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

  • © Kunsthaus Neustrelitz e.V.

    Art House Neustrelitz

    • Schloßstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Kunsthaus is an "open house". It is open to anyone who wants to try their hand at art and culture and is looking for a space, like-minded people or support.

    Read more: "Art House Neustrelitz"
  • Das Kurzentrum Waren (Müritz) mit Thermalsoleaußenbecken // © Kurzentrum Waren (Müritz)

    Waren (Müritz) spa center

    • Am Kurpark, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Let your soul dangle on vacation, enjoy beautiful moments and free time and do something good for your health. For your relaxing health and pampering vacation, the Waren (Müritz) spa center in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District combines 4-star hotel comfort with healing therapies and wellness treatments.

    Read more: "Waren (Müritz) spa center"
  • © Hotel Villa Passion

    Hotel "Villa Passion

    • August-Bebel-Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Experience a vacation without stress and hustle and bustle with plenty of space for rest and relaxation.

    Read more: "Hotel "Villa Passion"
  • Ansicht der Ferienwohnungen auf dem 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"
  • Children Youth Art House Güstrow

    • Baustraße, 18273 Güstrow

    We show seen and invented from all workshops: painting, graphics, textiles and objects. Figures in the variety of their shape testify to the imagination of the children and young people. The exhibition encourages participation - material is ready.

    Read more: "Children Youth Art House Güstrow"
  • Marketplace Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Am Markt, 17166 Teterow

    Geographically, Teterow is the center of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The center is marked by a cast-iron relief plate created by the artist Günter Kaden from Wendischhagen on the market square.

    Read more: "Marketplace Teterow"
  • Pension Jägerrast

    • Boeker Straße, 17248 Rechlin OT Boek

    Leisure oasis at the Müritz National Park - your starting point for Slow Travel in the Müritz National Park

    Read more: "Pension Jägerrast"
  • © TMV/Fischer

    Village church Ludorf

    • Kirchenstraße, 17207 Ludorf

    The octagonal church Ludorf has an octagonal ground plan, which is unique in Northern Germany.

    Read more: "Village church Ludorf"
  • © Jana Koch

    Hotel WENDENKRUG

    • Temporarily closed
    • Burgwallinsel, 17166 Teterow

    Excursion restaurant with lake terrace and pension rooms under the thatched roof on the Burgwallinsel in Lake Teterow

    Read more: "Hotel WENDENKRUG"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Feldberg Lake District Nature Park exhibition in the Haus des Gastes

    • Open today
    • Strelitzer Straße, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The 36,000-hectare Feldberg Lake District Nature Park is located in the south-eastern part of the Mecklenburg Lake District between the towns of Fürstenberg, Woldegk and Neustrelitz. In addition to numerous lakes and kettle bogs, with a bit of luck you can admire sea eagles, ospreys and beavers here.

    Read more: "Feldberg Lake District Nature Park exhibition in the Haus des Gastes"
  • Außenansicht Gut Zahren // © Alexander Rudolph

    Good Zahren

    • Dorfstraße, 19386 Zahren

    Space for ideas - that is the motto of the spacious estate with French flair. There are vacation apartments, lounges, seminar rooms and an estate kitchen.

    Read more: "Good Zahren"
  • © Waren (Müritz) Kur- und Tourismus GmbH

    House of the guest Waren (Müritz)

    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    the small, fine event location for locals and guests

    Read more: "House of the guest Waren (Müritz)"
  • Wagenburg // © Planwagencamping/Köster

    Wagon camping & vacation farm

    • Am Nationalpark, 17237 Grünow

    Covered wagon trekking tours and covered wagon camp for children and youth groups as well as families Comfortable FeWos on active farm on the edge of the Müritz National Park

    Read more: "Wagon camping & vacation farm"
  • Schlieffenberg surrounded by fields and lakes // © Kirchgemeinde Wattmannshagen

    Church Schlieffenberg

    • Am See, 18279 Schlieffenberg

    Evangelical Lutheran parish of Wattmannshagen

    Read more: "Church Schlieffenberg"
  • © GSA mbH

    GSA mbH - Mediation - Service - Sale

    • Marktplatz, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    As a mediation & service agency GSA mediates & looks after a variety of selected & family-friendly vacation homes & apartments in the land of 1000 lakes on behalf of the owner.

    Read more: "GSA mbH - Mediation - Service - Sale"
  • Herzlich willkomen im Gutshaus Gevezin! // © Gutshaus Gevezin

    Gevezin Manor House

    • Hofstraße, 17039 Gevezin

    Spend the night well. Good entertainment. Recover well. At Gutshaus Gevezin, visitors can enjoy mindfulness and relaxation and at the same time find space for recreation and entertainment.

    Read more: "Gevezin Manor House"
  • Lake hotel Ichlim

    • Am Nebelsee, 17248 Lärz

    The Seehotel Ichlim is located on the southern foothills of the Müritz, directly on the romantic Nebelseel. It has 29 comfort rooms and 3 vacation cottages.

    Read more: "Lake hotel Ichlim"
  • Eine Segel-Klassenfahrt begeistert Jung und Alt // © SeenLandAgentour

    LakesCountryAgentour - Salem base

    • Am Hafen, 17139 Salem

    Get to know the 1x1 of sailing from scratch with the SeenLandAgentour - whether big or small - there is something for everyone here.

    Read more: "LakesCountryAgentour - Salem base"
  • Steg Himmelsblick im Kurwald // © 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"
  • © Thorsten Falk, Seehotel Plau am See

    Seehotel Plau am See

    • Hermann-Niemann-Str., 19395 Plau am See

    Make friends out of guests - Leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in the hospitable atmosphere of our beautifully situated lakeside hotel. The idyllic 4-star hotel, located directly on Lake Plauer See, awaits you in its family atmosphere. Discover the wonderful area around Lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Seehotel Plau am See"

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Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

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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.