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

  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    City Hall Malchow

    • Alter Markt, 17213 Malchow

    The town hall with elevator and the former district court building, connected by a corridor made of glass and steel, are today the joint representative administrative headquarters of the Malchow office.

    Read more: "City Hall Malchow"
  • © Pöhl GmbH

    Ring Hotel Villa Margarete

    • Fontanestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The facade with its wooden balconies and view into the Müritz National Park, as well as the neat interior design convey a pleasant atmosphere. In the restaurant with garden terrace directly at the Müritz National Park, the chef will spoil you with his special creations.

    Read more: "Ring Hotel Villa Margarete"
  • Country house Polak // © Polak

    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"
  • Canow Inn // © Wohlleben/Smith

    Canow Inn

    • Open today
    • Canower Allee, 17255 Wustrow

    Canow Inn is a house in the village, between two lakes, forest and meadows - at the same time inn and café. A place to stay - with homemade cakes, handmade coffee, small, regional dishes and ingredients. A big breakfast.

    Read more: "Canow Inn"
  • Franziskanerkloster Neubrandenburg // © Thomas Oppermann

    Regional Museum Neubrandenburg

    • Open today
    • Stargarder Straße, 17033 Neubrandenburg

    The Neubrandenburg Regional Museum (founded in 1872) is one of the oldest civic museums in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Regional Museum Neubrandenburg"
  • Villa Blanck

    • Gartenstraße, 17213 Malchow

    Enjoy the peace and the beautiful landscape in the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern! Stay in one of our beautiful vacation apartments directly at the Malchower See.

    Read more: "Villa Blanck"
  • © Kurverwaltung Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Hauptmannsberg in the Feldberg lake district

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Carwitzer Str., 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    On the 120m high Hauptmannsberg you can relax with a view of the lake while having a picnic with friends and family. The beautiful natural landscape invites you to linger.

    Read more: "Hauptmannsberg in the Feldberg lake district"
  • View of the vacation apartments at Ferienhof Mirow // © Ferienhof Mirow/Mewes

    Vacation farm Mirow

    • Retzower Straße, 17252 Mirow

    Experience an unforgettable vacation with and around the horse! Enjoy relaxing days on our family-friendly vacation farm in the middle of the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "Vacation farm Mirow"
  • © Rene Legrand

    Campsite "Bolter Ufer" C15

    • Am Müritzufer, 17248 Boeker Mühle

    Welcome to the campsite "Bolter Ufer" C 15, in the state-recognized resort of Rechlin OT Boeker Mühle. The campsite with a catamaran and surfing mill is located directly on the south-eastern bank of the Müritz, in the middle of a mixed forest.

    Read more: "Campsite "Bolter Ufer" C15"
  • Maremüritz Marina Resort

    • Am Seeufer, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Infinite horizon - Between two lakes. The MAREMÜRITZ Yachthafen Resort is located in the land of 1,000 lakes, on a narrow strip of shoreline. Here you will find the highest quality apartments in the region with a view of the Müritz, its own marina with over 60 berths, a heated outdoor pool and saunas, as well as the most beautiful sunsets, which can be admired from the sun terrace of the "Bella Riva" restaurant & café.

    Read more: "Maremüritz Marina Resort"
  • © Fleesensee Alpakas

    Fleesensee Alpacas

    • Lebbiner Str., 17213 Penkow

    Small alpaca farm with farm store in Penkow that specializes in offering various recreational activities, health prevention and animal assisted therapy with alpacas.

    Read more: "Fleesensee Alpacas"
  • underte Maränen ziehen ihre Bahnen durch das Wasser, Licht bricht sich an der Oberfläche und taucht den Schwarm in ein mystisches Grün. Im Müritzeum in Waren (Müritz) lässt sich die Unterwasserwelt der Mecklenburgischen Seenplatte hautnah erleben – ein faszinierender Blick in verborgene Welten. // © 1000seen.de

    MÜRITZEUM - The NatureExperienceCenter in Waren (Müritz)

    • Open today
    • Zur Steinmole, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The Müritzeum shows the beauty and special features of the Mecklenburg Lake District and the Müritz National Park in an interactive exhibition. In Germany's largest aquarium landscape for native freshwater fish, you dive under the water surface of the 1000 lakes.

    Read more: "MÜRITZEUM - The NatureExperienceCenter in Waren (Müritz)"
  • © Reschke

    Country hotel "Zur Scheune

    • Dudel, 17207 Bollewick

    The country hotel "Zur Scheune" in Germany's largest fieldstone barn. In addition to the hotel, the barn is home to many handicraft workshops with attached stores, the village tavern, the laird's cellar and a bakery. In addition, the barn is a center for culture, events and markets.

    Read more: "Country hotel "Zur Scheune"
  • KUHNLE-TOURS houseboat base in Malchin

    • Am Kanal, 17139 Malchin

    The Peene and Lake Kummerow region is a paradise for houseboaters with impressive birdwatching opportunities. Lake Kummerow and the Peene offer idyllic landscapes for a variety of nature experiences. Enjoying nature, birdwatching and relaxing on the water - there is something for everyone here.

    Read more: "KUHNLE-TOURS houseboat base in Malchin"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Waren (Müritz)

    Holy Cross Church Waren (Müritz)

    • Goethestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The Catholic Church and Parish Niels Stensen

    Read more: "Holy Cross Church Waren (Müritz)"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Malchow Lake Clinic

    • August Bebel Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Our clinic is located in the middle of the Mecklenburg Lake District, directly at the Malchow Lake and in the center of forests and lakes. Since its opening in 1997, it has established itself as a rehabilitation center for orthopedics and internal medicine.

    Read more: "Malchow Lake Clinic"
  • © Waren (Müritz) Kur- und Tourismus GmbH

    Church of St. George Waren (Müritz)

    • St.Georgen Kirchplatz, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    evangelic city church at the old market

    Read more: "Church of St. George Waren (Müritz)"
  • © 3 Königinnen Palais

    3 Queens Palace

    • Open today
    • Schlossinsel, 17252 Mirow

    Suddenly Queen - How Mecklenburg princesses became important European queens. The 3-Queens-Palace on the castle island of Mirow offers an interactive exhibition on the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and the queens who came from this house. In addition to the exhibition, there is also a café with a view of the lake, a souvenir store with regional products and the Mirow tourist information office.

    Read more: "3 Queens Palace"
  • Außenansicht der Synagoge // © Frank Eilrich

    Old synagogue Krakow on the lake

    • Schulplatz, 18292 Krakow am See

    The Old Synagogue is one of the few remaining synagogues in northeastern Germany.

    Read more: "Old synagogue Krakow on the lake"
  • Exterior view // © Landhotel Prälank

    Country Hotel & Restaurant PRÄLANK

    • Prälank-Kalkofen, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Are you looking for a place to slow down? You want to escape the big city jungle or simply enjoy the wonderful nature? Then visit our small country hotel in an idyllic location on a small lake in the Müritz National Park, not far from the residential town of Neustrelitz.

    Read more: "Country Hotel & Restaurant PRÄLANK"

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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.