbahn, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    In the middle of the Mecklenburg Lake District and the Nossentiner-Schwinzer Heide Nature Park lies the museum village of Alt Schwerin. As early as 1963 it became a very special, agricultural history village and open-air museum - agricultural history to experience, touch and participate in.

    Read more: "AGRONEUM Alt Schwerin"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Bathing place Großer Fürstenseer See

    • 17235 Fürstensee

    The bathing area is located directly in Fürstensee about 10 minutes drive from Neustrelitz. Crystal clear water and beautiful bathing beach with light sand.

    Read more: "Bathing place Großer Fürstenseer See"
  • Müritz farm Knust

    • Dorfstraße, 17192 Sembzin

    Welcome to the Müritz-Hof Knust, the family farm directly on the Müritz in the middle of the Mecklenburg Lake District. We, the Knust family, run a farm with arable farming, mother cows, free-range hens, direct marketing and modern vacation apartments.

    Read more: "Müritz farm Knust"
  • The advertising bike in front of the "Emma" vacation apartment, © Bärbel Kuhrt

    Vacation apartment "Emma"

    • Dorfstraße, 17111 Siedenbrünzow

    A cozy vacation apartment with partly antique furnishings in the Tollensetal.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment "Emma""
  • © Seehotel Heidehof

    Seehotel Heidehof***

    • Seestraße, 17094 Klein Nemerow

    Welcome to the Seehotel Heidehof - your retreat in the middle of the idyllic Mecklenburg Lake District. The traditional hotel is picturesquely perched on a steep bank of Lake Tollensesee and inspires with its tranquillity, closeness to nature and unmistakable flair. Only a few minutes away from Neubrandenburg, a harmonious combination of relaxation, enjoyment and living history awaits you here.

    Read more: "Seehotel Heidehof***"
  • © Müritzfischer

    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"
  • Church Blankenförde

    • Blankenförde, 17252 Roggentin

    Churches of the region - Experience small village churches or large, restored buildings from the time of the Knights of St. John. You can feel the powerful charisma of these old buildings and for a moment time stands still. - The half-timbered church in Blankenförde -

    Read more: "Church Blankenförde"
  • © Van der Valk 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"
  • © Bullerjan

    Restaurant and snack bar Zum Bullerjan

    • Am Dreetzsee, 17268 Boitzenbuerger Land

    The "Bullerjan - your place by the lake" is located in the middle of the Feldberg lake district. Directly on Lake Dreetzsee, we serve honest, home-made cuisine for holidaymakers and locals - in the restaurant, to take away or on the sunny terrace with a view of the lake.

    Read more: "Restaurant and snack bar Zum Bullerjan"
  • © 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

    Catholic Church of St. Peter Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Niels-Stensen-Straße, 17166 Teterow

    Parish church

    Read more: "Catholic Church of St. Peter Teterow"
  • © Felix Gaensicke

    Luzin ferry & boat rental

    • An der Fähre, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Call out "Fährmann hol över" - and ferryman Tom will take hikers, walkers and cyclists safely across the Narrow Luzin to the other bank on one of Europe's last hand-operated cable ferries.

    Read more: "Luzin ferry & boat rental"
  • Footbridge sky view in spa forest, © Silke Naumann

    Lake promenade Krakow on the lake

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18292 Krakow am See

    Maritime flair is promised by the dreamy lake promenade, which is only a few steps away from the old town and offers a wide view of the Krakow city lake.

    Read more: "Lake promenade Krakow on the lake"

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Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District

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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.