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

  • © https://www.salzgrotte-klink.de/

    Salt cave Klink

    • Hauptstr., 17192 Klink

    "Ocean climate on the small sea - I'll take the time."

    Read more: "Salt cave Klink"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Dalwitz Manor Park

    • Dalwitz, 17179 Walkendorf

    In the estate park you can discover a monument dedicated to Sabine von Bassewitz (1716-1790). She was considered by contemporaries as a "woman of great and rare talents".

    Read more: "Dalwitz Manor Park"
  • © Van der Valk Linstow

    Van der Valk Bathing Fun Linstow

    • Krakower Chaussee, 18292 Linstow

    Amidst the breathtaking natural scenery of the Mecklenburg Lake District and just a stone's throw from the Baltic Coast, Van der Valk Resort Linstow awaits you in the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern between Berlin and Rostock.

    Read more: "Van der Valk Bathing Fun Linstow"
  • © 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"
  • Fischerhof Eldenburg, An der Reeck, zwischen Müritz und Kölpinsee // © Müritzfischer

    Eldenburg fishing farm

    • An der Reeck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    A fishing farm that offers everything! Enjoy the flair of a traditional fishing farm. Delicious fish fresh from the smoke, fisherman's rolls and of course fresh fish from the day's catch. Vacation apartments on the water, boat rentals and guided fishing tours complete the offer.

    Read more: "Eldenburg fishing farm"
  • 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)"
  • Badespaß das ganze Jahr // © Van der Valk Linstow

    Van der Valk Resort Linstow

    • Krakower Chaussee, 18292 Linstow

    The Van der Valk Resort Linstow is surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Mecklenburg Lakes and a mere stone's throw from the Baltic Sea coast at the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern between Berlin and Rostock.

    Read more: "Van der Valk Resort Linstow"
  • Außenansicht Gut Zahren // © Alexander Rudolph

    Good Zahren

    • Dorfstraße, 19386 Zahren

    Space for ideas - that is the motto of the spacious estate with French flair. There are vacation apartments, lounges, seminar rooms and an estate kitchen.

    Read more: "Good Zahren"
  • © Rainer Gottwald

    Vacation home Laeven

    • Mooskoppel, OT Laeven, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The vacation home is located about 4 km from Feldberg, in the district of Laeven in a secluded location on a large plot with unobstructed views. Due to its spacious layout, it is also particularly suitable for groups of 4 - 10 people.

    Read more: "Vacation home Laeven"
  • Wildgehege auf 35 ha für Dam- und Rotwild, Tiere werden lebend weitervermarktet oder das Wildfleisch kann im hauseigenem Hofladen gekauft werden // © AG Chemnitz

    Strawberry & adventure farm Chemnitz

    • Neubrandenburger Str., 17039 Blankenhof OT Chemnitz

    An eventful excursion for young and old! Space to romp, play, barbecue, pet animals and harvest! Agrargesellschaft Chemnitz is a classic mixed farm with arable farming and game management. On more than 2,000 hectares of arable land and grassland, field farming and animal husbandry of fallow and rusty deer, dairy cows and suckler cows are carried out with professional know-how and modern machinery.

    Read more: "Strawberry & adventure farm Chemnitz"
  • North German Paragliding School

    • Schillerstraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Realize the dream of flying and be close to nature: That is paragliding. The feeling of boundless freedom makes this sport unique. We want to share this experience with our guests. Your beaming smile after a paragliding flight is our motivation. We are looking forward to seeing you.

    Read more: "North German Paragliding School"
  • Eingang Biohof Donst // © Biohof Donst

    Organic farm Donst

    • Strietfeld, 17209 Walow

    Enjoy "pure nature" while hiking, biking, swimming and experience the species-rich landscape, where even the native wild animals still have their place. Thanks to the quiet location of our farm, surrounded by our ecological agriculture, it invites you to spend your vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District between Lake Plauer and Müritz.

    Read more: "Organic farm Donst"
  • © Ralf Schultheiss

    KUHNLE-TOURS houseboat base in Malchin

    • Am Kanal, 17139 Malchin

    The Peene and Lake Kummerow region is a paradise for houseboaters with impressive birdwatching opportunities. Lake Kummerow and the Peene offer idyllic landscapes for a variety of nature experiences. Enjoying nature, birdwatching and relaxing on the water - there is something for everyone here.

    Read more: "KUHNLE-TOURS houseboat base in Malchin"
  • © Tourist-Information Malchow

    Malchow old town island

    • 17213 Malchow

    Consisting of three parts, the old town island, the monastery and the new town, Malchow is integrated into the south of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Malchow old town island"
  • © Precise Resort Marina Wolfsbruch

    Precise Resort Marina Wolfsbruch

    • Wolfsbruch, 16831 Rheinsberg-Kleinzerlang

    4* Resort in Rheinsberg direkt an der Mecklenburgischen Seenplatte. Die Anlage verfügt über ein Hotel, Ferienhäuser und -wohnungen, Kinderland mit täglichem Programm, Indoor-Spielplatz, Badelandschaft mit Sauna, Fitnessraum und Wellnessbereich sowie einen eigenen Jachthafen mit Bootsverleih und Hausbootcharter. Hier gibt es auch für Tagesbesucher viel zu entdecken.

    Read more: "Precise Resort Marina Wolfsbruch"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz/ Roman Vitt

    Slavic village Neustrelitz

    • Open today
    • Am Slawendorf, 17235 Neustrelitz

    A visit to the Slavic Village at Lake Zierk is an excursion into the early medieval settlement history of the region. Here you can be active and creative.

    Read more: "Slavic village Neustrelitz"
  • © Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte Touristik GmbH

    Wesenberg castle with fishing tower

    • Burg, 17255 Wesenberg

    Castle complex with local history room and exhibition on fishing and regional history, tourist information, public Internet access, nationwide ticket service

    Read more: "Wesenberg castle with fishing tower"
  • © Jana Koch

    Playground on the Burgwallinsel Teterow

    • Burgwallinsel, 17166 Teterow

    Fun and games for kids on Teterow's historic castle wall island

    Read more: "Playground on the Burgwallinsel Teterow"
  • © Lars Schönherr

    Dargibell Castle Estate

    • Temporarily closed
    • Dargibell, 17398 Neu Kosenow

    The manor house is one of the most important architectural monuments in the "Grafenwinkel" region of Western Pomerania. The baroque building with its English-style interior dates back to the 15th century.

    Read more: "Dargibell Castle Estate"
  • © Reschke Gastronomie GmbH

    Hotel "Am Brauhaus" with Brauhaus Müritz & bowling alley

    • Am Tiefwarensee, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Braufrische Lebensfreude: Hotel, restaurant, bowling alleys, brewery tours. The hotel "Am Brauhaus" is an ideal starting point for eventful excursions.In our in-house brewery with 4 bowling alleys right next to the hotel and on the edge of the old town of Waren (Müritz) you can experience the old brewing tradition anew.

    Read more: "Hotel "Am Brauhaus" with Brauhaus Müritz & bowling alley"

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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.