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.

462 results

  • © 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"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Bathing place Großer Fürstenseer See

    • 17235 Fürstensee

    The bathing area is located directly in Fürstensee about 10 minutes drive from Neustrelitz. Crystal clear water and beautiful bathing beach with light sand.

    Read more: "Bathing place Großer Fürstenseer See"
  • © Campingplatz Ecktannen

    Campsite Ecktannen

    • Fontanestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Our CampingPlatz Ecktannen is situated in a very scenic location on the outskirts of Waren (Müritz) and Germany's largest inland waterway, the "Müritz". South of CampingPlatz Ecktannen is the Müritz National Park, one of the most beautiful nature and plant reserves in northern Germany.

    Read more: "Campsite Ecktannen"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Feldberg Lake District Nature Park exhibition in the Haus des Gastes

    • Open today
    • Strelitzer Straße, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The 36,000-hectare Feldberg Lake District Nature Park is located in the south-eastern part of the Mecklenburg Lake District between the towns of Fürstenberg, Woldegk and Neustrelitz. In addition to numerous lakes and kettle bogs, with a bit of luck you can admire sea eagles, ospreys and beavers here.

    Read more: "Feldberg Lake District Nature Park exhibition in the Haus des Gastes"
  • Our hotel is located directly on the Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route., © Heike Dworatzek

    National Park Hotel Kranichrast

    • Dorfstraße, 17192 Kargow OT Schwarzenhof

    The family-run hotel is idyllically located in the middle of the Müritz National Park, away from noise, bustle and stress.

    Read more: "National Park Hotel Kranichrast"
  • © TMV/Kirchgessner

    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"
  • © Norddeutsche Gleitschirmschule GmbH

    North German Paragliding School

    • Schillerstraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Realize the dream of flying and be close to nature: That is paragliding. The feeling of boundless freedom makes this sport unique. We want to share this experience with our guests. Your beaming smile after a paragliding flight is our motivation. We are looking forward to seeing you.

    Read more: "North German Paragliding School"
  • © Jana Koch

    Memorial Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Zum Ehrenmal, 17166 Teterow

    Simple, true and personal memorial to 300 members of the Teterow parish who died in World War 1.

    Read more: "Memorial Teterow"
  • Neustrelitz city church

    • Markt, 17235 Neustrelitz

    One of the most important landmarks of the residential town of Neustrelitz. From the viewing platform you can enjoy the most beautiful view over Neustrelitz and the surrounding area.

    Read more: "Neustrelitz city church"
  • Get active at the youth hostel Teterow, © JH Teterow/Danny Gohlke

    Youth Hostel Teterow

    • Am Seebahnhof, 17166 Teterow

    Book your all-round carefree package with us! We realize your wishes. With us, children are guaranteed to meet other children and the relaxed atmosphere in the house makes it possible for guests to enjoy the most beautiful days of the year. The various excursion, leisure and activity possibilities are a paradise for everyone.

    Read more: "Youth Hostel Teterow"
  • © Felix Gaensicke

    Luzin ferry & boat rental

    • An der Fähre, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Call out "Fährmann hol över" - and ferryman Tom will take hikers, walkers and cyclists safely across the Narrow Luzin to the other bank on one of Europe's last hand-operated cable ferries.

    Read more: "Luzin ferry & boat rental"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH / Rene Legrand

    Bolter Schleuse fishing and angling lodge

    • Boeker Mühle, 17248 Boek

    Fischers Land in Boek has become a magnet for visitors in the southern Müritz region in recent years. Located on the edge of the Müritz National Park, visitors have a magnificent view of the breathtaking natural surroundings. Enjoy delicious fish specialties right by the water.

    Read more: "Bolter Schleuse fishing and angling lodge"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Penzlin Castle - Witch Museum

    • Closed today
    • Burg, 17217 Penzlin

    Cultural History Museum of Everyday Magic and Witch Persecutions in Mecklenburg

    Read more: "Penzlin Castle - Witch Museum"
  • © Roman Knie

    Old school Fürstenhagen

    • OT Fürstenhagen, Zur Alten Schule, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The home for gourmets! We have been running the renowned starred restaurant Alte Schule since 2010. Our house is characterized by regional star cuisine and family hospitality. In addition to the well-equipped hotel rooms in country style, we also offer modern rooms for meetings and seminars.

    Read more: "Old school Fürstenhagen"
  • © Jürgen Höfer

    Manor house Lexow

    • Dorfstraße, 17213 Lexow

    A simple manor house, very tastefully renovated in a dreamlike location in the Mecklenburg Lake District with vacation apartments and bed & breakfast rooms, a small café and restaurant. Ideal also for small groups and workations.

    Read more: "Manor house Lexow"
  • © J. Janssen

    Penzlin Manor House

    • Am Brink, 19386 Gallin-Kuppentin

    The listed manor house of the former Penzlin manor is beautifully surrounded by a large park with old trees, directly above Lake Penzlin in the middle of a charming hilly landscape.

    Read more: "Penzlin Manor House"
  • Exterior view manor house Altbauhof, © Gutshaus Altbauhof

    Manor house old farm Dargun

    • Altbauhof, 17159 Dargun

    Nestled in the cultural landscape of Dargun Castle and the monastery church, the manor house is located at the end of the road. To the building belongs one hectare of garden land, which is adjoined by the old manor pond surrounded by ancient trees. The grounds are very spacious, offering a magnificent view over the fields and the nature park "Große Rosin/ Kummerower See" with its rare bird species, such as kingfisher and marsh rail, and attracting ornithologists from all over the world.

    Read more: "Manor house old farm Dargun"
  • © Thomas Neske

    Malchow lido

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Strandstraße, 17213 Malchow

    with playground / basketball court / streetball court / volleyball court

    Read more: "Malchow lido"
  • View of the Altdorf lake, © Friederike Hegner

    Nature and vacation park at the Altdorf lake

    • Am Altdorfer See, 18292 Krakow am See

    The vacation homes offer those seeking peace and quiet, nature and sports lovers up to 140 m² of sophisticated comfort, high-quality furnishings and modern architecture.

    Read more: "Nature and vacation park at the Altdorf lake"
  • © Waren (Müritz) Kur- und Tourismus GmbH

    House of the guest Waren (Müritz)

    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    the small, fine event location for locals and guests

    Read more: "House of the guest Waren (Müritz)"

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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.