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.

464 results

  • © Yannic Schwanse

    Waldberg Manor House

    • Waldberg, 17109 Waldberg

    Located in a historic manor house, our spacious and stylish 75sqm apartment overlooks gardens and fields. Nature lovers will find peace and quiet in the surroundings, while those interested in culture can explore the nearby villages and towns.

    Read more: "Waldberg Manor House"
  • © Claudia Kratz

    SBS Yachthafenresort Fleesensee - "simply different".

    • Am Busch, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    The marina is located directly at the Fleesensee in Untergöhren with about 80 permanent and 20 guest berths as well as full service around the boat.

    Read more: "SBS Yachthafenresort Fleesensee - "simply different"."
  • BEECH Resort Plauer See, © BEECH Resort Plauer See

    BEECH Resort Plauer See

    • Dresenower Mühle, 19395 Ganzlin

    Closed due to modernization and reconstruction in 2023. On more than seven hectares, our idyllic lakeside village opens up in the middle of the Ganzliner Holz landscape conservation area directly on Lake Plauer See with its own bathing beach and boat dock. Enjoy with us a piece of untouched nature directly at the gateway to the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "BEECH Resort Plauer See"
  • Church ruins - "Desert church" - Domherrenhagen

    • 17194 Moltzow

    The church of St. Nikolai Domherrenhagen is also known as the "desert church" - a ruined church

    Read more: "Church ruins - "Desert church" - Domherrenhagen"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Hotel Haus Sajons

    • Große Burgstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Set in a listed building, this centrally located hotel offers bright rooms with a flat-screen TV. Lake Plau is just a 10-minute walk away.

    Read more: "Hotel Haus Sajons"
  • © Silke Voss

    Sculpture park Wesenberg

    • Am Weißen See, 17255 Wesenberg

    A curiosity of the most diverse cultures unites on wooded terrain on the outskirts of Wesenberg: the owner is a Chinese, and Australian art is shown alongside selected regional and European art.

    Read more: "Sculpture park Wesenberg"
  • © The Royal Inn Park Hotel Fasanerie

    Park Hotel Fasanerie

    • Karbe-Wagner-Straße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Park Hotel Fasanerie awaits you in the residential town of Neustrelitz, idyllically situated next to a small park with a pond (small lake).

    Read more: "Park Hotel Fasanerie"
  • © Ferienhof Mirow/Mewes

    Vacation farm Mirow

    • Retzower Straße, 17252 Mirow

    Experience an unforgettable vacation with and around the horse! Enjoy relaxing days on our family-friendly vacation farm in the middle of the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "Vacation farm Mirow"
  • © Fleesensee Feriendorf GmbH

    BEECH Resort Fleesensee creative workshop

    • Am Kalkberg, 17213 Goehren-Lebbin

    In the BEECH studio, your creativity will come to the fore - painting ceramics, making mosaics, fabric printing or felting and, last but not least, carving for young and old. Registration required Tel. 039932 80300, BEECH Resort Fleesensee

    Read more: "BEECH Resort Fleesensee creative workshop"
  • © Hotel Villa Passion

    Hotel "Villa Passion

    • August-Bebel-Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Experience a vacation without stress and hustle and bustle with plenty of space for rest and relaxation.

    Read more: "Hotel "Villa Passion"
  • © Andre Pretzel

    Vacation home Kornblume - with large garden

    • Dorfstraße, 17207 Groß Kelle

    In Groß Kelle, the bright and friendly country-style vacation home "Kornblume" awaits you. With its three bedrooms and a size of 70 m² it is perfect for groups and families. A 1,500 m² outdoor area with barbecue and sandbox as well as swing invites you to relax and play.

    Read more: "Vacation home Kornblume - with large garden"
  • © treckerausflug.de

    treckerausflug.de - lovingly maintained vintage tractors for self-driving

    • Lindenplatz, 17194 Lupendorf

    Lovingly maintained vintage tractors for self-driving - the genuine original experience for the whole family

    Read more: "treckerausflug.de - lovingly maintained vintage tractors for self-driving"
  • Living room of the vacation apartment Schmiede in Blücherhof, © Andre Pretzel

    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"
  • Welcome to the Gevezin Manor House!, © Gutshaus Gevezin

    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"
  • © 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"
  • Malchow Monastery

    • Open today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    Go on a journey of discovery in the shadow of the monastery and spend a day in Malchow's impressive monastery complex right on Malchow Lake.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery"
  • Haveltourist - Forest Ropes Course Havelberge

    • An den Havelbergen, 17237 Userin OT Groß Quassow

    The Havelberge Forest Ropes Course at Lake Woblitz is located in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District on the grounds of the Havelberge Camping and Holiday Park. In addition to 4 high ropes courses, it offers a toddler parcous for the little ones. All courses are integrated into the existing pine forest.

    Read more: "Haveltourist - Forest Ropes Course Havelberge"
  • Side view of the half-timbered church, © 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"
  • © Anne Carolin Knust

    Regiomat at Müritz-Hof Knust

    • Dorfstraße, 17192 Sembzin

    Farm and regional products all year round and around the clock in the fresh produce vending machine directly at Müritz-Hof Knust.

    Read more: "Regiomat at Müritz-Hof Knust"
  • © Thomas Neske

    Malchow lido

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Strandstraße, 17213 Malchow

    with playground / basketball court / streetball court / volleyball court

    Read more: "Malchow lido"

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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.