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.

460 results

  • © 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"
  • Ausblick aus der Cabin // © Theresa Lange

    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"
  • © M.Höppner

    Parish Church of St. Mary Plau am See

    • Kirchplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    The parish church St. Marien Plau am See was built in the 12th century as a three-nave and three-bay hall church.

    Read more: "Parish Church of St. Mary Plau am See"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH

    St. John's Church Boek

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17248 Boek

    "St. Johannis Church is a listed church building in Boek, a district of the municipality of Rechlin in the Mecklenburg Lake District in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It belongs to the parish of Rechlin in the Neustrelitz provostry, Mecklenburg church district of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany.

    Read more: "St. John's Church Boek"
  • Village church Ludorf

    • Kirchenstraße, 17207 Ludorf

    The octagonal church Ludorf has an octagonal ground plan, which is unique in Northern Germany.

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  • © Foto: von Levetzow

    Lelkendorf Castle

    • Schlossweg, 17168 Lelkendorf

    Stylishly furnished vacation apartment in the castle with antiques, magnificent view of the castle park, regular cultural events, cozy barbecue area in the park with permanently installed barbecue, spacious entrance hall furnished with seating areas and works of art.

    Read more: "Lelkendorf Castle"
  • Main building Groß Plasten Castle // © Finn Steen

    The Reset Hotel

    • Parkallee, 17192 Groß Plasten

    With its location on the edge of the Müritz National Park, THE RESET in Groß Plasten Castle offers a very special place for rest and relaxation. The Reset stands for detox and fasting cures with first-class medical care.

    Read more: "The Reset Hotel"
  • The Milky Way is open! // © Mecklenburger ParkLand

    Astronomical Observatory Dalwitz

    • Dalwitz, 17179 Walkendorf

    One of 6 thematic observation stations of the astro nature trail "De Sternkieker" in the Mecklenburger ParkLand Star Park.

    Read more: "Astronomical Observatory Dalwitz"
  • © 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"
  • Slow Food aus der ländlich feinen Küche // © Christin Drühl

    Romantik Hotel Gutshaus Ludorf

    • Rondell, 17207 Ludorf

    On the west bank of the Müritz, between two nature reserves, the visitor sees one of the most beautiful and oldest manor houses in Mecklenburg. Whoever is a guest here will be transported back from our hectic times to past centuries, when man in harmony with nature was the measure of all things.

    Read more: "Romantik Hotel Gutshaus Ludorf"
  • © Stadt Plau am See

    Ackerbürgerhaus Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Große Burgstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Ackerbürgerhaus Plau am See

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  • © Stadt Neustrelitz

    White bridge

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Weiße Brücke, 17235 Neustrelitz

    A vantage point with a breathtaking view over Lake Zierk

    Read more: "White bridge"
  • © Tobias Schnuchel

    Canoe rental Paddle Paul

    • Zietlitz, 17252 Mirow OT Schillersdorf

    The canoe rental Paddel-Paul offers canoe tours in the Mecklenburg Lake District, the Müritz and the Havel spring area. Explore this unique nature by canoe or kayak. Great tours and group offers are waiting for you.

    Read more: "Canoe rental Paddle Paul"
  • Viewing platform Fleethof

    • 17099 Fleethof

    Viewing platform Fleethof

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  • © SeeWirtschaft Untergöhren

    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"
  • Willkommen im Gutshaus Woserin // © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

    • Am See, 19406 Woserin

    Academy of Art Culture and Recreation - a creative magical place to work creatively. Workshops, courses and events in various fields are offered.

    Read more: "Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake"
  • © Annemarie Schmidt

    Vacation apartment Annemarie Schmidt

    • OT Cantnitz, Bredenfelder Str., 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Vacation apartment for 2-6 persons. On 60 m² living space my guests will find a homey atmosphere for a nice stay in the Feldberger Seenlandschaft.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Annemarie Schmidt"
  • © Tourist-Information Malchow

    Angel Garden at Malchow Monastery

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    The Engel Garden next to the Malchow Monastery has existed for 200 years.

    Read more: "Angel Garden at Malchow Monastery"
  • © Kurverwaltung Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Hauptmannsberg in the Feldberg lake district

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Carwitzer Str., 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    On the 120m high Hauptmannsberg you can relax with a view of the lake while having a picnic with friends and family. The beautiful natural landscape invites you to linger.

    Read more: "Hauptmannsberg in the Feldberg lake district"
  • © Ferienpark Plauer See

    Vacation park Lake Plauer See

    • Insel Werder, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    Pure island nature - In the middle of a protected landscape area, surrounded by forests, meadows and water, we welcome you to the vacation island of Lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Vacation park Lake Plauer See"

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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.