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

  • Main building Groß Plasten Castle, © Finn Steen

    The Reset Hotel

    • Parkallee, 17192 Groß Plasten

    With its location on the edge of the Müritz National Park, THE RESET in Groß Plasten Castle offers a very special place for rest and relaxation. The Reset stands for detox and fasting cures with first-class medical care.

    Read more: "The Reset Hotel"
  • © Landesforst MV

    Neustrelitz climate forest

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17237 Blumenhagen

    The kick-off for the creation of our climate forests in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern took place on November 28, 2007 near Neustrelitz, where the first 100 sessile oaks were planted on an area of approx. 2,000 m². Financing was provided by the rail travel specialist Ameropa and the MeetMV conference pool of the MV tourism association through the purchase of forest shares designed for this purpose.

    Read more: "Neustrelitz climate forest"
  • Erratic boulder garden Hohen Mistorf

    • Open today
    • Lindenweg, 17166 Hohen Mistorf

    The erratic block garden (360 m²) is part of the Geopark Mecklenburg Ice Age Landscape - Mecklenburg Switzerland.

    Read more: "Erratic boulder garden Hohen Mistorf"
  • © Fleesensee Resort & SPA

    Fleesensee Resort & SPA

    • Zum Fleesensee, 17213 Untergöhren

    We are a small, fine, privately run wellness hotel directly at the Fleesensee. In loving detail we have prepared exclusive suites with lake view for you. We welcome golfers and dog owners as well as anglers, nature lovers or simply those seeking wellness and relaxation.

    Read more: "Fleesensee Resort & SPA"
  • © Rene Julitz

    Federow distillery

    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"
  • © Kurverwaltung

    Richtberg playground Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • August-Bebel-Straße, 19395 Plau am See

    The Plau am See Richtberg playground is located in the district of Quetzin. The site has direct access and a beach to Lake Plau and offers a beach volleyball court and beach handball court.

    Read more: "Richtberg playground Plau am See"
  • 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"
  • © Petra Asmuss

    Mecklenburger Fischstübchen - Restaurant and vacation homes

    • OT Feldberg, Amtsplatz, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    We run a small, cozy fish restaurant with its own smokehouse and offer you vacations in healthy nature with our child-friendly vacation homes.

    Read more: "Mecklenburger Fischstübchen - Restaurant and vacation homes"
  • © Erlebniswerkstatt Zahren

    Zahren adventure workshop

    • Open today
    • Hartwigsdorfer Weg, 17217 Penzlin /OT Zahren

    The Erlebniswerkstatt Zahren offers people of all ages a creative space. Here you can play and dream or tinker with recycled and natural materials, realize your own projects, make objects and art yourself.

    Read more: "Zahren adventure workshop"
  • © Kurverwaltung Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Spa park with Kneipp facility

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Strelitzer Strasse, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Centrally located in the town of Feldberg, a new spa park has been created in recent years on the site of the old town park: a park that you can discover with all your senses. Either you promenade directly on the shore of the Haussee or explore the Kneipp facilities and then relax in the grass maze.

    Read more: "Spa park with Kneipp facility"
  • 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"
  • © 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"
  • © Timo Weisbrich

    Vacation park Heidenholz

    • Kantor-Ehrich-Straße, 19395 Plau am See

    The vacation park Heidenholz is surrounded by heath and mixed forest directly at the lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Vacation park Heidenholz"
  • Restaurant, © Biberferienhof_TolPix

    Beaver Holiday Farm

    • Diemitz Schleuse, 17252 Diemitz

    The three-sided farm is located directly on the Diemitz lock on the small Peetschsee lake. The lovingly renovated buildings house the vacation apartments, restaurant, reception and farm store. 11 other wooden houses offer peace and relaxation far away from mass tourism. The Schäferwagenburg and the large campsite by the water are something special for outdoor fans. The raft and boat rental invites you to discover the rustic landscape of Mecklenburg from the water. The beautiful landscape and the relaxed atmosphere at the Biber Ferienhof invite you to enjoy.

    Read more: "Beaver Holiday Farm"
  • © Reschke Gastronomie GmbH

    Hotel "Am Brauhaus" with Brauhaus Müritz & bowling alley

    • Am Tiefwarensee, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Braufrische Lebensfreude: Hotel, restaurant, bowling alleys, brewery tours. The hotel "Am Brauhaus" is an ideal starting point for eventful excursions.In our in-house brewery with 4 bowling alleys right next to the hotel and on the edge of the old town of Waren (Müritz) you can experience the old brewing tradition anew.

    Read more: "Hotel "Am Brauhaus" with Brauhaus Müritz & bowling alley"
  • © GSA mbH

    GSA mbH - Mediation - Service - Sale

    • Marktplatz, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    As a mediation & service agency GSA mediates & looks after a variety of selected & family-friendly vacation homes & apartments in the land of 1000 lakes on behalf of the owner.

    Read more: "GSA mbH - Mediation - Service - Sale"
  • © Wiebke Hörring

    Children Youth Art House Güstrow

    • Baustraße, 18273 Güstrow

    We show seen and invented from all workshops: painting, graphics, textiles and objects. Figures in the variety of their shape testify to the imagination of the children and young people. The exhibition encourages participation - material is ready.

    Read more: "Children Youth Art House Güstrow"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Bahnhofshotel Plau am See

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

    The old Bahnhofshotel Plau am See is located at the end of Steinstraße (no. 96). The building is one of the architectural monuments of the small Mecklenburg town. Today, a memorial plaque commemorates the "forced unification" of the KPD and SPD parties. Since 2015, the old station hotel has been the children's and boys' center of the town of Plau am See.

    Read more: "Bahnhofshotel Plau am See"
  • 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"
  • © Hans Blossey / Müritzparadies GmbH

    Müritzparadies nature holiday park on the lake

    • Am Müritzufer, 17248 Boeker Mühle

    Vacation park on the Müritz with vacation homes and apartments for 2-8 persons. Best location directly on the lake and in the immediate vicinity of the Müritz National Park.

    Read more: "Müritzparadies nature holiday park 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.