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.

459 results

  • Entrance to the AGRONEUM Alt Schwerin // © AGRONEUM/Hans Dieter Graf

    AGRONEUM Alt Schwerin

    • Open today
    • Achter de Isenbahn, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    In the middle of the Mecklenburg Lake District and the Nossentiner-Schwinzer Heide Nature Park lies the museum village of Alt Schwerin. As early as 1963 it became a very special, agricultural history village and open-air museum - agricultural history to experience, touch and participate in.

    Read more: "AGRONEUM Alt Schwerin"
  • Historische Ansicht des Kloster Malchows // © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Malchow Monastery Art Museum

    • Open today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    The Malchow Monastery Art Museum is located in historically renovated rooms where works of art are presented in their uniqueness. The history of regional artists becomes a tangible experience.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery Art Museum"
  • Vacation apartment Schmiede Blücherhof

    • Hof, 17194 Blücherhof

    Our 4-star vacation apartment "Schmiede Blücherhof" is perfect for families, golf lovers alike. In the middle of nature you can escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy the peace and quiet. There is room for two to four people on 70 m².

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Schmiede Blücherhof"
  • 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"
  • © Theresa Lange Fotografie

    Zoo Neustrelitz

    • Open today
    • Am Tiergarten, 17235 Neustrelitz

    One of the oldest zoos in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - rustic habitat for 450 animals!

    Read more: "Zoo Neustrelitz"
  • Gevezin Manor House

    • Hofstraße, 17039 Gevezin

    Spend the night well. Good entertainment. Recover well. At Gutshaus Gevezin, visitors can enjoy mindfulness and relaxation and at the same time find space for recreation and entertainment.

    Read more: "Gevezin Manor House"
  • © Heinrich-Schliemann-Museum Ankershagen

    Heinrich Schliemann Museum

    • Open today
    • Lindenallee, 17219 Ankershagen

    "Discover Schliemann's world" - under this credo, the Schliemann Museum in Ankershagen, Mecklenburg, will be guiding visitors through Heinrich Schliemann's multifaceted life with a new exhibition starting in June 2019.

    Read more: "Heinrich Schliemann Museum"
  • © Rabennest/Friederike Hegner

    Luxury vacation home "RabenNest

    • Windfang, 18292 Krakow am See

    The location of the vacation home "RabenNest" is unique. Directly on a small, man-made canal with access to the Krakow Lake. Situated in an absolutely quiet location, the vacation home RabenNest invites you to relax and unwind all year round. A true nest to recharge your batteries and draw strength.

    Read more: "Luxury vacation home "RabenNest"
  • Sparkasse Mecklenburg-Schwerin Schwerin Branch Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Lange Straße, 19395 Plau am See

    Banknote depositor Cash dispenser ATM with deposit and withdrawal function ATM with deposit and withdrawal function with NFC ATM with NFC Bank statement printer Customer parking spaces Coin counting machine Travel money (on order) Self-service terminal Locker facilities WLAN hotspot Largely wheelchair accessible

    Read more: "Sparkasse Mecklenburg-Schwerin Schwerin Branch Plau am See"
  • © TMVoutdoor-visions.com

    Käflingsberg Tower

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17192 Speck

    The observation tower on the 100 m high Käflingsberg is located in the Müritz National Park southeast of the village Speck. It can be reached on foot, by bike or with buses of the National Park Ticket.

    Read more: "Käflingsberg Tower"
  • Mit der Dampflok zwischen Schwichtenberg und Uhlenhorst // © Steffen's Werbe- und Eventagentur

    Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Narrow-gauge railway (MPSB)

    • Zur Kleinbahn, 17099 Galenbeck, OT Schwichtenberg

    You can experience the beauty of nature, the driving pleasure of slowness and the original driving experience in a 600 mm narrow-gauge railway in Schwichtenberg. Visit a exhibition in the original local railway control room and the locomotive show. Opening hours: 1.May – 3.October, every Saturday and Sunday from 02:00 pm – 05:00 pm.

    Read more: "Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Narrow-gauge railway (MPSB)"
  • © Burg Stargard

    Stargard Castle

    • Burg, 17094 Burg Stargard

    The castle complex, built around 1236, now houses a museum, herb and root garden and a garment tailor shop, offering visitors a unique glimpse into life in the Middle Ages.

    Read more: "Stargard Castle"
  • Summer farm Granzow at the bathing lake

    • Granzow Seestraße, 17252 Granzow

    The summer farm is located in the middle of the varied water landscape of the Mecklenburg Lake District, which with its unique flora and fauna allows active recreation from the hustle and bustle of everyday life! The nearby lake (with bathing beach) has a very good bathing water quality and is an ideal starting point for canoe tours!

    Read more: "Summer farm Granzow at the bathing lake"
  • © TMV/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"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Playground at Wesenberg Castle

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17255 Wesenberg

    The playground in Wesenberg is located directly at the castle Wesenberg. A good and family-friendly infrastructure is available. The arrival and departure with the Kleinseenbahn is possible.

    Read more: "Playground at Wesenberg Castle"
  • View of the Barkow manor house // © Tourist Info Plau am See GmbH

    Barkow manor house

    • Heinrich-Zander-Straße, 19395 Barkow

    In the Mecklenburg Lake District not far from Plau am See lies the Barkow manor house built in 1913 by the Hülße family. The large garden borders directly on the Müritz-Elde waterway. The house was completely renovated in recent years and furnished as a guesthouse with eight apartments, two single rooms and ten double rooms. The Barkow Manor rents out canoes and bicycles.

    Read more: "Barkow manor house"
  • The Eldenburg marina with its jetty // © S. Schulz

    Marina Eldenburg

    • An der Reeck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Marina Eldenburg is located in a quiet bay on the Reecksee between Müritz and Kölpinsee. In the vacation accommodations you can spend a relaxing vacation. Also a license-free sport boat for a day trip on the Mecklenburger Oberseen can be rented here in addition.

    Read more: "Marina Eldenburg"
  • Seitenansicht der Fachwerkkirche // © Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte Touristik GmbH

    Church Blankenförde

    • Blankenförde, 17252 Roggentin

    Churches of the region - Experience small village churches or large, restored buildings from the time of the Knights of St. John. You can feel the powerful charisma of these old buildings and for a moment time stands still. - The half-timbered church in Blankenförde -

    Read more: "Church Blankenförde"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Hotel & Restaurant Fackelgarten

    • Dammstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    The Fackelgarten with its excellent location, on the one hand in the heart of Plau am See and on the other hand in the middle of nature - romantically by the river. From here you can reach all the important sights of Plau am See on foot or watch the boat traffic on our sunny terrace.

    Read more: "Hotel & Restaurant Fackelgarten"
  • Exterior view // © Landhotel Prälank

    Country Hotel & Restaurant PRÄLANK

    • Prälank-Kalkofen, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Are you looking for a place to slow down? You want to escape the big city jungle or simply enjoy the wonderful nature? Then visit our small country hotel in an idyllic location on a small lake in the Müritz National Park, not far from the residential town of Neustrelitz.

    Read more: "Country Hotel & Restaurant PRÄLANK"

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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.