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.

464 results

  • Welcome to the Sommerhof // © Sommerhof Granzow/Britta Meyer-Itner

    Summer farm Granzow at the bathing lake

    • Granzow Seestraße, 17252 Granzow

    The summer farm is located in the middle of the varied water landscape of the Mecklenburg Lake District, which with its unique flora and fauna allows active recreation from the hustle and bustle of everyday life! The nearby lake (with bathing beach) has a very good bathing water quality and is an ideal starting point for canoe tours!

    Read more: "Summer farm Granzow at the bathing lake"
  • © Katharina Fial

    PUPPET THEATER FINGERLEICHT

    • Carwitzer Straße, 17258 Carwitz

    Come right in! At the wondrous Ole Pfarrhof, we do a lot of theater for young and old people from the age of three. From May to September. We are the Fingerleichten puppets, figures and things, and our principal, puppeteer Katharina Fial.

    Read more: "PUPPET THEATER FINGERLEICHT"
  • Boulder Garden // © TI Krakow am See

    Boulder Garden with "Small & Large Mushroom

    • Open today
    • Am Borgwall, 18292 Krakow am See

    Some hiking trails in the climatic health resort lead over the Buchenberg with a height of 74.5 m above sea level to the Borgwall with "Little and Big Mushroom".

    Read more: "Boulder Garden with "Small & Large Mushroom"
  • Mit der Dampflok zwischen Schwichtenberg und Uhlenhorst // © Steffen's Werbe- und Eventagentur

    Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Narrow-gauge railway (MPSB)

    • Zur Kleinbahn, 17099 Galenbeck, OT Schwichtenberg

    You can experience the beauty of nature, the driving pleasure of slowness and the original driving experience in a 600 mm narrow-gauge railway in Schwichtenberg. Visit a exhibition in the original local railway control room and the locomotive show. Opening hours: 1.May – 3.October, every Saturday and Sunday from 02:00 pm – 05:00 pm.

    Read more: "Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Narrow-gauge railway (MPSB)"
  • Blick durch das Fenster der Subitow-Galerie bei Abenddämmerung // © Klaus Böllhoff

    SUBITOW Gallery - Studio - Life

    • Klempenow, 17089 Bartow

    SUBITOW - Gallery - Studio - Life - is a project that has something surprising to offer the connoisseur and the layman - painting, sculpture, quilt, photography, gARTen, sound. It shows Art-aktuell inter- and regional. Bau&Schauhaus. Art&Life - almost always open - accessible.

    Read more: "SUBITOW Gallery - Studio - Life"
  • Aeronautical Engineering Museum Rechlin

    • Open today
    • Am Claassee, 17248 Rechlin

    In historical ensembles of buildings you can learn more about the impressive history of Rechlin's development into the former central and largest test site for land-based aircraft up to 1945 and the reuse by Soviet-Russian aviation until 1993. The NVA's information centre and the former shipyard are also presented - as well as the lives of the people who worked and lived here.

    Read more: "Aeronautical Engineering Museum Rechlin"
  • 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"
  • © Antje Rost

    House Seeblick Carwitz

    • OT Carwitz, Carwitzer Str., 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Vacation apartments for 2- 4 persons. Due to its location, the "Haus Seeblick" is an ideal starting point for various leisure activities. Many of my guests appreciate exactly that: Recreation in an intact natural landscape, pleasant, comfortable accommodation and the amenities that the charming Carwitz offers.

    Read more: "House Seeblick Carwitz"
  • Gutsgärtnerei am Schloss Rumpshagen // © Schloss Rumpshagen / Ernst von Bismarck

    Manor house Rumpshagen

    • Parkstraße, 17219 Ankershagen

    The baroque manor house was built in 1730.

    Read more: "Manor house Rumpshagen"
  • Ein unvergesslicher Urlaub im Apartmenthaus am Krakower See:
Natur, Entspannung und Aktivität vereint // © K&K Ferienimmobilien GmbH & Co.KG

    Apartment complex Krakow am See

    • Am Wadehäng, 18292 Krakow am See

    The Apartmenthaus am Krakower See offers an exceptional break in the middle of the unique landscape of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Apartment complex Krakow am See"
  • 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"
  • © Jana Koch

    Forest adventure trail Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Lärchenweg, 17166 Teterow

    The forest adventure trail is divided into two areas: the Forest of Talents and the Philosopher's Path. In the Forest of Talents, visitors can explore or measure themselves against the talents of the forest or its inhabitants. On the Philosopher's Trail, an old forester tells his granddaughter interesting stories about the forest and man-made climate change.

    Read more: "Forest adventure trail Teterow"
  • Eingebettet im Müritz-Nationalpark, am Großen Labussee. Mehr Platz geht nicht! // © Familotel Borchard´s Rookhus

    Familotel Borchard's Rookhus by the lake

    • Am Labus, 17255 Wesenberg

    100% family vacation in Mecklenburg - only at Familotel Borchard's Rookhus. The right place for the whole family in the middle of the Müritz National Park.

    Read more: "Familotel Borchard's Rookhus by the lake"
  • © Jana Koch

    Catholic Church of St. Peter Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Niels-Stensen-Straße, 17166 Teterow

    Parish church

    Read more: "Catholic Church of St. Peter Teterow"
  • © SeeWirtschaft Untergöhren

    SeeWirtschaft - The Top Location at Lake Fleesensee

    • Strandweg, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Restaurant - bar - event, events, boat rental, moorings and a real insider's tip about fishing.

    Read more: "SeeWirtschaft - The Top Location at Lake Fleesensee"
  • Der Saloon oder die Reiterstube in Hilly- Billy-Town // © B. Kiel

    Hilly-Billy-Town

    • Schneidemühle, 17237 Godendorf

    Our small farm is located on the border with Brandenburg in a valley, surrounded by forest and water. Many small and large "cuddly animals" are waiting for nature- and animal-loving guests in the season from May to November. Whether vacation with your own horse or dog, bicycle or as a hiker - a cozy cottage or overnight stay with your own sleeping bag - we have the right place for everyone.

    Read more: "Hilly-Billy-Town"
  • Autumn at Ivenack Castle // © DOMUSImages

    Ivenack Castle

    • Am Schloss, 17153 Ivenack

    The older, middle part of the castle dates back to the 16th century - the monastery building. A first extension took place in 1709 and after passing to the Imperial Counts v. Plessen around 1750. The semicircular stables, the orangery, the tea house and the church also date from this period. Around 1810, the castle was again extended by two wings. Since 2016, it has been renovated in accordance with the preservation order. The 1000-year-old Ivenack oaks in the former animal park are Germany's first national natural monument.

    Read more: "Ivenack Castle"
  • Boek Manor House

    • Temporarily closed
    • Boeker Straße, 17248 Boek

    The Boek manor house was built in the first half of the 19th century as a two-storey plaster building with 13 axes and a central risalit. The history of the estate is marked by numerous changes of ownership. The National Park Ticket buses stop in Boek directly in front of the manor house. Before it was taken over by the German air force in 1935, it was owned by the Le Fort family.

    Read more: "Boek Manor House"
  • © Lars Schönherr

    Dargibell Castle Estate

    • Temporarily closed
    • Dargibell, 17398 Neu Kosenow

    The manor house is one of the most important architectural monuments in the "Grafenwinkel" region of Western Pomerania. The baroque building with its English-style interior dates back to the 15th century.

    Read more: "Dargibell Castle Estate"
  • © 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"

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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.