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

  • Kloster Malchow // © Kathleen Stutz

    Malchow Monastery

    • Closed today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    Go on a journey of discovery in the shadow of the monastery and spend a day in Malchow's impressive monastery complex right on Malchow Lake.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Natural bath Augustabad lido

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Lindenstr., 17033 Neubrandenburg

    The Augustabad lido is located directly on the beautiful Tollensesee lake (northeast shore) in the four-gate city of Neubrandenburg. This natural swimming pool is guarded during the summer months and the bathing water quality is checked regularly.

    Read more: "Natural bath Augustabad lido"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH

    Rechlin beach with pier

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

    The baby beach in Rechlin offers an idyllic setting for families and those seeking relaxation alike. Rechlin, a picturesque little town in Germany, is known for its breathtaking lake landscape and wide range of leisure activities.

    Read more: "Rechlin beach with pier"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Erratic boulder garden Hohen Mistorf

    • Open today
    • Lindenweg, 17166 Hohen Mistorf

    The erratic block garden (360 m²) is part of the Geopark Mecklenburg Ice Age Landscape - Mecklenburg Switzerland.

    Read more: "Erratic boulder garden Hohen Mistorf"
  • © Lichthof Neubrandenburg

    Apartment house Feldberg

    • OT Feldberg, Amtsplatz, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    We are pleased that you are interested in our 6 spacious vacation apartments (for 2 to 4 people) in the middle of the beautiful Feldberg lake landscape. The new building is located on the peninsula Amtswerder and thus in the immediate vicinity of the center and the lake. All apartments are classified with 4 stars according to DTV, have separate bedrooms and a fireplace, 4 apartments have their own saunas.

    Read more: "Apartment house Feldberg"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • © MüritzTherme

    MüritzTherme

    • Am Gotthunskamp, 17207 Röbel/Müritz

    The MüritzTherme Röbel offers in harmony with the natural advantages of the Müritz as the largest inland lake in Germany further opportunities for recreation on and in the water.

    Read more: "MüritzTherme"
  • © SeeWirtschaft

    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"
  • 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"
  • WerkHaus, Schulstraße 6 // © WerkHausWaren e.V.

    WerkHausGoods

    • Open today
    • Schulstraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The WerkHaus at Schulstraße 6 offers an open door three times a week and a space to linger, drink coffee, read, socialize and view a changing exhibition.

    Read more: "WerkHausGoods"
  • Das Müritzparadies - Urlaub bis zum Horizont // © Hans Blossey / Müritzparadies GmbH

    Müritzparadies nature holiday park on the lake

    • Am Müritzufer, 17248 Boeker Mühle

    Vacation park on the Müritz with vacation homes and apartments for 2-8 persons. Best location directly on the lake and in the immediate vicinity of the Müritz National Park.

    Read more: "Müritzparadies nature holiday park on the lake"
  • © Hotel Inselhof Malchow

    Hotel Inselhof Malchow

    • Lange Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Welcome to the Hotel Inselhof in Malchow, the small but fine private hotel on the island directly on Lake Malchow!

    Read more: "Hotel Inselhof Malchow"
  • Gut Marihn - Farm store, café & play barn

    • Closed today
    • Rosenallee, 17219 Marihn

    Do you want to know where your food comes from? Do you love regional food? Animal welfare means just as much to you as it does to us? Then you've come to the right place! We score points with our own rearing and species-appropriate husbandry.

    Read more: "Gut Marihn - Farm store, café & play barn"
  • Hotel view meadow side // © Hotel am Müritz-Nationalpark

    Hotel At Müritz National Park

    • Specker Straße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The hotel at the Müritz National Park *** Superior offers with the unforgettable panoramic view into nature a resting place for connoisseurs! Here meet active individual tourists, nature lovers, friends of art, wine and good food with a flair for loving detail.

    Read more: "Hotel At Müritz National Park"
  • © Amt Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte

    Granzow bathing beach

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17252 Granzow

    In the vacation park Granzow is the bathing beach with very family-friendly infrastructure around it.

    Read more: "Granzow bathing beach"
  • 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"
  • St. Oberholz Retreat, Woldzegarten

    • Walower Straße, 17209 Leizen

    The St. Oberholz Retreat is a hotel in Woldzegarten in Mecklenburg, around an hour and a half's drive from Berlin and two hours from Hamburg. The hotel is run by the St. Oberholz Group from Berlin.

    Read more: "St. Oberholz Retreat, Woldzegarten"
  • Schloss Kummerow - die Südfassade // © Alexander Rudolph

    Kummerow Castle

    • Am Schloss, 17139 Kummerow

    The baroque palace on the shores of Lake Kummerow was renovated to the highest standards of historic preservation. The castle houses a private collection of modern art with a focus on international photography.

    Read more: "Kummerow Castle"
  • Dat Waldhus in spring // © Steffen Tepasse

    Dat Waldhus - Holiday with dogs

    • Philosophenweg, 19395 Plau am See

    When they spend their vacation at Waldhus, they are among like-minded people. Here they will probably always meet more paws than feet.

    Read more: "Dat Waldhus - Holiday with dogs"

Content is loaded

Select a location in the region

Select a region

or enter a location directly

Content is loaded

Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Top

    5

    Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland

    Read more: "Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland"
  2. Read more: ""
  3. Top

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

    Read more: "Country holiday tips for the fall"
  4. The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle

    Read more: "The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle"
  5. Top

    7

    Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn

    Read more: "Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn"
  6. Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle

    Read more: "Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle"
  7. Romantic weekend at the manor house

    Read more: "Romantic weekend at the manor house"
  8. On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa

    Read more: "On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa"
  9. Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)

    Read more: "Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)"
  10. Mother and daughter on tour together

    Read more: "Mother and daughter on tour together"
  11. Top

    7

    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  12. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  13. Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect

    Read more: "Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect"
  14. Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  15. Houseboat adventure

    Read more: "Houseboat adventure"
  16. Top

    5

    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  17. With the houseboat across the lake district of MV

    Read more: "With the houseboat across the lake district of MV"
  18. Houseboat vacation with teenagers

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation with teenagers"
  19. Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle

    Read more: "Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle"
  20. Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path

    Read more: "Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path"
  21. Top

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  22. On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow

    Read more: "On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow"
  23. Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  24. Top

    5

    Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow

    Read more: "Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow"
  25. By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  26. In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz

    Read more: "In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz"
  27. Health-promoting cure with natural remedies

    Read more: "Health-promoting cure with natural remedies"
  28. Wonderful winter experiences

    Read more: "Wonderful winter experiences"
  29. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  30. Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend

    Read more: "Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend"
  31. Inclusive sailing in Plau am See

    Read more: "Inclusive sailing in Plau am See"
  32. Canoe and camping tour

    Read more: "Canoe and camping tour"
1- 0 from 0

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.