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

  • Vacation home management AllerleiMeer

    • Open today
    • Neuer Markt, 17248 Rechlin

    Discover your dream vacation with Allerleimeer

    Read more: "Vacation home management AllerleiMeer"
  • 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"
  • © Gemeinde Schwarz

    Heimatstube Schwarz

    • Dorfstraße, 17252 Schwarz

    Home room

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  • © Jana Koch

    Schulkamp plant Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Schulkamp, 17166 Teterow

    On the area of today's Schulkamp there were fields and gardens until the 19th century. They belonged to the endowment of the Fiedler school foundation (Felix Fiedler 1661-1705 pastor in Teterow) and were leased to the town. The lease income was used to support poor pupils.

    Read more: "Schulkamp plant Teterow"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Malchow Monastery Café

    • Open today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    More than 700 years ago, nuns met to dine together in the refectory of the former Damenstift, the oldest building in Malchow Abbey.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery Café"
  • Exterior view Below manor, © Gutshaus Below

    Below manor house

    • Dorfstraße, 17209 Below

    Half-timbered house with two vacation apartments in the Wittstocker Heide, conveniently located from Berlin and Hamburg. The baroque manor house was built around 1700 in half-timbered construction and restored from 2013 denkmalgrechet.

    Read more: "Below manor house"
  • Hotel entrance Müritz Strandhotel, © G. Redmer

    Müritz Strandhotel

    • Seebadstraße, 17207 Röbel/Müritz

    We are pleased to welcome you to the MÜRITZ STRANDHOTEL and cordially invite you to spend your vacation in the land of 1000 lakes or simply relax for a few days. Enjoy the wonderful nature with many possibilities to relax and discover.

    Read more: "Müritz Strandhotel"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    "Kiek in un wunner di" - Museum of Curiosities

    • Friedrich-Lessen-Weg, 17213 Malchow

    Not far from the monastery church is a museum full of rarities and curiosities from the everyday life of the population of the first half of the 20th century exhibits.

    Read more: ""Kiek in un wunner di" - Museum of Curiosities"
  • Zahren adventure workshop

    • Closed today
    • Hartwigsdorfer Weg, 17217 Penzlin /OT Zahren

    The Erlebniswerkstatt Zahren offers people of all ages a creative space. Here you can play and dream or tinker with recycled and natural materials, realize your own projects, make objects and art yourself.

    Read more: "Zahren adventure workshop"
  • The Milky Way is open!, © Mecklenburger ParkLand

    Astronomical Observatory Dalwitz

    • Dalwitz, 17179 Walkendorf

    One of 6 thematic observation stations of the astro nature trail "De Sternkieker" in the Mecklenburger ParkLand Star Park.

    Read more: "Astronomical Observatory Dalwitz"
  • View over the set table to the houseboats, © Orlowski

    Restaurant and Hostel Am Hafen - Neukalen

    • Am Hafen, 17154 Neukalen

    At the idyllic harbor in Neukalen you can enjoy delicious food here in the restaurant and on the terrace!

    Read more: "Restaurant and Hostel Am Hafen - Neukalen"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Bathing place Feisneck

    • An der Feisneck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The bathing place Feisneck has a 50 m long natural beach, a bathing bridge and is located directly at the Müritz National Park.

    Read more: "Bathing place Feisneck"
  • © Seminar- und Landhotel Schönbeck / Szeszkat

    Seminar and Country House Schönbeck

    • Neu Schönbeck, 17349 Schönbeck

    Relax, unwind, gather resources is our motto. The country house offers enough space and room for single travelers, as well as small groups up to 12 people. Our Tiny House is ideal for 2 people. The Farm Barn offers guests regional products for self-catering or memory shopping.

    Read more: "Seminar and Country House Schönbeck"
  • © Frank Eilrich

    Old synagogue Krakow on the lake

    • Schulplatz, 18292 Krakow am See

    The Old Synagogue is one of the few remaining synagogues in northeastern Germany.

    Read more: "Old synagogue Krakow on the lake"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbh

    Rechlin North Village Church

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Pappelweg, 17248 Rechlin

    "The Rechlin church was built between 1816 and 1832 in the Classical style, with the altar facing west. The organ loft on the east side no longer exists. It was consecrated as a garrison church in 1935."

    Read more: "Rechlin North Village Church"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz/ Roman Vitt

    Slavic village Neustrelitz

    • Am Slawendorf, 17235 Neustrelitz

    A visit to the Slavic Village at Lake Zierk is an excursion into the early medieval settlement history of the region. Here you can be active and creative.

    Read more: "Slavic village Neustrelitz"
  • ReiterHof Peeneland

    • Hof Peeneland, 17111 Meesiger

    Idyllically situated on the shores of Lake Kummerow, the equestrian farm is surrounded by a hilly landscape. The surrounding fields and forests are perfect for horseback riding.

    Read more: "ReiterHof Peeneland"
  • Milk vending machine 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"
  • Barefoot adventure trail

    • Ziegeleiweg, 19395 Plau am See

    Barefoot adventure trail in Plau am See

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  • © Fischerei und Räucherei Alt-Schwerin/Dietmar Bürth

    Fishing & Smokehouse Alt Schwerin

    • Wendorf, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    Fishing business with boat mooring (also for large yachts) in Lake Plauer See, fish restaurant with original Mecklenburg fish cuisine, smokehouse and vacation apartments directly on the lake.

    Read more: "Fishing & Smokehouse Alt Schwerin"

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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.