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.

443 results

  • Brohmer church // © Brohmer & Helpter Berge Tourismusverein e.V.

    Brohm village church

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17099 Brohm

    The village church Brohm is an early gothic fieldstone church with baroque equipment

    Read more: "Brohm village church"
  • Weite. Wasser. Natur - Eine Kajaktour in der Mecklenburgischen Seenplatte // © Eike Otto

    "Lovers of Lakes" - Kayak Courses & Tours

    • Rundweg, 17258 Hasselförde

    "Lovers of Lakes" offers kayak courses & tours with light lake and hiking kayaks and high quality equipment in the region. Courses & tours are suitable for beginners and advanced kayakers and take place in small groups. Learn to love kayaking!

    Read more: ""Lovers of Lakes" - Kayak Courses & Tours"
  • 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"
  • Aerial view of the fishing farm with cottages // © Fischerei und Räucherei Alt-Schwerin/Dietmar Bürth

    Fishing & Smokehouse Alt Schwerin

    • Wendorf, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    Fishing business with boat mooring (also for large yachts) in Lake Plauer See, fish restaurant with original Mecklenburg fish cuisine, smokehouse and vacation apartments directly on the lake.

    Read more: "Fishing & Smokehouse Alt Schwerin"
  • © 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"
  • Nature and vacation park at the Altdorf lake

    • Am Altdorfer See, 18292 Krakow am See

    The vacation homes offer those seeking peace and quiet, nature and sports lovers up to 140 m² of sophisticated comfort, high-quality furnishings and modern architecture.

    Read more: "Nature and vacation park at the Altdorf lake"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz

    Bathing establishment at the Glambeck lake

    • Adolf-Friedrich-Straße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Bathing fun for the whole family

    Read more: "Bathing establishment at the Glambeck lake"
  • © Rene Julitz

    Federow distillery

    • An der Brennerei, 17192 Federow

    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"
  • House at the lake Gadow

    • Comthurey, 17237 Wokuhl

    We offer two vacation apartments for young and old in a special area for recreation and exploration. The house is located at the end of the village in the middle of the Feldberg lake district. Situated directly on the forest and lake you are here away from any mass tourism.

    Read more: "House at the lake Gadow"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    "Kiek in un wunner di" - Museum of Curiosities

    • Closed today
    • Friedrich-Lessen-Weg, 17213 Malchow

    Not far from the monastery church is a museum full of rarities and curiosities from the everyday life of the population of the first half of the 20th century exhibits.

    Read more: ""Kiek in un wunner di" - Museum of Curiosities"
  • Ferienwohung Freiheit in Warin // © MV-T/A.Wilken

    Vacation apartment Freiheit

    • Schilfweg, 19417 Warin

    Accessible vacation apartment in Warin just a few meters from Lake Groß Warin. Enjoy a relaxing vacation in the vacation home built in 2020.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Freiheit"
  • Country house & apiary Polak

    • Schulstraße, 19386 Kreien

    Where man and nature are in harmony! On our farm with guest boxes for horses, organic beekeeping and 2 vacation apartments we invite you to a vacation in nature.

    Read more: "Country house & apiary Polak"
  • Hotelansicht Wiesenseite // © Hotel am Müritz-Nationalpark

    Hotel At Müritz National Park

    • Specker Straße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The hotel at the Müritz National Park *** Superior offers with the unforgettable panoramic view into nature a resting place for connoisseurs! Here meet active individual tourists, nature lovers, friends of art, wine and good food with a flair for loving detail.

    Read more: "Hotel At Müritz National Park"
  • Manor house Alt Krassow

    • Alt Krassow, 18279 Lalendorf

    Nestled in the rolling hills of Mecklenburg Switzerland, secluded from the noise of the world, the small village of Alt-Krassow lies between lakes, fields and forests.

    Read more: "Manor house Alt Krassow"
  • Exterior view Ulrichshusen Castle in spring // © Kathleen Stutz

    Ulrichshusen Castle

    • Seestraße, 17194 Ulrichshusen

    The Hotel Schloss Ulrichshusen, beautifully situated on its own lake, is ideally suited for weddings, conferences, seminars and events of all kinds with its large ballroom. Here also beats the heart of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival with many concerts and renowned artists in summer and Advent.

    Read more: "Ulrichshusen Castle"
  • Exhibits by Dr. Ernst Alban // © Jörn Lehmann

    Castle Museum Plau am See

    • Open today
    • 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"
  • © Jana Koch

    Schulkamp plant Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Schulkamp, 17166 Teterow

    On the area of today's Schulkamp there were fields and gardens until the 19th century. They belonged to the endowment of the Fiedler school foundation (Felix Fiedler 1661-1705 pastor in Teterow) and were leased to the town. The lease income was used to support poor pupils.

    Read more: "Schulkamp plant Teterow"
  • Neustrelitz city church

    • Markt, 17235 Neustrelitz

    One of the most important landmarks of the residential town of Neustrelitz. From the viewing platform you can enjoy the most beautiful view over Neustrelitz and the surrounding area.

    Read more: "Neustrelitz city church"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"

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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.