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

  • Malchow lido

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Strandstraße, 17213 Malchow

    with playground / basketball court / streetball court / volleyball court

    Read more: "Malchow lido"
  • Tourist information of the island town Malchow

    • Closed today
    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Malchow

    The island town of Malchow is located in the center of a lake-forest landscape rich in contrasts in Mecklenburg between Lake Fleesensee and Lake Plauer See on the shores of Lake Malchow.

    Read more: "Tourist information of the island town Malchow"
  • © 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"
  • Water sports Fleesensee

    • Waldweg, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Wassersport Fleesensee, the 5-star water sports center at Ferienresort Fleesensee, offers courses in windsurfing, catamaran sailing, sailing for children, standup paddling and guided canoe tours. In addition, you can also simply rent boats and boards.

    Read more: "Water sports Fleesensee"
  • © 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"
  • Entrance area // © Martina Zienert

    Project yard Karnitz

    • Karnitz, 17154 Neukalen

    Situated in the middle of the nature park "Mecklenburg Switzerland and Lake Kumerow", there are many opportunities for leisure and recreation from here. Adults, children and young adults can use the overnight and conference facilities as well as the program of the project farm.

    Read more: "Project yard Karnitz"
  • Fleesensee BOWL

    • Teichgasse, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    With ball and pin to strike, rounded off with Italian cuisine at Susanna's Trattoria e Pizzeria & Fleesensee BOWL, nothing stands in the way of a sporty afternoon. Good wood!

    Read more: "Fleesensee BOWL"
  • © Pension am See

    Pension by the lake

    • Güstrower Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Welcome to the pension "By the lake"!

    Read more: "Pension by the lake"
  • Ring Hotel Villa Margarete

    • Fontanestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The facade with its wooden balconies and view into the Müritz National Park, as well as the neat interior design convey a pleasant atmosphere. In the restaurant with garden terrace directly at the Müritz National Park, the chef will spoil you with his special creations.

    Read more: "Ring Hotel Villa Margarete"
  • © Annette Rösler

    Quetzin fir healing forest

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Quetziner Straße / Steindamm, 19395 Plau am See

    The healing forest in Plau am See is used as a natural therapy space. On the almost 2km long circuit, 10 stations are available for exercise therapy. Furthermore, a nature trail and a Nordic walking route run through the area.

    Read more: "Quetzin fir healing forest"
  • Bathing establishment Krakow on the lake

    • Jörnbergweg, 18292 Krakow am See

    The bathing establishment is one of the few natural baths in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and offers bathing fun for the whole family.

    Read more: "Bathing establishment Krakow on the lake"
  • Fischers Land Boek - Müritzfischer // © 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"
  • Das angenehme Gefühl angekommen zu sein, einmal die Zeit fast stillstehen zu lassen und den Moment als solchen in vollen Zügen genießen. Für uns der Inbegriff des „Willkommen sein“. Ihr Besuch bei uns soll Ihnen genau das bescheren und gerne auch die Sehnsucht wecken, die außergewöhnliche Gastlichkeit in Rattey wieder erleben zu wollen. // © Inselmühle Usedom GmbH | Hotel Schloss Rattey

    Hotel Castle Rattey

    • Schlossplatz, 17349 Schönbeck

    Schloss Rattey is an inviting and unpretentious manor house with a park and surrounding vineyards and was built in 1806. Today's Hotel Schloss Rattey offers guests 15 spacious double rooms and suites equipped with modern comforts, as well as a restaurant, sauna and farm shop.

    Read more: "Hotel Castle Rattey"
  • Teschow natural bathing area

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Seeweg, 17166 Teschow

    Small bathing beach in the Teterow district of Teschow on Lake Teterow. The quiet bathing area on the edge of the village is surrounded by meadows and borders the old estate park.

    Read more: "Teschow natural bathing area"
  • Van der Valk Nature Resort Drewitz

    • Am Drewitzer See, 17214 Nossentiner Hütte OT Drewitz

    In the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District, halfway between Berlin and Rostock and directly on Lake Drewitz, you will find a spot that some say is paradise ...

    Read more: "Van der Valk Nature Resort Drewitz"
  • 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"
  • © Konschak

    Lake hotel Ichlim

    • Am Nebelsee, 17248 Lärz

    The Seehotel Ichlim is located on the southern foothills of the Müritz, directly on the romantic Nebelseel. It has 29 comfort rooms and 3 vacation cottages.

    Read more: "Lake hotel Ichlim"
  • Ice rink island city Malchow

    • Schulstraße, 17213 Malchow

    Whether it's a fast-paced skating session, joining in the excitement of ice hockey or dancing at the ice disco, the Malchow ice rink offers variety during your vacation, whether it's summer or winter.

    Read more: "Ice rink island city Malchow"
  • Aquanaut Vintage // © Margit Wild

    KUHNLE-TOURS - Yachtcharter Römer - Riverlodge

    • Marinastraße, 17248 Rechlin

    Vacation on a boat? You can fulfill this dream of a vacation on the water even without a boat license. Vacation on the water and explore the Mecklenburg Lake District to Berlin with the right boat. We have a boat for you: for 2 to 12 people.

    Read more: "KUHNLE-TOURS - Yachtcharter Römer - Riverlodge"

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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.