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

  • © Annette Rösler

    Quetzin fir healing forest

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Quetziner Straße / Steindamm, 19395 Plau am See

    The healing forest in Plau am See is used as a natural therapy space. On the almost 2km long circuit, 10 stations are available for exercise therapy. Furthermore, a nature trail and a Nordic walking route run through the area.

    Read more: "Quetzin fir healing forest"
  • Genuss und Entspannung pur auf dem Fischerhof Damerow // © Müritzfischer

    Fishermen's farm Damerow

    • Zum Werder, 17194 Jabel OT Damerow

    Directly at the Jabel lake our guests enjoy a varied offer fresh from the smoker and our delicious fisherman's rolls. Here you will experience pure enjoyment and relaxation! For the little guests there is a water play mobile for lots of fun for children.

    Read more: "Fishermen's farm Damerow"
  • View into the vacation apartment Seerose at the Kölpinsee // © Andre Pretzel

    Vacation apartment Seerose at the Kölpinsee

    • Eldenholz, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The vacation apartment "Seerose" at the Kölpinsee promises pure nautical vacation. Situated directly on the Kölpinsee and the long-distance bicycle trail "Berlin-Copenhagen", on the edge of the Müritz National Park, it is a perfect destination for active holidaymakers and nature lovers. Enjoy the unobstructed view of the Kölpinsee from the balcony.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Seerose at the Kölpinsee"
  • © Rabennest/Friederike Hegner

    Luxury vacation home "RabenNest

    • Windfang, 18292 Krakow am See

    The location of the vacation home "RabenNest" is unique. Directly on a small, man-made canal with access to the Krakow Lake. Situated in an absolutely quiet location, the vacation home RabenNest invites you to relax and unwind all year round. A true nest to recharge your batteries and draw strength.

    Read more: "Luxury vacation home "RabenNest"
  • Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

    • Am See, 19406 Woserin

    Academy of Art Culture and Recreation - a creative magical place to work creatively. Workshops, courses and events in various fields are offered.

    Read more: "Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake"
  • Rambow parsonage

    • Kirchstraße, 17194 Rambow

    Picking from a hammock of golden parmains, cox orange and jonathan? Sounds like paradise and it is, because it is possible in the Rambow parish garden. Retired pastor Eckart Hübener invites guests to stay in the associated baroque half-timbered parsonage.

    Read more: "Rambow parsonage"
  • © Gästehaus BärenHof

    Guest House BärenHof

    • Ausbau am See, 19395 Barkhagen / OT Barkow-Ausbau

    A more than 100 year old farm in an exclusive location directly on the Kritzower See was lovingly remodeled. Thus, six comfortable vacation apartments were created, all with a terrace overlooking the lake. We now offer you, nestled in a beautiful natural and lake landscape, a place to relax far away from the stress and hustle and bustle of everyday life.

    Read more: "Guest House BärenHof"
  • City Hall Waren (Müritz)

    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The historical town hall with the city history museum

    Read more: "City Hall Waren (Müritz)"
  • © Staatliches Amt für Landwirtschaft und Umwelt Vorpommern

    Viewing platform Fleethof

    • 17099 Fleethof

    Viewing platform Fleethof

    Read more: "Viewing platform Fleethof"
  • Show garden at the Tiefwarensee

    • Wossidlostraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Blossom splendor at the Tiefwarensee

    Read more: "Show garden at the Tiefwarensee"
  • Hofladen // © H. Görlt

    Manufacture dandelion

    • Closed today
    • Dorfstraße, 17214 Nossentiner Hütte

    Fine food from Mecklenburg is available in this small farm store. Experience nature - with all your senses. During a herb walk, guests can also be enchanted by the abundance and magic around them.

    Read more: "Manufacture dandelion"
  • Water sports Fleesensee

    • Waldweg, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Wassersport Fleesensee, the 5-star water sports center at Ferienresort Fleesensee, offers courses in windsurfing, catamaran sailing, sailing for children, standup paddling and guided canoe tours. In addition, you can also simply rent boats and boards.

    Read more: "Water sports Fleesensee"
  • Vacation apartment Annemarie Schmidt

    • OT Cantnitz, Bredenfelder Str., 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Vacation apartment for 2-6 persons. On 60 m² living space my guests will find a homey atmosphere for a nice stay in the Feldberger Seenlandschaft.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Annemarie Schmidt"
  • Restaurant and snack bar Zum Bullerjan

    • Am Dreetzsee, 17268 Boitzenbuerger Land

    The "Bullerjan - your place by the lake" is located in the middle of the Feldberg lake district. Directly on Lake Dreetzsee, we serve honest, home-made cuisine for holidaymakers and locals - in the restaurant, to take away or on the sunny terrace with a view of the lake.

    Read more: "Restaurant and snack bar Zum Bullerjan"
  • Footbridge sky view in spa forest // © Silke Naumann

    Lake promenade Krakow on the lake

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18292 Krakow am See

    Maritime flair is promised by the dreamy lake promenade, which is only a few steps away from the old town and offers a wide view of the Krakow city lake.

    Read more: "Lake promenade Krakow on the lake"
  • Palace garden with orangery in Neustrelitz // © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Neustrelitz Palace Gardens

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • An der Promenade, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The ducal Palaca Garden in Neustrelitz is a gem of 18th and 19th century garden art. In all seasons it invites you to stroll and discover.

    Read more: "Neustrelitz Palace Gardens"
  • Farm at the mill view

    • Neubrandenburger Chaussee, 17348 Woldegk

    Landgenuss aus Mecklenburg- Taste hearty sausage specialties from the farm's own production and discover other regional products in our stylishly designed farm store with café in the windmill town of Woldegk.

    Read more: "Farm at the mill view"
  • Spa park with Kneipp facility

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Strelitzer Strasse, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Centrally located in the town of Feldberg, a new spa park has been created in recent years on the site of the old town park: a park that you can discover with all your senses. Either you promenade directly on the shore of the Haussee or explore the Kneipp facilities and then relax in the grass maze.

    Read more: "Spa park with Kneipp facility"
  • © 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"
  • Hotel Ingeborg // © Hotel Ingeborg

    Hotel Ingeborg ***

    • Rosenthalstraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    We captured the colors of the Mecklenburg lake landscape and immersed the Hotel INGEBORG in Waren in light and blue.

    Read more: "Hotel Ingeborg ***"

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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.