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.

458 results

  • Ruhig sitzt der Braunbär auf der Wiese, sein dichtes Fell glänzt im Licht, das durch die Baumkronen fällt. Im Bärenwald Müritz bei Stuer finden gerettete Bären ein artgerechtes Zuhause auf 16 Hektar Wald. Hier lässt sich beobachten, wie die Tiere in ihrem natürlichen Rhythmus leben – ein berührendes Naturerlebnis. // © 1000seen.de

    BÄRENWALD Müritz

    • Open today
    • Am Bärenwald, 17209 Stuer

    Brown bears – all of which came from improperly kept habitats – live in Western Europe’s largest bear sanctuary in the Mecklenburg Lakes. It is open all year round!

    Read more: "BÄRENWALD Müritz"
  • A part of the erratic block garden with its "plants // © Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte Touristik GmbH

    Erratic block garden Wesenberg

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Wustrower Chaussee, 17255 Wesenberg

    Wesenberg erratic boulder garden - it is located on the avenue road south on the outskirts of the town in the direction of Wustrow

    Read more: "Erratic block garden Wesenberg"
  • © HdG

    Historic tile pottery

    • Temporarily closed
    • Am Teschenberg, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    A lively look into the past and discover the history of tiles, ovens and the master potters.

    Read more: "Historic tile pottery"
  • Schlosshotel Neustrelitz // © Schloss Neustrelitz / Bianka Pogadl

    Schlosshotel Neustrelitz

    • Parkstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Schlosshotel Neustrelitz is located in the Mecklenburg Lake District, in the middle of the baroque residential town of Neustrelitz

    Read more: "Schlosshotel Neustrelitz"
  • Front view Seehotel Ecktannen // © Mirko Runge

    Seehotel Ecktannen

    • Fontanestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Enter and be at home! The Seehotel Ecktannen, an owner-managed four-star hotel in the health spa Waren (Müritz), inspires with its unique location in the immediate vicinity of the Müritz and the Müritz National Park.

    Read more: "Seehotel Ecktannen"
  • KIWI apartments in winter // © Thomas Ziebuhr

    KIWI Apartments at the Dreier Lake

    • Fischweg, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    KIWI apartments on Lake Dreier - a dream place for people who want to experience nature up close during their vacation, but do not want to sacrifice comfort.

    Read more: "KIWI Apartments at the Dreier Lake"
  • Ponyherde auf dem Pferdehof Zislow. // © Pferdehof Zislow

    Horse farm Zislow

    • Alter Forsthof, 17209 Zislow

    The horse farm Zislow is located in the middle of the landscape of Lake Plauer See and invites its guests to a varied vacation with and without their own horse.

    Read more: "Horse farm Zislow"
  • Restaurant // © Biberferienhof_TolPix

    Beaver Holiday Farm

    • Diemitz Schleuse, 17252 Diemitz

    The three-sided farm is located directly on the Diemitz lock on the small Peetschsee lake. The lovingly renovated buildings house the vacation apartments, restaurant, reception and farm store. 11 other wooden houses offer peace and relaxation far away from mass tourism. The Schäferwagenburg and the large campsite by the water are something special for outdoor fans. The raft and boat rental invites you to discover the rustic landscape of Mecklenburg from the water. The beautiful landscape and the relaxed atmosphere at the Biber Ferienhof invite you to enjoy.

    Read more: "Beaver Holiday Farm"
  • © Presse Theater

    Neustrelitz State Theater

    • Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Straße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Landestheater in Neustrelitz is rich in tradition and invites audiences of all ages to enjoy plays and musical theater. Every summer, the theater stages opulent operetta productions open air during the festival in the castle garden.

    Read more: "Neustrelitz State Theater"
  • © Schmidt

    Vacation apartment Petra Schmidt

    • OT Feldberg, Schultenwirdel, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Beautiful vacation apartment for 4 people in a quiet location. 5 minutes to the clinic at Haussee and hiking trail around Haussee.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Petra Schmidt"
  • © E. Gazioch

    Vacation home on Lake Trams

    • Von-Barner-Straße, 19417 Trams

    Vacation home on Lake Trams //sauna//whirlpool//accessible//incl. boat

    Read more: "Vacation home on Lake Trams"
  • © MV-T/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 vacation apartments at Ferienhof Mirow // © 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"
  • Familotel Borchard's Rookhus by the lake

    • Am Labus, 17255 Wesenberg

    100% family vacation in Mecklenburg - only at Familotel Borchard's Rookhus. The right place for the whole family in the middle of the Müritz National Park.

    Read more: "Familotel Borchard's Rookhus by the lake"
  • © Erlebniswerkstatt Zahren

    Zahren adventure workshop

    • Open today
    • Hartwigsdorfer Weg, 17217 Penzlin /OT Zahren

    The Erlebniswerkstatt Zahren offers people of all ages a creative space. Here you can play and dream or tinker with recycled and natural materials, realize your own projects, make objects and art yourself.

    Read more: "Zahren adventure workshop"
  • © Pöhl GmbH

    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"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH / BVCDMV Holger Martens

    Campsite "Boek" C16

    • Gertrud-von-le-Fort-Allee, 17248 Boek

    Welcome to the campsite "Boek" C 16, in the state-recognized resort of Rechlin OT Boek. The campsite "Boek" C16 with a surf and canoe base is located directly on the south-eastern bank of the Müritz on a wide meadow. A camping vacation on the south-eastern shore of the Müritz means unspoiled nature, surrounded by water and forest, pure peace and relaxation, but also with all the opportunities for active pursuits. Shallow, sandy beaches and clear water invite you to swim, sail, surf or paddle - the campsite is a paradise for all water sports enthusiasts, but also ideal for families with children.

    Read more: "Campsite "Boek" C16"
  • © Hotel & Restaurant Heidekrug

    Hotel & Restaurant Heidekrug

    • Grünplan, 17255 Grünplan

    The hotel & restaurant has 27 rooms and a restaurant with a beautiful lakeside terrace in the middle of unspoiled nature. This idyllic gem at the intersection of Mecklenburg and Brandenburg is an ideal place to relax. The hotel with a special lakeside ambience, stylish and close to nature.

    Read more: "Hotel & Restaurant Heidekrug"
  • © Gina Schulenberg

    Klink dog beach

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17192 Klink

    The dog bathing beach is located directly below Klink Castle, on the popular Müritz circular trail - a real highlight for two- and four-legged friends.

    Read more: "Klink dog beach"
  • © Jana Koch

    Forest adventure trail Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Lärchenweg, 17166 Teterow

    The forest adventure trail is divided into two areas: the Forest of Talents and the Philosopher's Path. In the Forest of Talents, visitors can explore or measure themselves against the talents of the forest or its inhabitants. On the Philosopher's Trail, an old forester tells his granddaughter interesting stories about the forest and man-made climate change.

    Read more: "Forest adventure trail Teterow"

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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.