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

  • In the midst of over 100 hectares of landscaped park lies the castle hotel Schlitz Castle // © Schlosshotel Burg Schlitz/Petra Stüning Photografie

    Castle Hotel Schlitz Castle

    • Burg Schlitz, 17166 Hohen Demzin

    "The place where the soul grows wings". The ideal place for all people who love the good and fine life in the countryside. A paradise for horses and riders.

    Read more: "Castle Hotel Schlitz Castle"
  • © Jana Koch

    Mill district Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Mühlenstraße, 17166 Teterow

    Historic ensemble of old town mill, mill pond and old fire engine house.

    Read more: "Mill district Teterow"
  • © 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"
  • Das slube Hotel in Krakow am See mit seinen Schlaftürmen // © slube

    slube on Lake Krakow

    • Am Windfang, 18292 Krakow am See

    The fourth location, slube am Krakower See, has already opened and is another overnight accommodation option along the Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route.

    Read more: "slube on Lake Krakow"
  • © 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"
  • Tandem flight // © Norddeutsche Gleitschirmschule GmbH

    North German Paragliding School

    • Schillerstraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Realize the dream of flying and be close to nature: That is paragliding. The feeling of boundless freedom makes this sport unique. We want to share this experience with our guests. Your beaming smile after a paragliding flight is our motivation. We are looking forward to seeing you.

    Read more: "North German Paragliding School"
  • © Jana Koch

    Hotel WENDENKRUG

    • Temporarily closed
    • Burgwallinsel, 17166 Teterow

    Excursion restaurant with lake terrace and pension rooms under the thatched roof on the Burgwallinsel in Lake Teterow

    Read more: "Hotel WENDENKRUG"
  • 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"
  • © Jana Koch

    Teschow natural bathing area

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Seeweg, 17166 Teschow

    Small bathing beach in the Teterow district of Teschow on Lake Teterow. The quiet bathing area on the edge of the village is surrounded by meadows and borders the old estate park.

    Read more: "Teschow natural bathing area"
  • Fitness trail & mini golf in Klink

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17192 Klink

    The fitness trail in Klink offers the ideal opportunity to exercise and enjoy nature at the same time. Situated directly on the Müritz circular trail, the course with its various training stations invites you to try out, stretch and strengthen - whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete. There is a small mini-golf course next to the fitness trail.

    Read more: "Fitness trail & mini golf in Klink"
  • Boat rental & yacht charter Halbeck in Rheinsberg // © Reederei Halbeck

    Yacht charter & boat rental Halbeck

    • Markt, 16831 Rheinsberg

    Halbeck Boat Hire & Yacht Charter is the place to go in Rheinsberg for all questions relating to leisure on the water. Whether it's a canoe, a small motorboat with or without an inland boating license or a motor yacht - everyone will find the boat that meets their vacation requirements here.

    Read more: "Yacht charter & boat rental Halbeck"
  • Lake Krakow - View // © TMV/Tiemann

    Jörnberg lookout tower

    • Open today
    • Jörnbergweg, 18292 Krakow am See

    Krakow am See is easily recognizable by the simple and imposing lookout tower on the Jörnberg peninsula.

    Read more: "Jörnberg lookout tower"
  • 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"
  • Exterior view of Hohenzieritz Castle // © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Hohenzieritz Castle

    • Open today
    • Schlossplatz, 17237 Hohenzieritz

    Hohenzieritz went down in history as the place where the legendary Queen Luise of Prussia died. The castle was once the summer residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Today, a memorial in the castle provides information about Queen Luise. One of the earliest landscape gardens in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern extends behind the palace. It was created from 1771 by the English garden architect Thomson.

    Read more: "Hohenzieritz Castle"
  • Schilfhaus - Angeln fast aus dem Wohnzimmer heraus // © Ewald Krombholz

    Lake idyll Comthurey

    • Comthurey, 17237 Wokuhl-Dabelow

    Nature-oriented vacation homes with high standards directly on the lake with their own jetty and rowing boat. Not far from the Müritz National Park and the World Natural Heritage Old Beech Forests you can enjoy your vacation at any time of the year. Well then, welcome to kingfisher, beaver and Co.

    Read more: "Lake idyll Comthurey"
  • © TMV/Gänsicke

    Müritz harbour village

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Alte Werftstraße, 17248 Hafendorf Müritz

    Your vacation domicile at the Müritz! Situated in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District, a vacation resort in a class of its own awaits you.

    Read more: "Müritz harbour village"
  • Play ship "At the swing bridge

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    In the immediate vicinity of the swing bridge is a pirate wooden ship for real buccaneers.

    Read more: "Play ship "At the swing bridge"
  • © 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"
  • © Landesforst MV

    Damerower Werder bison reserve

    • Open today
    • Zum Werder, 17194 Damerow

    The colossi of Europe up close...

    Read more: "Damerower Werder bison reserve"
  • © Julia Reichheim

    Neustrelitz Stasi Prison Töpferstraße Memorial Site e. V.

    • Tiergartenstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Secret Stasi prison in the middle of Neustrelitz

    Read more: "Neustrelitz Stasi Prison Töpferstraße Memorial Site e. V."

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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.