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.

466 results

  • © Jana Koch

    Playground on the Burgwallinsel Teterow

    • Burgwallinsel, 17166 Teterow

    Fun and games for kids on Teterow's historic castle wall island

    Read more: "Playground on the Burgwallinsel Teterow"
  • Historische Allee Gut Dahlen // © Felix Garten Giuliana Martinez

    Dahlen Manor House

    • Am Schloss, 17039 Dahlen

    Gutshaus Dahlen near Neubrandenburg is a simple building whose conversion dates back to 1806. It is thought to be related to the Romantic period.

    Read more: "Dahlen Manor House"
  • © Jana Koch

    Tennis facility Teterow

    • Langhäger Chaussee, 17166 Teterow

    Three playing fields, which can also be booked by guests subject to availability.

    Read more: "Tennis facility Teterow"
  • 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"
  • © Homuth Hofladen

    Homuth farm store

    • Untergöhrener Str., 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Hofladen Homuth in the Land Fleesensee - incredibly tasty and with a good portion of love, soooo delicious!

    Read more: "Homuth farm store"
  • 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"
  • © 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"
  • Ausblick aus der Cabin // © Theresa Lange

    Time out at Lake Tollensesee - Tiny Houses

    • 17094 Groß Nemerow

    Auszeit Tollensesee offers stylishly designed cabins with a private sauna and panoramic views over the Nonnenhof nature reserve. Perfect for switching off, recharging your batteries and simply being.

    Read more: "Time out at Lake Tollensesee - Tiny Houses"
  • Milchautomat EDEKA Groth // © Van der Ham Bollewick

    Milk vending machine Van der Ham, Neustrelitz

    • EDEKA Groth - Kühlhausberg, 17235 Neustrelitz

    You can draw your own fresh, pasteurized milk from our milk vending machines in town.

    Read more: "Milk vending machine Van der Ham, Neustrelitz"
  • Our hotel is located directly on the Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route. // © Heike Dworatzek

    National Park Hotel Kranichrast

    • Dorfstraße, 17192 Kargow OT Schwarzenhof

    The family-run hotel is idyllically located in the middle of the Müritz National Park, away from noise, bustle and stress.

    Read more: "National Park Hotel Kranichrast"
  • Hauslage/Fewos & NF-Galerie / Luftbild // © RVF Roman-Vitt-Fotografie

    Apartments Roman Vitt in the middle of the core zone of the Müritz National Park

    • Serrahn, 17237 Carpin

    NATURE-PURE-URLAUB and unique in Germany: apartments in the middle of a world natural heritage, secluded and also in the core and quiet zone of the Müritz National Park, surrounded by unique fauna and flora.

    Read more: "Apartments Roman Vitt in the middle of the core zone of the Müritz National Park"
  • Neustrelitz climate forest

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17237 Blumenhagen

    The kick-off for the creation of our climate forests in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern took place on November 28, 2007 near Neustrelitz, where the first 100 sessile oaks were planted on an area of approx. 2,000 m². Financing was provided by the rail travel specialist Ameropa and the MeetMV conference pool of the MV tourism association through the purchase of forest shares designed for this purpose.

    Read more: "Neustrelitz climate forest"
  • Bahnhofshotel Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Steinstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    The old Bahnhofshotel Plau am See is located at the end of Steinstraße (no. 96). The building is one of the architectural monuments of the small Mecklenburg town. Today, a memorial plaque commemorates the "forced unification" of the KPD and SPD parties. Since 2015, the old station hotel has been the children's and boys' center of the town of Plau am See.

    Read more: "Bahnhofshotel Plau am See"
  • Retzow Castle

    • Parkweg, 17248 Rechlin

    A castle in the Müritz region for weddings, dreamlike celebrations and stylish country vacations. 13 individual vacation apartments as well as public lounges form a backdrop like from another time.

    Read more: "Retzow Castle"
  • Wohnung Nr. 5 (separat) // © A. Wilken

    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"
  • © Fleesensee Rösterei

    Fleesensee Roastery & Bake Shop

    • Marktplatz, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Enjoy freshly brewed coffee, coffee specialties, homemade ice cream, fresh baked goods & many other regional delicacies. Opening hours 03.02. - 02.04 | Wed - Sun | 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    Read more: "Fleesensee Roastery & Bake Shop"
  • Small exhibition of the Nature Park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“

    • Wargentiner Straße, 17139 Basedow

    The exhibition about the nature park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“ in Basedow can be found in the cafe “Alter Schafstall“, on the right side of the guest room. It displays land and people of the region.

    Read more: "Small exhibition of the Nature Park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“"
  • homemade beef burger // © Rico Stoltenfeld

    RS Land finishing

    • Strelitzer Str., 17094 Burg Stargard

    Visit our farm store with regional products from our mother-cow husbandry with direct marketing.

    Read more: "RS Land finishing"
  • © 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"
  • © Gina Schulenberg

    Fitness trail & mini golf in Klink

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17192 Klink

    The fitness trail in Klink offers the ideal opportunity to exercise and enjoy nature at the same time. Situated directly on the Müritz circular trail, the course with its various training stations invites you to try out, stretch and strengthen - whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete. There is a small mini-golf course next to the fitness trail.

    Read more: "Fitness trail & mini golf in Klink"

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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.