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

  • Franziskanerkloster Neubrandenburg // © Thomas Oppermann

    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"
  • Moderne Ferienwohnungen mit Seeblick, viel Platz auf der großen Wiese vor dem Haus // © northtours, Krämer, Duklau

    Aunt Polly Holiday Farm

    • Pelzkuhler Strasse, 17255 Strasen

    Experience nature in a relaxed way! A relaxing time for the whole family & friends - modern vacation apartments with lake view, wallbox parking, wood-burning stove, large covered terrace - plenty of space to relax, play, fish and enjoy - sunsets on the lake, boat rental: canoes, SUPs, fishing boats with 5 hp motor

    Read more: "Aunt Polly Holiday Farm"
  • © Jana Koch

    Playground at Schulkamp

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Pastor-Fiedler-Weg, 17166 Teterow

    Children's playground in the Teterow city park in the immediate vicinity of Schulkamp and the historic city center

    Read more: "Playground at Schulkamp"
  • © HdG

    Historic tile pottery

    • Temporarily closed
    • Am Teschenberg, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    A lively look into the past and discover the history of tiles, ovens and the master potters.

    Read more: "Historic tile pottery"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Goehren-Lebbin

    Poppentin fieldstone church

    • Kirchpoppentiner Str., 17213 Poppentin

    The Protestant church is a listed church building in Poppentin, a district of the municipality of Göhren-Lebbin. The church, a rectangular fieldstone building from the 13th century, is one of the oldest churches in the region.

    Read more: "Poppentin fieldstone church"
  • © 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"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH

    St. John's Church Boek

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17248 Boek

    "St. Johannis Church is a listed church building in Boek, a district of the municipality of Rechlin in the Mecklenburg Lake District in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It belongs to the parish of Rechlin in the Neustrelitz provostry, Mecklenburg church district of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany.

    Read more: "St. John's Church Boek"
  • In the midst of over 100 hectares of landscaped park lies the castle hotel Schlitz Castle // © Schlosshotel Burg Schlitz/Petra Stüning Photografie

    Castle Hotel Schlitz Castle

    • Burg Schlitz, 17166 Hohen Demzin

    "The place where the soul grows wings". The ideal place for all people who love the good and fine life in the countryside. A paradise for horses and riders.

    Read more: "Castle Hotel Schlitz Castle"
  • The Eldenburg marina with its jetty // © S. Schulz

    Marina Eldenburg

    • An der Reeck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Marina Eldenburg is located in a quiet bay on the Reecksee between Müritz and Kölpinsee. In the vacation accommodations you can spend a relaxing vacation. Also a license-free sport boat for a day trip on the Mecklenburger Oberseen can be rented here in addition.

    Read more: "Marina Eldenburg"
  • Vacation and horse farm Scholz

    • Ollendorf, 17237 Grünow

    Vacation on the farmOn the "Ferien- und Pferdehof Scholz", in the middle of beautiful Mecklenburg, everything revolves around horses, riding and nature.

    Read more: "Vacation and horse farm Scholz"
  • © Hotel Bornmühle

    Hotel Bornmühle

    • Bornmühle, 17094 Groß Nemerow

    Nestled in the idyllic landscape of the Mecklenburg Lake District lies the Bornmühle, a family-run 4-star superior hotel that stands for genuine relaxation, healthy enjoyment and sustainable hospitality. Here you can experience wellness, nature and active vacations at the highest level - far away from interchangeable hotel worlds.

    Read more: "Hotel Bornmühle"
  • Old school Krakow on the lake

    • Open today
    • Schulplatz, 18292 Krakow am See

    Experience tradition in the "Old School", which was extensively renovated in 1998 and houses the library, the local history room and the printing museum.

    Read more: "Old school Krakow on the lake"
  • © 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"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Feldberg Lake District Nature Park exhibition in the Haus des Gastes

    • Open today
    • Strelitzer Straße, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The 36,000-hectare Feldberg Lake District Nature Park is located in the south-eastern part of the Mecklenburg Lake District between the towns of Fürstenberg, Woldegk and Neustrelitz. In addition to numerous lakes and kettle bogs, with a bit of luck you can admire sea eagles, ospreys and beavers here.

    Read more: "Feldberg Lake District Nature Park exhibition in the Haus des Gastes"
  • Eingangsbereich // © Martina Zienert

    Project yard Karnitz

    • Karnitz, 17154 Neukalen

    Situated in the middle of the nature park "Mecklenburg Switzerland and Lake Kumerow", there are many opportunities for leisure and recreation from here. Adults, children and young adults can use the overnight and conference facilities as well as the program of the project farm.

    Read more: "Project yard Karnitz"
  • Müritzer Bauernmarkt - Erlebnis, Vielfalt & Genuss // © Mirko Runge

    Kells Müritz Farmers Market

    • Hafenstraße, 17192 Klink

    Discover culture and tradition at the Müritz. We offer you taste experiences, such as sea buckthorn products, regional sausage specialties, exquisite tea blends, various wines and honeys, chocolate products, sweets and much more.

    Read more: "Kells Müritz Farmers Market"
  • © Thorsten Falk, Seehotel Plau am See

    Seehotel Plau am See

    • Hermann-Niemann-Str., 19395 Plau am See

    Make friends out of guests - Leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in the hospitable atmosphere of our beautifully situated lakeside hotel. The idyllic 4-star hotel, located directly on Lake Plauer See, awaits you in its family atmosphere. Discover the wonderful area around Lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Seehotel Plau am See"
  • Tandem flight // © Norddeutsche Gleitschirmschule GmbH

    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"
  • © Jonas Kurverwaltung

    Playground Burghof Plau am See

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

    The Burghof Plau am See playground is located in the historic old town. The facility has swings, a climbing tower, slide, suspension bridge, swing and wine press scaffolding,

    Read more: "Playground Burghof Plau am See"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Waren (Müritz)

    Holy Cross Church Waren (Müritz)

    • Goethestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The Catholic Church and Parish Niels Stensen

    Read more: "Holy Cross Church Waren (Müritz)"

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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.