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

  • Welcome to the Sommerhof, © Sommerhof Granzow/Britta Meyer-Itner

    Summer farm Granzow at the bathing lake

    • Granzow Seestraße, 17252 Granzow

    The summer farm is located in the middle of the varied water landscape of the Mecklenburg Lake District, which with its unique flora and fauna allows active recreation from the hustle and bustle of everyday life! The nearby lake (with bathing beach) has a very good bathing water quality and is an ideal starting point for canoe tours!

    Read more: "Summer farm Granzow at the bathing lake"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Rechlin pier

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Fritz-Reuter-Straße, 17248 Rechlin

    The pier in Rechlin is a charming place that delights visitors and locals alike. Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Müritz, the pier is a popular destination for tourists and water sports enthusiasts in the region.

    Read more: "Rechlin pier"
  • © Waren (Müritz)-Information

    Ball fountain

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Fountain on the Neuer Markt

    Read more: "Ball fountain"
  • © TMV/Gänsicke

    Viewpoint Reiherberg

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Reiherberg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The Reiherberg is with 143 m one of the highest elevations in the Feldberg lake district and offers a really fantastic view over the Haussee with the two picturesque islands to the silhouette of Feldberg.

    Read more: "Viewpoint Reiherberg"
  • Glass art in the forge garden at Rattey

    • Rattey, 17349 Schönbeck

    Since 2020, the artist Werner Kothe has been showing his glass art objects in the open space - in the middle of the village, opposite the castle - the exhibition is open all year round.

    Read more: "Glass art in the forge garden at Rattey"
  • © TMV/Fischer

    Village church Ludorf

    • Kirchenstraße, 17207 Ludorf

    The octagonal church Ludorf has an octagonal ground plan, which is unique in Northern Germany.

    Read more: "Village church Ludorf"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz / Rebekka Hedtke

    Plastic Gallery Castle Church Neustrelitz

    • Hertelstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The neo-Gothic castle church in the residential city is a fascinating exhibition venue for figurative sculpture in summer

    Read more: "Plastic Gallery Castle Church Neustrelitz"
  • © TMV/Tiemann

    Observation tower Behmshöhe

    • 17033 Neubrandenburg

    See the four-gate city of Neubrandenburg from above? The Behmshöhe observation tower invites you to an impressive view.

    Read more: "Observation tower Behmshöhe"
  • Hotel & Restaurant Fackelgarten

    • Dammstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    The Fackelgarten with its excellent location, on the one hand in the heart of Plau am See and on the other hand in the middle of nature - romantically by the river. From here you can reach all the important sights of Plau am See on foot or watch the boat traffic on our sunny terrace.

    Read more: "Hotel & Restaurant Fackelgarten"
  • Climate forest Mirow, © Landesforst MV

    Climate forest Mirow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17255 Zirtow

    Here near Mirow in the Mecklenburg Lake District, red alder trees are growing on 2.8 hectares, which were financed through the sale of forest shares between 2008 and 2011. This climate forest will bind approx. 2600 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere during its growth period.

    Read more: "Climate forest Mirow"
  • © Ch. Krüger

    Vacation apartment family B. and Ch. Krüger

    • Erdamm, OT Feldberg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Situated in the middle of the Feldberg lakes on a hill is your vacation apartment for 2 persons ...

    Read more: "Vacation apartment family B. and Ch. Krüger"
  • © Roman Knie

    Old school Fürstenhagen

    • OT Fürstenhagen, Zur Alten Schule, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The home for gourmets! We have been running the renowned starred restaurant Alte Schule since 2010. Our house is characterized by regional star cuisine and family hospitality. In addition to the well-equipped hotel rooms in country style, we also offer modern rooms for meetings and seminars.

    Read more: "Old school Fürstenhagen"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Playground "In the city park

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Malchow

    Directly next to the town church, the playground, which will be opened in the fall of 2021, invites visitors to linger.

    Read more: "Playground "In the city park"
  • Horse in its box, © Bombis

    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"
  • DDR Everyday Life Museum Malchow

    • Open today
    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Inselstadt Malchow

    The building was inaugurated in 1957 as a "movie palace", but today presents objects from past times.

    Read more: "DDR Everyday Life Museum Malchow"
  • © Jens Wendorf

    Yacht-Tours - Yacht tours with skipper

    • Am Seeufer, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Exclusive and private with the "Horizon"

    Read more: "Yacht-Tours - Yacht tours with skipper"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH / Rene Legrand

    Bolter Schleuse fishing and angling lodge

    • Boeker Mühle, 17248 Boek

    Fischers Land in Boek has become a magnet for visitors in the southern Müritz region in recent years. Located on the edge of the Müritz National Park, visitors have a magnificent view of the breathtaking natural surroundings. Enjoy delicious fish specialties right by the water.

    Read more: "Bolter Schleuse fishing and angling lodge"
  • © S. Schulz

    Marina Eldenburg

    • An der Reeck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Marina Eldenburg is located in a quiet bay on the Reecksee between Müritz and Kölpinsee. In the vacation accommodations you can spend a relaxing vacation. Also a license-free sport boat for a day trip on the Mecklenburger Oberseen can be rented here in addition.

    Read more: "Marina Eldenburg"
  • © Julia Gnodtke

    Teterow City Library

    • Open today
    • Neukalener Straße, 17166 Teterow

    The meeting place for young and old bookworms, culture lovers and art enthusiasts in the Bergringstadt.

    Read more: "Teterow City Library"
  • © 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"

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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.