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

  • Spanish-Norman Horses in front of the granary at Herian Stud Farm, © Michael Schauenberg

    Herian stud

    • Kargower Weg, 17192 Groß Dratow

    Experience the rustic forests of the Müritz National Park and the romantic landscape of the Mecklenburg Lake District on the back of our horses. Get to know the rare breed of Spanish-Norman Horses.

    Read more: "Herian stud"
  • Public bath Waren (Müritz)

    • Kameruner Weg, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    This gated pool is very family-friendly and offers a large water slide, several beach volleyball courts, playground, a dock and designated non-swimmer areas, as well as changing facilities, restrooms and food service.

    Read more: "Public bath Waren (Müritz)"
  • © K&K Ferienimmobilien GmbH & Co.KG

    Harbor residence Waren (Müritz)

    • Müritzstraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Just a short trip from the Müritz National Park, the Hafenresidenz with its modern vacation apartments offers an excellent starting point for discovering this beautiful natural area with its ancient beech forests, clear lakes and rich wildlife.

    Read more: "Harbor residence Waren (Müritz)"
  • Camping and Holiday Park Havelberge

    • An den Havelbergen, 17237 Userin OT Groß Quassow

    Havelberge Camping and Holiday Park lies directly at Lake Woblitz. In addition to 90 holiday homes and mobile homes, thers's also a restaurant with sun terrace and lake views and many exciting activities as well as entertainment shows and live music. (April-October)

    Read more: "Camping and Holiday Park Havelberge"
  • Park Hotel Fasanerie

    • Karbe-Wagner-Straße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Park Hotel Fasanerie awaits you in the residential town of Neustrelitz, idyllically situated next to a small park with a pond (small lake).

    Read more: "Park Hotel Fasanerie"
  • © Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte Touristik GmbH

    Wesenberg castle with fishing tower

    • Burg, 17255 Wesenberg

    Castle complex with local history room and exhibition on fishing and regional history, tourist information, public Internet access, nationwide ticket service

    Read more: "Wesenberg castle with fishing tower"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • The pleasant feeling of having arrived, letting time almost stand still for once and enjoying the moment to the full. For us, this is the epitome of "being welcome". Your visit with us should give you exactly that and also awaken the desire to experience the extraordinary hospitality in Rattey again., © Inselmühle Usedom GmbH | Hotel Schloss Rattey

    Hotel Castle Rattey

    • Schlossplatz, 17349 Schönbeck

    Schloss Rattey is an inviting and unpretentious manor house with a park and surrounding vineyards and was built in 1806. Today's Hotel Schloss Rattey offers guests 15 spacious double rooms and suites equipped with modern comforts, as well as a restaurant, sauna and farm shop.

    Read more: "Hotel Castle Rattey"
  • © TI Krakow am See

    Old school Krakow on the lake

    • Closed 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"
  • © Martin Hedtke

    Martin's friends two-wheel service

    • Peckatel, 17237 Klein Vielen

    Bike repairs in and around the Müritz - National Park! We offer on-site bicycle maintenance (by appointment), sales and professional advice. Furthermore, there is the possibility for tourist facilities to use our maintenance service.

    Read more: "Martin's friends two-wheel service"
  • Hotel WENDENKRUG

    • Temporarily closed
    • Burgwallinsel, 17166 Teterow

    Excursion restaurant with lake terrace and pension rooms under the thatched roof on the Burgwallinsel in Lake Teterow

    Read more: "Hotel WENDENKRUG"
  • House Plau am See

    • Dammstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Wheelchair-accessible guest house and facilities

    Read more: "House Plau am See"
  • © Ferienpark Mirow GmbH

    Aparthotel Seepanorama

    • Granzow, 17252 Mirow OT Granzow

    The modern hotel with 47 apartments is located directly on the lake in Mirow. It was built in 2006. In the hotel there is a restaurant with a lake terrace, an indoor pool and sauna area as well as a fitness center and a bicycle storage room.

    Read more: "Aparthotel Seepanorama"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Malchow Monastery Café

    • Open today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    More than 700 years ago, nuns met to dine together in the refectory of the former Damenstift, the oldest building in Malchow Abbey.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery Café"
  • © Seehotel Fleesensee

    Seehotel Fleesensee Resort & SPA

    • Seeblick, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    At the Seehotel Fleesensee, wellness, comfort and the fantastic location on Lake Fleesensee in the middle of the Mecklenburg Lake District combine to create a relaxing vacation.

    Read more: "Seehotel Fleesensee Resort & SPA"
  • © Christin Drühl

    Prillwitz hunting lodge

    • Prillwitz, 17237 Hohenzieritz

    In 1890 the house was built as a hunting lodge of the Grand Duke of Strelitz in the neo-Renaissance style. The old manor house next to it is a simple 11-axis building over two floors. The facade of the hunting lodge is richly articulated and changes from red clinker to sandstone. The theme of hunting is found in the decor of the house. Inside, parts of the wall paneling have been preserved. Also noteworthy is the beautiful lake location on the Lieps.

    Read more: "Prillwitz hunting lodge"
  • View of the house from the lake, © Altes Zollhaus

    Altes Zollhaus - romantic lakeside inn and hotel

    • OT Feldberg, Am Erddamm, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The 'Alte Zollhaus' is a romantic lakeside inn & hotel in the middle of the beautiful Feldberg Lake District Nature Park.

    Read more: "Altes Zollhaus - romantic lakeside inn and hotel"
  • © Homuth Hofladen

    Homuth farm store

    • Untergöhrener Str., 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Hofladen Homuth in the Land Fleesensee - incredibly tasty and with a good portion of love, soooo delicious!

    Read more: "Homuth farm store"
  • 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"

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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.