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.

458 results

  • © Claudia Kratz

    SBS Yachthafenresort Fleesensee - "simply different".

    • Am Busch, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    The marina is located directly at the Fleesensee in Untergöhren with about 80 permanent and 20 guest berths as well as full service around the boat.

    Read more: "SBS Yachthafenresort Fleesensee - "simply different"."
  • © Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte Touristik GmbH

    Wesenberg castle with fishing tower

    • Burg, 17255 Wesenberg

    Castle complex with local history room and exhibition on fishing and regional history, tourist information, public Internet access, nationwide ticket service

    Read more: "Wesenberg castle with fishing tower"
  • Das Hotel Am Tiefwarensee liegt in einer Parklandschaft und einem großen Schaugarten. // © Torsten Rassmann

    Hotel Am Tiefwarensee

    • Richard-Wossidlo-Straße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    3-star hotel with 70 beds in a quiet location directly on the Tiefwarensee in a garden landscape. Café-restaurant with garden terrace, sauna. Open all year round.

    Read more: "Hotel Am Tiefwarensee"
  • © Reschke

    Country hotel "Zur Scheune

    • Dudel, 17207 Bollewick

    The country hotel "Zur Scheune" in Germany's largest fieldstone barn. In addition to the hotel, the barn is home to many handicraft workshops with attached stores, the village tavern, the laird's cellar and a bakery. In addition, the barn is a center for culture, events and markets.

    Read more: "Country hotel "Zur Scheune"
  • Retzow Castle // © Christin Drühl

    Retzow Castle

    • Parkweg, 17248 Rechlin

    A castle in the Müritz region for weddings, dreamlike celebrations and stylish country vacations. 13 individual vacation apartments as well as public lounges form a backdrop like from another time.

    Read more: "Retzow Castle"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH

    Beach volleyball courts Strandbad "Mili" Rechlin North

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Bissendorferstr., 17248 Rechlin

    The beach volleyball courts offer ideal conditions for thrilling matches and unforgettable moments under the bright sun.

    Read more: "Beach volleyball courts Strandbad "Mili" Rechlin North"
  • Here the guest entrance of KULTURGUTLEBEN as well as the entrance to our small store "Wunderland". // © © Anders Balari

    CultureGoodLife

    • Quadenschönfeld Bahnhof, 17237 Möllenbeck

    Our small nature paradise with currently 17 beds is just right for all those who are looking for peace and nature. Our KULTURGUTLEBEN is surrounded by fields near the beautiful Feldberg lakeland and invites you to unwind as well as to inspired creative work.

    Read more: "CultureGoodLife"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Hotel Haus Sajons

    • Große Burgstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Set in a listed building, this centrally located hotel offers bright rooms with a flat-screen TV. Lake Plau is just a 10-minute walk away.

    Read more: "Hotel Haus Sajons"
  • Inn to the yew // © Ferienkontor

    Country inn Wirtshaus zur Eibe

    • Hoher Damm, 17194 Jabel

    The country inn is centrally located on the L 205 of the small village of Jabel, an ideal place to spend relaxing days in the Müritz region. The inn convinces with six cozy double rooms and a good home cooking. The Jabel lake is about 500 meters away.

    Read more: "Country inn Wirtshaus zur Eibe"
  • Observation tower Plau am See

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

    The lighthouse welcomes boaters as they enter the Müritz-Elde waterway from Lake Plaue. From its viewing platform at a height of 8 meters, it offers a fantastic panoramic view over Lake Plauer See. It is now considered the most popular photo motif among guests.

    Read more: "Observation tower Plau am See"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Bathing place Great Prelank Lake

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17235 Neustrelitz

    The bathing place is about 5 km from Neustrelitz in the direction of Prälank. Clear water and beautiful bathing beach with light sand land for swimming.

    Read more: "Bathing place Great Prelank Lake"
  • For the little ones our ponies are the greatest - calm in handling, reliable and safe on the terrain. // © Waldhof Bruchmühle

    Forest yard Bruchmühle

    • Open today
    • Bruchmühle, 17213 Fünfseen

    An "island" in the middle of the forest - that is our family-run farm with the osprey as a neighbor. Enjoy a relaxing time in our vacation homes and the extensive riding trails on horseback directly from the farm to the eastern shore of Lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Forest yard Bruchmühle"
  • Fischerhof Eldenburg, An der Reeck, zwischen Müritz und Kölpinsee // © Müritzfischer

    Eldenburg fishing farm

    • An der Reeck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    A fishing farm that offers everything! Enjoy the flair of a traditional fishing farm. Delicious fish fresh from the smoke, fisherman's rolls and of course fresh fish from the day's catch. Vacation apartments on the water, boat rentals and guided fishing tours complete the offer.

    Read more: "Eldenburg fishing farm"
  • © 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"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Bahnhofshotel Plau am See

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

    The old Bahnhofshotel Plau am See is located at the end of Steinstraße (no. 96). The building is one of the architectural monuments of the small Mecklenburg town. Today, a memorial plaque commemorates the "forced unification" of the KPD and SPD parties. Since 2015, the old station hotel has been the children's and boys' center of the town of Plau am See.

    Read more: "Bahnhofshotel Plau am See"
  • © Tourist-Information Malchow

    Soviet monument of the island city of Malchow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    The place, which was used to bury Soviet soldiers from 1945, is now a monument to them.

    Read more: "Soviet monument of the island city of Malchow"
  • © Thorsten Falk, Seehotel Plau am See

    Seehotel Plau am See

    • Hermann-Niemann-Str., 19395 Plau am See

    Make friends out of guests - Leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in the hospitable atmosphere of our beautifully situated lakeside hotel. The idyllic 4-star hotel, located directly on Lake Plauer See, awaits you in its family atmosphere. Discover the wonderful area around Lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Seehotel Plau am See"
  • Kneipp water treading facility directly in the Krakow lake // © Touristinformation

    Spa forest Krakow on the lake

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Jörnbergweg, 18292 Krakow am See

    Krakow am See shows itself from its greenest side. The wooded areas of the three peninsulas Lehmwerder, Ehmkwerder and Jörnberg - a tongue of land extending far out onto Krakow Lake - form the Krakow spa forest.

    Read more: "Spa forest Krakow on the lake"
  • © Martin Hedtke

    Martin's friends two-wheel service

    • Peckatel, 17237 Klein Vielen

    Bike repairs in and around the Müritz - National Park! We offer on-site bicycle maintenance (by appointment), sales and professional advice. Furthermore, there is the possibility for tourist facilities to use our maintenance service.

    Read more: "Martin's friends two-wheel service"
  • © Touristinformation Krakow am See

    City Hall Krakow on the Lake

    • Open 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"

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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.