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.

458 results

  • Barefoot adventure trail

    • Closed today
    • Ziegeleiweg, 19395 Plau am See

    Barefoot adventure trail in Plau am See

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  • © Stadt Neustrelitz/Sebastian Haerter

    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"
  • © Allerleimeer

    Vacation home management AllerleiMeer

    • Open today
    • Neuer Markt, 17248 Rechlin

    Discover your dream vacation with Allerleimeer

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  • Die Wasserburg Liepen und das Gesindehaus kann man vom Park aus über eine kleine Holzbrücke erreichen. // © Burmeister

    Liepen moated castle

    • Liepen, 17139 Liepen

    Liepen moated castle is located on an island surrounded by an idyllic park. It was built in the 15th century by the Count Hahn family, who live here again today. The medieval vaulted cellar belongs to the oldest part of the castle complex and can be visited

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  • © MV-T/Tiemann

    Wangelin garden

    • Open today
    • Nachtkoppelweg, 19395 Wangelin

    Observe - grasp - marvel - enjoy in the largest medicinal herb garden in Mecklenburg. In addition to medicinal herbs, you will also find aromatic, magical and dyeing plants, as well as a butterfly garden and a typical North German farm garden. The garden's harvest can be tasted in the garden café and children can let off steam in the playscape.

    Read more: "Wangelin garden"
  • 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"
  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • Slow food from the rural fine cuisine // © Christin Drühl

    Romantik Hotel Gutshaus Ludorf

    • Rondell, 17207 Ludorf

    On the west bank of the Müritz, between two nature reserves, the visitor sees one of the most beautiful and oldest manor houses in Mecklenburg. Whoever is a guest here will be transported back from our hectic times to past centuries, when man in harmony with nature was the measure of all things.

    Read more: "Romantik Hotel Gutshaus Ludorf"
  • Coburg Fox Sheep // © Peter Ramsch

    Pet farm Rambow

    • Rambow Hof, 17194 Moltzow

    Zoo with 250 animals in 60 breeds. Mainly old domestic animal breeds threatened with extinction.

    Read more: "Pet farm Rambow"
  • © Landurlaub Diemitz/ Renate Strohm

    Country vacation Diemitz

    • Dorfstraße, 17252 Diemitz

    In the heart of the Mecklenburg Kleinseenplatte, wonderful nature, nice people and animals of all kinds await you on our ecologically managed farm.

    Read more: "Country vacation Diemitz"
  • Schlosshotel Neustrelitz // © Schloss Neustrelitz / Bianka Pogadl

    Schlosshotel Neustrelitz

    • Parkstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Schlosshotel Neustrelitz is located in the Mecklenburg Lake District, in the middle of the baroque residential town of Neustrelitz

    Read more: "Schlosshotel Neustrelitz"
  • © Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz

    Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz

    • Kiefernhain, 17213 Fünfseen

    The Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz at Lake Plauer See represents a unique feature in the cultural landscape of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Dalwitz Manor Park

    • Dalwitz, 17179 Walkendorf

    In the estate park you can discover a monument dedicated to Sabine von Bassewitz (1716-1790). She was considered by contemporaries as a "woman of great and rare talents".

    Read more: "Dalwitz Manor Park"
  • Seitenansicht der Fachwerkkirche // © Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte Touristik GmbH

    Church Blankenförde

    • Blankenförde, 17252 Roggentin

    Churches of the region - Experience small village churches or large, restored buildings from the time of the Knights of St. John. You can feel the powerful charisma of these old buildings and for a moment time stands still. - The half-timbered church in Blankenförde -

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  • 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"
  • View from the Müritz to the St. Marien church in Röbel/Müritz // © MV-T/Krüger

    St. Marien Church Röbel/Müritz

    • Closed today
    • Straße der Deutschen Einheit, 17207 Röbel/Müritz

    As a foundation of Nicolaus` I. von Werle the construction of the choir was started around 1235. It served as a place of worship for the princely family at Röbel Castle, its inhabitants and the small Altröbel community.

    Read more: "St. Marien Church Röbel/Müritz"
  • © 1000seen.de

    Malchow Monastery Church Lookout Tower

    • Open today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    At a height of 55 meters, you can experience breathtaking views of nature in good weather.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery Church Lookout Tower"
  • © Landurlaub M-V e.V./ Anika Weisbrich

    Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm

    • Open today
    • Alter Forsthof, 17209 Zislow

    The cozy Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm serves homemade cakes, changing soups and hot and cold drinks. A child-friendly atmosphere with a reading corner, occasional cultural events and the adjacent horse farm make it a popular destination. The café can also be hired for private events by prior arrangement.

    Read more: "Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm"
  • © 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"

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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.