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.

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  • Together we actively explore nature! // © Kolping Ferienland Salem

    Kolping Holiday Land Salem

    • Am Hafen, 17139 Salem

    We offer a temporary home for families, seniors, school classes, seminar groups with individual care or joint offers from the house.

    Read more: "Kolping Holiday Land Salem"
  • Familie im BarfussPfad von Plau am See // © Kletterpark Plau am See

    Barefoot adventure trail

    • Open today
    • Ziegeleiweg, 19395 Plau am See

    Barefoot adventure trail in Plau am See

    Read more: "Barefoot adventure trail"
  • © Gina Schulenberg

    Klink dog beach

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17192 Klink

    The dog bathing beach is located directly below Klink Castle, on the popular Müritz circular trail - a real highlight for two- and four-legged friends.

    Read more: "Klink dog beach"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH

    Rechlin fairground

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

    In addition to all the lively events, the Rechlin fairground also offers relaxation opportunities for nature lovers. Walks along the lakeshore or picnics in the countryside.

    Read more: "Rechlin fairground"
  • © 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"
  • Van der Valk Golfhotel Serrahn

    • Dobbiner Weg, 18292 Serrahn

    Surrounded by crystal clear lakes, lush green meadows, wide open fields and forests lies the "Golfhotel Serrahn". An ideal place to unwind or enjoy some action-packed days during the most wonderful time of the year.

    Read more: "Van der Valk Golfhotel Serrahn"
  • Kummerow Castle - the south facade // © 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"
  • Good Zahren

    • Dorfstraße, 19386 Zahren

    Space for ideas - that is the motto of the spacious estate with French flair. There are vacation apartments, lounges, seminar rooms and an estate kitchen.

    Read more: "Good Zahren"
  • © Bernd Kehrer

    Antiquarian bookshop

    • Am Stadthafen, 17235 Neustrelitz

    A treasure for book lovers

    Read more: "Antiquarian bookshop"
  • Spa park with Kneipp facility

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Strelitzer Strasse, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Centrally located in the town of Feldberg, a new spa park has been created in recent years on the site of the old town park: a park that you can discover with all your senses. Either you promenade directly on the shore of the Haussee or explore the Kneipp facilities and then relax in the grass maze.

    Read more: "Spa park with Kneipp facility"
  • Farm at the mill view

    • Neubrandenburger Chaussee, 17348 Woldegk

    Landgenuss aus Mecklenburg- Taste hearty sausage specialties from the farm's own production and discover other regional products in our stylishly designed farm store with café in the windmill town of Woldegk.

    Read more: "Farm at the mill view"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Waren (Müritz)

    Holy Cross Church Waren (Müritz)

    • Goethestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The Catholic Church and Parish Niels Stensen

    Read more: "Holy Cross Church Waren (Müritz)"
  • Gnarled trunks tower into the sky, their bark tells of centuries. The Ivenack oaks are among the oldest trees in Germany and are located in the nature reserve near Stavenhagen. Light falls through the dense canopy and bathes the forest floor in a soft green - a place that inspires awe. // © 1000seen.de

    Ivenack Oaks National Natural Monument

    • Open today
    • 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"
  • Mecklenburger Fischstübchen - Restaurant and vacation homes

    • OT Feldberg, Amtsplatz, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    We run a small, cozy fish restaurant with its own smokehouse and offer you vacations in healthy nature with our child-friendly vacation homes.

    Read more: "Mecklenburger Fischstübchen - Restaurant and vacation homes"
  • © Daniel Steinke Fotografie

    MÜRITZ-captain

    • Seebadstr., 17207 Röbel/Müritz

    MÜRITZ-captain rents out modern, license-free houseboats for 2-7 people from Röbel/Müritz. With comforts such as WLAN, air conditioning, TV and much more, as well as extras such as a water slide, you will experience unforgettable vacation days on the Mecklenburg Lake District - safe, flexible and relaxed.

    Read more: "MÜRITZ-captain"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Play ship "At the swing bridge

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    In the immediate vicinity of the swing bridge is a pirate wooden ship for real buccaneers.

    Read more: "Play ship "At the swing bridge"
  • Genuss und Entspannung pur auf dem Fischerhof Damerow // © Müritzfischer

    Fishermen's farm Damerow

    • Zum Werder, 17194 Jabel OT Damerow

    Directly at the Jabel lake our guests enjoy a varied offer fresh from the smoker and our delicious fisherman's rolls. Here you will experience pure enjoyment and relaxation! For the little guests there is a water play mobile for lots of fun for children.

    Read more: "Fishermen's farm Damerow"
  • Ansicht vom See // © Seehotel Zielow

    Flair Seehotel Zielow

    • Seeufer, 17207 Ludorf OT Zielow

    Our hotel is located directly on the south bank of the Müritz and offers restaurant, wellness area, pool, riding stable, beach and pure relaxation.

    Read more: "Flair Seehotel Zielow"
  • Fashion Store Fleesensee

    • Marktplatz, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Selected articles around the topic of sportswear, shoes, swimwear and leisurewear for men and women / From now on can also be ordered online. Use our online store.

    Read more: "Fashion Store Fleesensee"
  • Country house Polak // © Polak

    Country house & apiary Polak

    • Schulstraße, 19386 Kreien

    Where man and nature are in harmony! On our farm with guest boxes for horses, organic beekeeping and 2 vacation apartments we invite you to a vacation in nature.

    Read more: "Country house & apiary Polak"

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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.