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

  • © 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"
  • View into the living area, © 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"
  • Exhibits by Dr. Ernst Alban, © Jörn Lehmann

    Castle Museum Plau am See

    • Burgplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    Children and museums - you might think that doesn't fit. In Plau am See, that's not true. The town has a museum where even the young won't get bored. The former Plau Castle offers interesting insights into history, and it also houses a unique museum of local history and technology.

    Read more: "Castle Museum Plau am See"
  • Wangelin garden

    • Nachtkoppelweg, 19395 Wangelin

    Observe - grasp - marvel - enjoy in the largest medicinal herb garden in Mecklenburg. In addition to medicinal herbs, you will also find aromatic, magical and dyeing plants, as well as a butterfly garden and a typical North German farm garden. The garden's harvest can be tasted in the garden café and children can let off steam in the playscape.

    Read more: "Wangelin garden"
  • © K&K Ferienimmobilien GmbH & Co.KG

    Apartment complex Krakow am See

    • Am Wadehäng, 18292 Krakow am See

    The Apartmenthaus am Krakower See offers an exceptional break in the middle of the unique landscape of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Apartment complex Krakow am See"
  • Regional Museum Neubrandenburg

    • Open today
    • Stargarder Straße, 17033 Neubrandenburg

    The Neubrandenburg Regional Museum (founded in 1872) is one of the oldest civic museums in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Regional Museum Neubrandenburg"
  • © Pension und Restaurant Jägerrast

    Pension Jägerrast

    • Boeker Straße, 17248 Rechlin OT Boek

    Leisure oasis at the Müritz National Park - your starting point for Slow Travel in the Müritz National Park

    Read more: "Pension Jägerrast"
  • Ulrichshusen Castle

    • Seestraße, 17194 Ulrichshusen

    The Hotel Schloss Ulrichshusen, beautifully situated on its own lake, is ideally suited for weddings, conferences, seminars and events of all kinds with its large ballroom. Here also beats the heart of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival with many concerts and renowned artists in summer and Advent.

    Read more: "Ulrichshusen Castle"
  • Glass art in the forge garden at Rattey

    • Rattey, 17349 Schönbeck

    Since 2020, the artist Werner Kothe has been showing his glass art objects in the open space - in the middle of the village, opposite the castle - the exhibition is open all year round.

    Read more: "Glass art in the forge garden at Rattey"
  • © Michael Rohde

    Vacation apartment Michael Rohde

    • OT Carwitz, Carwitzer Str., 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Our 3 vacation apartments for 2 to 4 persons are located directly at the Carwitz Lake. Families with children, guests seeking tranquility and anglers feel very comfortable with us and are very welcome. We are pleased to be able to offer you a year-round vacation spot.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Michael Rohde"
  • © 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"
  • © Hotel Rosendomizil, Malchow

    Hotel Rosendomizil Malchow

    • Lange Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Picturesque interior, delicious specialties and the feeling of being welcome at any time of the year await you at the Hotel Rosendomizil: Discover our individually and lovingly furnished Malchow house in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District!

    Read more: "Hotel Rosendomizil Malchow"
  • Restaurant, beer garden & café "Zum Löwen"

    • Schleusengasse, 17255 Wesenberg OT Strasen

    he excursion destination at the Strasen lock. Open daily from April to October. Regional fish and game specialties, vegetarian & vegan offer

    Read more: "Restaurant, beer garden & café "Zum Löwen""
  • 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"
  • Hotel entrance Müritz Strandhotel, © G. Redmer

    Müritz Strandhotel

    • Seebadstraße, 17207 Röbel/Müritz

    We are pleased to welcome you to the MÜRITZ STRANDHOTEL and cordially invite you to spend your vacation in the land of 1000 lakes or simply relax for a few days. Enjoy the wonderful nature with many possibilities to relax and discover.

    Read more: "Müritz Strandhotel"
  • Galenbeck soapbox

    • Closed today
    • Galenbeck, 17153 Ritzerow OT Galenbeck

    The Galenbeck Soap Box is the factory outlet of the Galenbeck Soap Manufactory. It is always open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 16:00 to 19:00. Here you can immerse yourself in "the little house of fragrances" and be enchanted by the scents of the soaps, oils and creams.

    Read more: "Galenbeck soapbox"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Bathing place Feisneck

    • An der Feisneck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The bathing place Feisneck has a 50 m long natural beach, a bathing bridge and is located directly at the Müritz National Park.

    Read more: "Bathing place Feisneck"
  • © Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz

    Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz

    • Kiefernhain, 17213 Fünfseen

    The Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz at Lake Plauer See represents a unique feature in the cultural landscape of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Boutique & Art Hotel Lenz"
  • © Pension am See

    Pension by the lake

    • Güstrower Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Welcome to the pension "By the lake"!

    Read more: "Pension by the lake"
  • Fishing children at the jetty of the witch's wood at the Jamel Lake, © Hexenwäldchen

    Camping site Zum Hexenwäldchen

    • Blankenförde, 17252 Blankenförde / Kakeldütt

    The Hexenwäldchen is a small, secure and family nature campsite directly on the lake, in the middle of the motorboat-free Müritz National Park with a real (!) Night rest from 22.00Uhr. With us you will experience a friendly and relaxed togetherness with "proper" guests, and quite a few have children with them!

    Read more: "Camping site Zum Hexenwäldchen"

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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.