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

  • © M.Höppner

    Gretchenheim Plau am See

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

    Monument

    Read more: "Gretchenheim Plau am See"
  • © Wassersport Fleesensee

    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"
  • © Sebastian Haerter

    Ivenack Oaks National Natural Monument

    • Tiergarten, 17153 Ivenack

    The 1,000-year-old Ivenacker oaks belong to the Ivenacker Tiergarten. They are cultural and natural historical highlight of the area.

    Read more: "Ivenack Oaks National Natural Monument"
  • © FV Kirche Ankershagen / Igor Heinzel

    Ankershagen village church

    • Lindenallee, 17219 Ankershagen

    Located directly on the Berlin-Copenhagen long-distance cycle path, Ankershagen Church invites you on a short journey through time and space. One of the oldest village churches in Mecklenburg, full of fascinating paintings, medieval art and a peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for a break - to discover, pause and move on.

    Read more: "Ankershagen village church"
  • © M.Höppner

    Parish Church of St. Mary Plau am See

    • Kirchplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    The parish church St. Marien Plau am See was built in the 12th century as a three-nave and three-bay hall church.

    Read more: "Parish Church of St. Mary Plau am See"
  • House location / apartments & NF gallery / aerial view, © 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"
  • If you don't have your own caravan you can rent one..., © Haveltourist GmbH & Co. KG

    Camping and Holiday Park Havelberge

    • An den Havelbergen, 17237 Userin OT Groß Quassow

    Havelberge Camping and Holiday Park lies directly at Lake Woblitz. In addition to 90 holiday homes and mobile homes, thers's also a restaurant with sun terrace and lake views and many exciting activities as well as entertainment shows and live music. (April-October)

    Read more: "Camping and Holiday Park Havelberge"
  • © Thomas Oppermann

    BÄRENWALD Müritz

    • Open today
    • Am Bärenwald, 17209 Stuer

    Brown bears – all of which came from improperly kept habitats – live in Western Europe’s largest bear sanctuary in the Mecklenburg Lakes. It is open all year round!

    Read more: "BÄRENWALD Müritz"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz

    Bathing establishment at the Glambeck lake

    • Adolf-Friedrich-Straße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Bathing fun for the whole family

    Read more: "Bathing establishment at the Glambeck lake"
  • © Biohof Donst

    Organic farm Donst

    • Strietfeld, 17209 Walow

    Enjoy "pure nature" while hiking, biking, swimming and experience the species-rich landscape, where even the native wild animals still have their place. Thanks to the quiet location of our farm, surrounded by our ecological agriculture, it invites you to spend your vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District between Lake Plauer and Müritz.

    Read more: "Organic farm Donst"
  • View through the window of the Subitow Gallery at dusk, © 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"
  • Main building Groß Plasten Castle, © Finn Steen

    The Reset Hotel

    • Parkallee, 17192 Groß Plasten

    With its location on the edge of the Müritz National Park, THE RESET in Groß Plasten Castle offers a very special place for rest and relaxation. The Reset stands for detox and fasting cures with first-class medical care.

    Read more: "The Reset Hotel"
  • St. John's Church Boek

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17248 Boek

    "St. Johannis Church is a listed church building in Boek, a district of the municipality of Rechlin in the Mecklenburg Lake District in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It belongs to the parish of Rechlin in the Neustrelitz provostry, Mecklenburg church district of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany.

    Read more: "St. John's Church Boek"
  • © Wiebke Hörring

    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"
  • © Waren (Müritz) Kur- und Tourismus GmbH

    Church of St. George Waren (Müritz)

    • St.Georgen Kirchplatz, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    evangelic city church at the old market

    Read more: "Church of St. George Waren (Müritz)"
  • Camping site Zum Hexenwäldchen

    • Blankenförde, 17252 Blankenförde / Kakeldütt

    The Hexenwäldchen is a small, secure and family nature campsite directly on the lake, in the middle of the motorboat-free Müritz National Park with a real (!) Night rest from 22.00Uhr. With us you will experience a friendly and relaxed togetherness with "proper" guests, and quite a few have children with them!

    Read more: "Camping site Zum Hexenwäldchen"
  • © Gabriele Kölbl

    Vacation home Villa Kunterbunt

    • Friedenstr, 17194 Hohen Wangelin

    Whether rest, change of scenery or immersion in past times - all these wishes are fulfilled by the small cottage with rural charm and modern comfort. The name says it all: colorful vacation atmosphere makes the little cottage!

    Read more: "Vacation home Villa Kunterbunt"
  • 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"
  • © Gerhild Meßner

    Vacation home Bittern

    • Speck, 17192 Kargow OT Speck

    Cozy vacation home in the middle of the Müritz National Park. Ideal for families, with CO2 neutral energy concept.

    Read more: "Vacation home Bittern"
  • © BEECH Resort Fleesensee

    Mill store Fleesensee

    • Am Kalkberg, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Coffee To Go, treats from the region, souvenirs, toys and fresh baker's rolls every day. In the mill store at BEECH Resort you will find everything you need.

    Read more: "Mill store Fleesensee"

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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.