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

  • Blick vom Steg auf den Fischerhof // © Müritzfischer

    Fishermen's farm Krakow on the lake

    • Goetheallee, 18292 Krakow am See

    An idyllic fishing farm, directly on the water and yet in the city. An ideal destination for fish lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. Enjoy the unobstructed view of Krakow Lake with a fish sandwich and a cool drink.

    Read more: "Fishermen's farm Krakow on the lake"
  • © 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"
  • Mirow Castle

    • Open today
    • Schlossinsel, 17252 Mirow

    The present palace was built under Adolf Friedrich III according to plans by Christoph Julius Löwe between 1749 and 1752 as a widow's residence for his stepmother Elisabeth-Albertine.

    Read more: "Mirow Castle"
  • Autumn at Ivenack Castle // © DOMUSImages

    Ivenack Castle

    • Am Schloss, 17153 Ivenack

    The older, middle part of the castle dates back to the 16th century - the monastery building. A first extension took place in 1709 and after passing to the Imperial Counts v. Plessen around 1750. The semicircular stables, the orangery, the tea house and the church also date from this period. Around 1810, the castle was again extended by two wings. Since 2016, it has been renovated in accordance with the preservation order. The 1000-year-old Ivenack oaks in the former animal park are Germany's first national natural monument.

    Read more: "Ivenack Castle"
  • © 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"
  • Das Seehotel Schloss Klink liegt direkt an der Müritz // © Seehotel Schloss Klink

    Seehotel Schloss Klink

    • Schlossstraße, 17192 Klink

    Klink Castle was built in 1898 in the neo-Renaissance style in the style of the Loire castles. One hundred years after its construction, Schlosshotel Klink opened its doors in 1998. The Orangery was opened two years later.

    Read more: "Seehotel Schloss Klink"
  • © Seehotel Heidehof

    Seehotel Heidehof***

    • Seestraße, 17094 Klein Nemerow

    Welcome to the Seehotel Heidehof - your retreat in the middle of the idyllic Mecklenburg Lake District. The traditional hotel is picturesquely perched on a steep bank of Lake Tollensesee and inspires with its tranquillity, closeness to nature and unmistakable flair. Only a few minutes away from Neubrandenburg, a harmonious combination of relaxation, enjoyment and living history awaits you here.

    Read more: "Seehotel Heidehof***"
  • Klimawald Neubrandenburg-Nettelkuhl // © 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"
  • © Hotel Villa Passion

    Hotel "Villa Passion

    • August-Bebel-Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Experience a vacation without stress and hustle and bustle with plenty of space for rest and relaxation.

    Read more: "Hotel "Villa Passion"
  • © 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"
  • © Tourist-Information Malchow

    Angel Garden at Malchow Monastery

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17213 Malchow

    The Engel Garden next to the Malchow Monastery has existed for 200 years.

    Read more: "Angel Garden at Malchow Monastery"
  • Badestrand Weißer See bei Wesenberg // © Christin Drühl

    Beach "White Lake" Wesenberg

    • 17255 Wesenberg

    The Weißer See bathing beach is located just outside the center of Wesenberg, quietly surrounded by greenery. The arrival and departure with the Kleinseenbahn is possible.

    Read more: "Beach "White Lake" Wesenberg"
  • © TMVoutdoor-visions.com

    Käflingsberg Tower

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17192 Speck

    The observation tower on the 100 m high Käflingsberg is located in the Müritz National Park southeast of the village Speck. It can be reached on foot, by bike or with buses of the National Park Ticket.

    Read more: "Käflingsberg Tower"
  • © Kurverwaltung Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Church Wittenhagen

    • 17258 Wittenhagen

    The present church dates back to 1758 and is made of cut rocks. 1.60 m thick is the so-called cyclopean masonry. The special feature of this church is its ground plan as a regular octagon with an inner diameter of 10.25 m.

    Read more: "Church Wittenhagen"
  • Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm

    • Open today
    • Alter Forsthof, 17209 Zislow

    The cozy Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm serves homemade cakes, changing soups and hot and cold drinks. A child-friendly atmosphere with a reading corner, occasional cultural events and the adjacent horse farm make it a popular destination. The café can also be hired for private events by prior arrangement.

    Read more: "Café Hufschlag at the Zislow horse farm"
  • © TMV / Gohlke

    Lift bridge Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Dammstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    The Plau lift bridge is an industrial monument.

    Read more: "Lift bridge Plau am See"
  • Herzlich Willkommen im Seminar- und Landhaus Schönbeck // © Seminar- und Landhotel Schönbeck / Szeszkat

    Seminar and Country House Schönbeck

    • Neu Schönbeck, 17349 Schönbeck

    Relax, unwind, gather resources is our motto. The country house offers enough space and room for single travelers, as well as small groups up to 12 people. Our Tiny House is ideal for 2 people. The Farm Barn offers guests regional products for self-catering or memory shopping.

    Read more: "Seminar and Country House Schönbeck"
  • LakesCountryAgentour - Salem base

    • Am Hafen, 17139 Salem

    Get to know the 1x1 of sailing from scratch with the SeenLandAgentour - whether big or small - there is something for everyone here.

    Read more: "LakesCountryAgentour - Salem base"
  • Suchoij-22 Jagdbomber sowjetisch-russische Luftwaffe // © Torsten Heinrichs

    Aeronautical Engineering Museum Rechlin

    • Open today
    • Am Claassee, 17248 Rechlin

    In historical ensembles of buildings you can learn more about the impressive history of Rechlin's development into the former central and largest test site for land-based aircraft up to 1945 and the reuse by Soviet-Russian aviation until 1993. The NVA's information centre and the former shipyard are also presented - as well as the lives of the people who worked and lived here.

    Read more: "Aeronautical Engineering Museum Rechlin"
  • Willkommen im Gutshaus La Dersentina // © La Dersentina

    Manor La Dersentina

    • Dorfstraße, 18279 Dersentin

    Welcome to the Dersentin Manor House, affectionately called "La Dersentina" by the residents.

    Read more: "Manor La Dersentina"

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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.