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

  • 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"
  • © Foto: von Levetzow

    Lelkendorf Castle

    • Schlossweg, 17168 Lelkendorf

    Stylishly furnished vacation apartment in the castle with antiques, magnificent view of the castle park, regular cultural events, cozy barbecue area in the park with permanently installed barbecue, spacious entrance hall furnished with seating areas and works of art.

    Read more: "Lelkendorf Castle"
  • Exterior view of terrace and pool // © St. Oberholz / Nils Hasenau

    St. Oberholz Retreat Woldzegarten

    • Walower Straße, 17209 Leizen

    The St. Oberholz Retreat is a hotel in Woldzegarten in Mecklenburg, around an hour and a half's drive from Berlin and two hours from Hamburg. The hotel is run by the St. Oberholz Group from Berlin.

    Read more: "St. Oberholz Retreat Woldzegarten"
  • Wirtshaus zur Eibe // © Ferienkontor

    Country inn Wirtshaus zur Eibe

    • Hoher Damm, 17194 Jabel

    The country inn is centrally located on the L 205 of the small village of Jabel, an ideal place to spend relaxing days in the Müritz region. The inn convinces with six cozy double rooms and a good home cooking. The Jabel lake is about 500 meters away.

    Read more: "Country inn Wirtshaus zur Eibe"
  • © Amt Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte

    Mirow lido

    • 17252 Mirow

    The bathing beach in Mirow is within sight of the castle island. A good and family-friendly infrastructure is available. The arrival and departure with the Kleinseenbahn is possible.

    Read more: "Mirow lido"
  • © 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"
  • Sommergalerie Klein Gievitz // © A. Mecklenburg

    Summer Gallery Klein Gievitz

    • Klein Gievitz, 17192 Peenehagen

    North of Waren (Müritz), the Klein Gievitz summer gallery presents one or two exhibitions a year with paintings by Annette Mecklenburg and works by one or two guest artists. The artworks are shown in two exhibition rooms dominated by wood, glass, clay and brick as well as in the garden.

    Read more: "Summer Gallery Klein Gievitz"
  • Außenansicht Gutshaus Altbauhof // © Gutshaus Altbauhof

    Manor house old farm Dargun

    • Altbauhof, 17159 Dargun

    Nestled in the cultural landscape of Dargun Castle and the monastery church, the manor house is located at the end of the road. To the building belongs one hectare of garden land, which is adjoined by the old manor pond surrounded by ancient trees. The grounds are very spacious, offering a magnificent view over the fields and the nature park "Große Rosin/ Kummerower See" with its rare bird species, such as kingfisher and marsh rail, and attracting ornithologists from all over the world.

    Read more: "Manor house old farm Dargun"
  • Schlafzimmer im Ferienhaus Seeblick // © Ferienkontor

    Vacation home Seeblick at Jabel Lake

    • Am Schwalbenberg, 17194 Jabel

    If you want to spend your vacation directly at the lake in a quiet location, then a vacation dream will come true in this vacation home with sauna. The vacation home with a rowing boat that can be used free of charge is located in the first row on the Jabel lake. The street on which the house is located is a dead end and therefore very quiet.

    Read more: "Vacation home Seeblick at Jabel Lake"
  • Canow Inn // © Wohlleben/Smith

    Canow Inn

    • Open today
    • Canower Allee, 17255 Wustrow

    Canow Inn is a house in the village, between two lakes, forest and meadows - at the same time inn and café. A place to stay - with homemade cakes, handmade coffee, small, regional dishes and ingredients. A big breakfast.

    Read more: "Canow Inn"
  • © FV Kirche Ankershagen / Sophie Ludewig

    Ankershagen village church

    • Lindenallee, 17219 Ankershagen

    Located directly on the Berlin-Copenhagen long-distance cycle path, Ankershagen Church invites you on a short journey through time and space. One of the oldest village churches in Mecklenburg, full of fascinating paintings, medieval art and a peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for a break - to discover, pause and move on.

    Read more: "Ankershagen village church"
  • Slow Food aus der ländlich feinen Küche // © Christin Drühl

    Romantik Hotel Gutshaus Ludorf

    • Rondell, 17207 Ludorf

    On the west bank of the Müritz, between two nature reserves, the visitor sees one of the most beautiful and oldest manor houses in Mecklenburg. Whoever is a guest here will be transported back from our hectic times to past centuries, when man in harmony with nature was the measure of all things.

    Read more: "Romantik Hotel Gutshaus Ludorf"
  • Exterior view Below manor // © Gutshaus Below

    Below manor house

    • Dorfstraße, 17209 Below

    Half-timbered house with two vacation apartments in the Wittstocker Heide, conveniently located from Berlin and Hamburg. The baroque manor house was built around 1700 in half-timbered construction and restored from 2013 denkmalgrechet.

    Read more: "Below manor house"
  • Memorial Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Zum Ehrenmal, 17166 Teterow

    Simple, true and personal memorial to 300 members of the Teterow parish who died in World War 1.

    Read more: "Memorial Teterow"
  • © Gästehaus BärenHof

    Guest House BärenHof

    • Ausbau am See, 19395 Barkhagen / OT Barkow-Ausbau

    A more than 100 year old farm in an exclusive location directly on the Kritzower See was lovingly remodeled. Thus, six comfortable vacation apartments were created, all with a terrace overlooking the lake. We now offer you, nestled in a beautiful natural and lake landscape, a place to relax far away from the stress and hustle and bustle of everyday life.

    Read more: "Guest House BärenHof"
  • Palace garden with orangery in Neustrelitz // © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Neustrelitz Palace Gardens

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • An der Promenade, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The ducal Palaca Garden in Neustrelitz is a gem of 18th and 19th century garden art. In all seasons it invites you to stroll and discover.

    Read more: "Neustrelitz Palace Gardens"
  • © Gabriele Kölbl

    Vacation home Villa Kunterbunt

    • Friedenstr, 17194 Hohen Wangelin

    Whether rest, change of scenery or immersion in past times - all these wishes are fulfilled by the small cottage with rural charm and modern comfort. The name says it all: colorful vacation atmosphere makes the little cottage!

    Read more: "Vacation home Villa Kunterbunt"
  • © 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"
  • Coburg Fox Sheep // © Peter Ramsch

    Pet farm Rambow

    • Rambow Hof, 17194 Moltzow

    Zoo with 250 animals in 60 breeds. Mainly old domestic animal breeds threatened with extinction.

    Read more: "Pet farm Rambow"
  • Fassade // © Otilija Witt

    Hotel Restaurant Nordischer Hof

    • Markt, 18292 Krakow am See

    Small hotel, very popular between cyclists, with cozy rooms and good Eastern European cuisine.

    Read more: "Hotel Restaurant Nordischer Hof"

Content is loaded

Select a location in the region

Select a region

or enter a location directly

Content is loaded

Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  2. Top

    5

    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  3. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  4. Wonderful winter experiences

    Read more: "Wonderful winter experiences"
  5. Mother and daughter on tour together

    Read more: "Mother and daughter on tour together"
  6. With the houseboat across the lake district of MV

    Read more: "With the houseboat across the lake district of MV"
  7. Health-promoting cure with natural remedies

    Read more: "Health-promoting cure with natural remedies"
  8. Top

    5

    Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow

    Read more: "Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow"
  9. Houseboat vacation with teenagers

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation with teenagers"
  10. Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle

    Read more: "Family vacation at the Waldhof Bruchmühle"
  11. In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz

    Read more: "In the houseboat barrier-free on the Müritz"
  12. On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa

    Read more: "On fall vacation with grandma and grandpa"
  13. The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle

    Read more: "The Flower Queen and Mirow Castle"
  14. Top

    5

    Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland

    Read more: "Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland"
  15. Houseboat adventure

    Read more: "Houseboat adventure"
  16. Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle

    Read more: "Christmas market and Advent magic at Ulrichshusen Castle"
  17. Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Medical wellness in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  18. Top

    7

    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  19. Romantic weekend at the manor house

    Read more: "Romantic weekend at the manor house"
  20. Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)

    Read more: "Vacation with alkaline fasting in Waren (Müritz)"
  21. Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect

    Read more: "Dog-friendly accommodation: Vacation with a woof effect"
  22. Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend

    Read more: "Two girls, two SUPs and a weekend"
  23. Top

    7

    Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn

    Read more: "Seven reasons for a houseboat vacation in autumn"
  24. Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "Houseboat vacation in the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  25. Inclusive sailing in Plau am See

    Read more: "Inclusive sailing in Plau am See"
  26. Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path

    Read more: "Cycling on the Elbe-Oderhaff cycle path"
  27. Top

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

    Read more: "Country holiday tips for the fall"
  28. By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District

    Read more: "By e-bike through the Mecklenburg Lake District"
  29. Canoe and camping tour

    Read more: "Canoe and camping tour"
  30. Top

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  31. On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow

    Read more: "On the trail of Ernst Barlach in Güstrow"
1- 0 from 0

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.