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.

443 results

  • Vacation and horse farm Scholz

    • Ollendorf, 17237 Grünow

    Vacation on the farmOn the "Ferien- und Pferdehof Scholz", in the middle of beautiful Mecklenburg, everything revolves around horses, riding and nature.

    Read more: "Vacation and horse farm Scholz"
  • View from the 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"
  • © Campingplatz Ecktannen

    Campsite Ecktannen

    • Fontanestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Our CampingPlatz Ecktannen is situated in a very scenic location on the outskirts of Waren (Müritz) and Germany's largest inland waterway, the "Müritz". South of CampingPlatz Ecktannen is the Müritz National Park, one of the most beautiful nature and plant reserves in northern Germany.

    Read more: "Campsite Ecktannen"
  • Außenansicht des Schlosses Hohenzieritz // © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Hohenzieritz Castle

    • Open today
    • Schlossplatz, 17237 Hohenzieritz

    Hohenzieritz went down in history as the place where the legendary Queen Luise of Prussia died. The castle was once the summer residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Today, a memorial in the castle provides information about Queen Luise. One of the earliest landscape gardens in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern extends behind the palace. It was created from 1771 by the English garden architect Thomson.

    Read more: "Hohenzieritz Castle"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH / Hans Blossey

    Sailing harbor Rechlin

    • Fritz-Reuter-Straße, 17248 Rechlin

    The sailing harbor of the Müritz-Segel-Verein Rechlin e.V. is located on the eastern shore of the Kleine Müritz.

    Read more: "Sailing harbor Rechlin"
  • © Reschke Gastronomie GmbH

    Hotel "Am Brauhaus" with Brauhaus Müritz & bowling alley

    • Am Tiefwarensee, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Braufrische Lebensfreude: Hotel, restaurant, bowling alleys, brewery tours. The hotel "Am Brauhaus" is an ideal starting point for eventful excursions.In our in-house brewery with 4 bowling alleys right next to the hotel and on the edge of the old town of Waren (Müritz) you can experience the old brewing tradition anew.

    Read more: "Hotel "Am Brauhaus" with Brauhaus Müritz & bowling alley"
  • © Ch. Krüger

    Vacation apartment family B. and Ch. Krüger

    • Erdamm, OT Feldberg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Situated in the middle of the Feldberg lakes on a hill is your vacation apartment for 2 persons ...

    Read more: "Vacation apartment family B. and Ch. Krüger"
  • View of the Barkow manor house // © Tourist Info Plau am See GmbH

    Barkow manor house

    • Heinrich-Zander-Straße, 19395 Barkow

    In the Mecklenburg Lake District not far from Plau am See lies the Barkow manor house built in 1913 by the Hülße family. The large garden borders directly on the Müritz-Elde waterway. The house was completely renovated in recent years and furnished as a guesthouse with eight apartments, two single rooms and ten double rooms. The Barkow Manor rents out canoes and bicycles.

    Read more: "Barkow manor house"
  • City Hall Krakow on the Lake

    • Closed today
    • Markt, 18292 Krakow am See

    A listed ensemble of buildings is the Krakow marketplace, consisting of the town hall, the town church and mostly town houses of the 18th and 19th centuries.

    Read more: "City Hall Krakow on the Lake"
  • Flair Seehotel Zielow

    • Seeufer, 17207 Ludorf OT Zielow

    Our hotel is located directly on the south bank of the Müritz and offers restaurant, wellness area, pool, riding stable, beach and pure relaxation.

    Read more: "Flair Seehotel Zielow"
  • © Inselstadt Malchow

    Ladies Square at Malchow Monastery

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    The Ladies' Square at Malchow Monastery, together with the former refectory (now the Art Museum), forms the center of the site.

    Read more: "Ladies Square at Malchow Monastery"
  • Neustrelitz city church

    • Markt, 17235 Neustrelitz

    One of the most important landmarks of the residential town of Neustrelitz. From the viewing platform you can enjoy the most beautiful view over Neustrelitz and the surrounding area.

    Read more: "Neustrelitz city church"
  • © Bernd Friedrich

    Vacation on the farm vacation house/holiday apartment (FH Schafstall 3 stars according to DTV)

    • OT Wittenhagen, Hullerbuscher Weg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    2 modern vacation houses as well as a vacation apartment for 4 persons each on the farm near the forest and water, own jetty and bathing place.

    Read more: "Vacation on the farm vacation house/holiday apartment (FH Schafstall 3 stars according to DTV)"
  • © Van der Ham Bollewick

    Milk vending machine Van der Ham, Bollewick

    • Feldstraße, 17207 Bollewick

    At the milk vending machine in Bollewick you can draw daily fresh milk directly from the dairy farm of the Van der Ham family and that around the clock.

    Read more: "Milk vending machine Van der Ham, Bollewick"
  • © Nationalpark-Service Müritz

    Müritz National Park Service

    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The National Park Information Federow is open as a starting point to your experience in the Müritz National Park, daily from April to October from 9:00 to 18:00.

    Read more: "Müritz National Park Service"
  • on a canoe safari through the Müritz National Park // © Kanu-Hecht

    With canoe pike on national park tour

    • Dalmsdorf, 17237 Kratzeburg

    Here you can experience the beauty of the Müritz National Park from a completely different side. It is called board a boat of the diverse fleet and enjoy the silence and partial solitude of the region.

    Read more: "With canoe pike on national park tour"
  • Gottin manor house

    • Dorfstraße, 17168 Gottin

    The generosity and the ambience of the house offer on the one hand an ideal framework for meetings in the circle of friends or for family celebrations. On the other hand, the select private atmosphere is excellent for holding seminars and conferences that want to productively use the power of silence and the extensive services of the house.

    Read more: "Gottin manor house"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Rechlin pier

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Fritz-Reuter-Straße, 17248 Rechlin

    The pier in Rechlin is a charming place that delights visitors and locals alike. Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Müritz, the pier is a popular destination for tourists and water sports enthusiasts in the region.

    Read more: "Rechlin pier"
  • Climbing park in Plau am See // © Kletterpark Plau am See

    Climbing park Plau am See

    • Ziegeleiweg, 19395 Plau am See

    Our climbing park is a special kind of adventure forest: the rope courses lead you through living trees at lofty heights.

    Read more: "Climbing park Plau am See"
  • Waldhotel & Restaurant Stieglitzenkrug (3 stars)

    • OT Feldberg, Schlichter Damm, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The Waldhotel Stieglitzenkrug with its 53 beds is located in a quiet forest location on the outskirts of Feldberg, above the Haussee lake. It is the starting point for various Nordic walking and hiking tours. Our kitchen offers home-style cooking as well as Mecklenburg specialties.

    Read more: "Waldhotel & Restaurant Stieglitzenkrug (3 stars)"

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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.