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.

466 results

  • Marketplace Neustrelitz

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Markt, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The star-shaped late baroque city layout of the residential town of Neustrelitz is unique in Europe - eight streets lead from the market square in all directions

    Read more: "Marketplace Neustrelitz"
  • © Seifenmanufaktur Galenbeck/Torsten Metscher

    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"
  • © Jana Koch

    Marketplace Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Am Markt, 17166 Teterow

    Geographically, Teterow is the center of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The center is marked by a cast-iron relief plate created by the artist Günter Kaden from Wendischhagen on the market square.

    Read more: "Marketplace Teterow"
  • KUHNLE-TOURS - Yachtcharter Römer - Riverlodge

    • Marinastraße, 17248 Rechlin

    Vacation on a boat? You can fulfill this dream of a vacation on the water even without a boat license. Vacation on the water and explore the Mecklenburg Lake District to Berlin with the right boat. We have a boat for you: for 2 to 12 people.

    Read more: "KUHNLE-TOURS - Yachtcharter Römer - Riverlodge"
  • View of Peckatel castle // © Martin Kaiser, NPA Müritz

    Peckatel Castle

    • Peckatel, 17237 Klein Vielen

    Dreamlike vacations in the castle - look forward to vacation apartments and rooms that offer everything your heart desires.

    Read more: "Peckatel Castle"
  • House of the guest Waren (Müritz)

    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    the small, fine event location for locals and guests

    Read more: "House of the guest Waren (Müritz)"
  • Canow Inn // © Wohlleben/Smith

    Canow Inn

    • Closed 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"
  • Ferienwohung Freiheit in Warin // © MV-T/A.Wilken

    Vacation apartment Freiheit

    • Schilfweg, 19417 Warin

    Accessible vacation apartment in Warin just a few meters from Lake Groß Warin. Enjoy a relaxing vacation in the vacation home built in 2020.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Freiheit"
  • © Fleesensee Alpakas

    Fleesensee Alpacas

    • Lebbiner Str., 17213 Penkow

    Small alpaca farm with farm store in Penkow that specializes in offering various recreational activities, health prevention and animal assisted therapy with alpacas.

    Read more: "Fleesensee Alpacas"
  • Castle tower Plau am See

    • Open today
    • Burgplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    The castle tower in Plau was built in 1448/49 and is still completely preserved. The 3 m thick walls and the 11 m deep dungeon, as well as the tower ascent, amaze locals and guests alike when they visit.

    Read more: "Castle tower Plau am See"
  • © 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"
  • Neubrandenburg-Nettelkuhl climate forest // © Landesforst MV

    Climate Forest Neubrandenburg

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Am Eschenhof, 17033 Neubrandenburg

    In cooperation with the Neubrandenburg municipal forestry office, 300 shares were purchased here by a company based in Neustrelitz. Together with the company, residents of the region were involved in planting a climatic forest of 2000 sessile oaks on an area of 0.3 hectares. The planting took place on 10.04.2010.

    Read more: "Climate Forest Neubrandenburg"
  • Vacation on the farm vacation house/holiday apartment (FH Schafstall 3 stars according to DTV)

    • OT Wittenhagen, Hullerbuscher Weg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    2 modern vacation houses as well as a vacation apartment for 4 persons each on the farm near the forest and water, own jetty and bathing place.

    Read more: "Vacation on the farm vacation house/holiday apartment (FH Schafstall 3 stars according to DTV)"
  • Hotel zwischen den Seen // © Hotel zwischen den Seen

    Hotel between the lakes

    • Am Mühlenberg, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Great new hotel (renovated villa) - quiet location and close to the city center

    Read more: "Hotel between the lakes"
  • Plau am See post office

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 19395 Plau

    Old post office

    Read more: "Plau am See post office"
  • Kanuverleih // © Thomas Roetting / Sylvia Pollex

    Boat and water sports rental in the Müritz harbor village

    • Skipperstraße, 17248 Rechlin

    Day charter on the Mecklenburg Lake District, directly on the Müritz in the harbor village of Müritz for just half a day, a whole day or longer. Simply set off in a motorboat, sailing boat or cabin cruiser: no previous experience is required. Canoes, rowing boats and SUP are also available.

    Read more: "Boat and water sports rental in the Müritz harbor village"
  • © Page Holger Brümmer

    Waterski and surf school Holger Brümmer

    • August-Bebel-Strasse, 19395 Plau am See

    Waterskiing and wakeboarding has been our specialty since we were founded in 1995. Our experience with students of all ages and skill levels as well as first-class equipment makes our school the No. 1 in the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "Waterski and surf school Holger Brümmer"
  • Willkommen auf dem FerienGut Dalwitz // © FerienGut Dalwitz

    FerienGut Dalwitz

    • Dalwitz, 17179 Walkendorf OT Dalwitz

    A vacation at FerienGut Dalwitz provides its guests with souvenirs of a very special kind - and plenty of content for the longing suitcase, e.g. the buzzing of bees in the lush cottage garden, the rattle of storks, the clatter of hooves on the old cobblestones, the wide view when riding through nature.....

    Read more: "FerienGut Dalwitz"
  • © Kormoran Kanutouring

    Cormorant Canoe Touring

    • Granzin Havelbrücke, 17237 Kratzeburg-Granzin

    Kormoran Kanutouring, the canoe and bike rental station for nature and landscape lovers. Starting point for canoe trips from 2 hours to 7 days and longer. Suitable for beginners, as an introduction to paddling technique is offered.

    Read more: "Cormorant Canoe Touring"
  • © Touristinformation Goldberg

    Goldberg Nature Museum and Tourist Information

    • Closed today
    • Müllerweg, 19399 Goldberg

    Whether on the water, on horseback or on numerous hiking and cycling routes in the Goldberg-Mildenitz region in the Mecklenburg Lake District, you have countless opportunities for active recreation. For your vacation, the tourism association offers useful information on accommodation, tours, events and much more.

    Read more: "Goldberg Nature Museum and Tourist Information"

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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.