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

  • Hafendorf in Rechlin // © Blossey

    Lido Hafendorf Müritz

    • Marinastraße, 17248 Rechlin Nord

    The lido at Hafendorf Müritz in Rechlin-Nord is a popular bathing resort on the southeastern shore of Müritz.

    Read more: "Lido Hafendorf Müritz"
  • Steg Himmelsblick im Kurwald // © 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"
  • Marketplace Neustrelitz

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Markt, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The star-shaped late baroque city layout of the residential town of Neustrelitz is unique in Europe - eight streets lead from the market square in all directions

    Read more: "Marketplace Neustrelitz"
  • Rund um die Uhr gibt es hier frische Hofprodukte. // © Anne Carolin Knust

    Regiomat at Müritz-Hof Knust

    • Dorfstraße, 17192 Sembzin

    Farm and regional products all year round and around the clock in the fresh produce vending machine directly at Müritz-Hof Knust.

    Read more: "Regiomat at Müritz-Hof Knust"
  • Climate forest Fleesensee

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    The new "Climate Forest Fleesensee" in the Mecklenburg Lake District was inaugurated with a fantastic planting campaign on October 22, 2011. Since its opening, around 20 hectares of new forest have already been established during the annual planting campaigns. From 2024, the Fleesensee climate forest will be significantly expanded once again: East of the Kostermühle and south of the "Rosinenberg", around 4 hectares of agricultural land will be turned into a site-adapted climatic forest with a forest edge. Over the course of 100 years, native hardwood species will have absorbed a further 467 tons of CO2 per hectare or 1889 tons of CO2 over the entire area.

    Read more: "Climate forest Fleesensee"
  • © S. Stegemann

    Mirow beach hotel

    • Strandstraße, 17252 Mirow

    Overnight stays in a stylish double room with balcony overlooking the lake in the midst of a dreamlike lake and forest landscape or in one of the vacation apartments with loggia.

    Read more: "Mirow beach hotel"
  • © Agnes Bruhn

    Simply painterly - studio in the country Fleesensee

    • Penkowerstr., 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    The studio of owner Agnes Bruhn offers exciting and creative courses in addition to free design at a high level of artistic and craft opportunities.

    Read more: "Simply painterly - studio in the country Fleesensee"
  • 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"
  • © Foto: von Levetzow

    Lelkendorf Castle

    • Schlossweg, 17168 Lelkendorf

    Stylishly furnished vacation apartment in the castle with antiques, magnificent view of the castle park, regular cultural events, cozy barbecue area in the park with permanently installed barbecue, spacious entrance hall furnished with seating areas and works of art.

    Read more: "Lelkendorf Castle"
  • WerkHaus, Schulstraße 6 // © 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"
  • Gretchenheim Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Rahmwallstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Monument

    Read more: "Gretchenheim Plau am See"
  • Front view Seehotel Ecktannen // © Mirko Runge

    Seehotel Ecktannen

    • Fontanestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Enter and be at home! The Seehotel Ecktannen, an owner-managed four-star hotel in the health spa Waren (Müritz), inspires with its unique location in the immediate vicinity of the Müritz and the Müritz National Park.

    Read more: "Seehotel Ecktannen"
  • © Bernd Kehrer

    Antiquarian bookshop

    • Open today
    • Am Stadthafen, 17235 Neustrelitz

    A treasure for book lovers

    Read more: "Antiquarian bookshop"
  • Schlosshotel Neustrelitz

    • Parkstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Schlosshotel Neustrelitz is located in the Mecklenburg Lake District, in the middle of the baroque residential town of Neustrelitz

    Read more: "Schlosshotel Neustrelitz"
  • © 1000seen.de

    Malchow Monastery Church Lookout Tower

    • Open today
    • 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"
  • © Plauer Hai-Live e. V.

    Plauer Hai-Live e. V. - Sailing connects

    • Seestraße, 19395 Plau am See

    The Plauer Hai-Live e. V. sailing club in Plau am See in the Mecklenburg Lake District has been in existence since 2006. The association was founded as an inclusive sailing club right from the start.

    Read more: "Plauer Hai-Live e. V. - Sailing connects"
  • Hier der Gästeeingang vom KULTURGUTLEBEN sowie der Eingang zu unserem kleinen Laden "Wunderland". // © © Anders Balari

    CultureGoodLife

    • Quadenschönfeld Bahnhof, 17237 Möllenbeck

    Our small nature paradise with currently 17 beds is just right for all those who are looking for peace and nature. Our KULTURGUTLEBEN is surrounded by fields near the beautiful Feldberg lakeland and invites you to unwind as well as to inspired creative work.

    Read more: "CultureGoodLife"
  • Living room of the vacation apartment Schmiede in Blücherhof // © Andre Pretzel

    Vacation apartment Schmiede Blücherhof

    • Hof, 17194 Blücherhof

    Our 4-star vacation apartment "Schmiede Blücherhof" is perfect for families, golf lovers alike. In the middle of nature you can escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy the peace and quiet. There is room for two to four people on 70 m².

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Schmiede Blücherhof"
  • Das barocke Fachwerk-Pfarrhaus in Rambow // © Silke Voss

    Rambow parsonage

    • Kirchstraße, 17194 Rambow

    Picking from a hammock of golden parmains, cox orange and jonathan? Sounds like paradise and it is, because it is possible in the Rambow parish garden. Retired pastor Eckart Hübener invites guests to stay in the associated baroque half-timbered parsonage.

    Read more: "Rambow parsonage"
  • Kletterpark in Plau am See // © Kletterpark Plau am See

    Climbing park Plau am See

    • Ziegeleiweg, 19395 Plau am See

    Our climbing park is a special kind of adventure forest: the rope courses lead you through living trees at lofty heights.

    Read more: "Climbing park Plau am See"

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. Romantic weekend at the manor house

    Read more: "Romantic weekend at the manor house"
  2. Wonderful winter experiences

    Read more: "Wonderful winter experiences"
  3. The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle

    Read more: "The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle"
  4. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  5. Top

    5

    Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland

    Read more: "Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland"
  6. Top

    5

    Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow

    Read more: "Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow"
  7. Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect

    Read more: "Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect"
  8. Canoe and camping tour

    Read more: "Canoe and camping tour"
  9. Top

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

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

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  11. Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle

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

    Read more: "Inclusive sailing in Plau am See"
  13. Top

    7

    Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn

    Read more: "Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn"
  14. Houseboat vacation with teenagers

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation with teenagers"
  15. Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  16. On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow

    Read more: "On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow"
  17. Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend

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

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  19. Health-promoting cure with natural remedies

    Read more: "Health-promoting cure with natural remedies"
  20. Top

    7

    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  21. By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  22. On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa

    Read more: "On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa"
  23. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  24. Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path

    Read more: "Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path"
  25. Top

    5

    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  26. Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)

    Read more: "Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)"
  27. In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz

    Read more: "In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz"
  28. With the houseboat across the lake district of MV

    Read more: "With the houseboat across the lake district of MV"
  29. Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle

    Read more: "Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle"
  30. Mother and daughter on tour together

    Read more: "Mother and daughter on tour together"
  31. Houseboat adventure

    Read more: "Houseboat adventure"
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.