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

  • © FSV GbR

    Go-kart & bike rental - Fleesensee Vermietung GbR

    • Wendhofer Str., 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    More fun with go-karts, bikes, and family mobiles in beautiful Land Fleesensee! Rental of bicycles and pedal-powered go-karts in Göhren-Lebbin. An experience for young and old.

    Read more: "Go-kart & bike rental - Fleesensee Vermietung GbR"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Hotel Haus Sajons

    • Große Burgstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Set in a listed building, this centrally located hotel offers bright rooms with a flat-screen TV. Lake Plau is just a 10-minute walk away.

    Read more: "Hotel Haus Sajons"
  • KIWI Ferienwohnungen im Winter // © Thomas Ziebuhr

    KIWI Apartments at the Dreier Lake

    • Fischweg, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    KIWI apartments on Lake Dreier - a dream place for people who want to experience nature up close during their vacation, but do not want to sacrifice comfort.

    Read more: "KIWI Apartments at the Dreier Lake"
  • © Rabennest/Friederike Hegner

    Luxury vacation home "RabenNest

    • Windfang, 18292 Krakow am See

    The location of the vacation home "RabenNest" is unique. Directly on a small, man-made canal with access to the Krakow Lake. Situated in an absolutely quiet location, the vacation home RabenNest invites you to relax and unwind all year round. A true nest to recharge your batteries and draw strength.

    Read more: "Luxury vacation home "RabenNest"
  • © Tommys Fahrradladen

    TOMMY'S bike store

    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Malchow

    Looking for the right bike, accessories, service and Co? With us you are exactly right.

    Read more: "TOMMY'S bike store"
  • © Waren (Müritz)-Information

    Ball fountain

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Fountain on the Neuer Markt

    Read more: "Ball fountain"
  • © Remo Block

    Adventure & Water Sports

    • An der Metow, 19395 Plau am See

    Our vacation park is located directly on the water and yet in the city. In Mecklenburg the clocks go slower, they say, and to some extent time seems to stand still, so you also have more of it available on vacation.Feel the Plau summer freshness in every season, the clear sea air and the wholesome, healthy nature.

    Read more: "Adventure & Water Sports"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Rechlin pier

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Fritz-Reuter-Straße, 17248 Rechlin

    The pier in Rechlin is a charming place that delights visitors and locals alike. Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Müritz, the pier is a popular destination for tourists and water sports enthusiasts in the region.

    Read more: "Rechlin pier"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    DDR Everyday Life Museum Malchow

    • Closed today
    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Inselstadt Malchow

    The building was inaugurated in 1957 as a "movie palace", but today presents objects from past times.

    Read more: "DDR Everyday Life Museum Malchow"
  • © Konschak

    Lake hotel Ichlim

    • Am Nebelsee, 17248 Lärz

    The Seehotel Ichlim is located on the southern foothills of the Müritz, directly on the romantic Nebelseel. It has 29 comfort rooms and 3 vacation cottages.

    Read more: "Lake hotel Ichlim"
  • © Plauer Hai-Live e. V.

    Plauer Hai-Live e. V. - Sailing connects

    • Seestraße, 19395 Plau am See

    The Plauer Hai-Live e. V. sailing club in Plau am See in the Mecklenburg Lake District has been in existence since 2006. The association was founded as an inclusive sailing club right from the start.

    Read more: "Plauer Hai-Live e. V. - Sailing connects"
  • Get active at the youth hostel Teterow // © JH Teterow/Danny Gohlke

    Youth Hostel Teterow

    • Am Seebahnhof, 17166 Teterow

    Book your all-round carefree package with us! We realize your wishes. With us, children are guaranteed to meet other children and the relaxed atmosphere in the house makes it possible for guests to enjoy the most beautiful days of the year. The various excursion, leisure and activity possibilities are a paradise for everyone.

    Read more: "Youth Hostel Teterow"
  • Vacation resort Labussee

    • Klein Quassow, 17255 Wesenberg

    Paddling under the wings of ospreys and sea eagles , experience the Havel in its origin, starting point: Klein Quassow.

    Read more: "Vacation resort Labussee"
  • Eingang zum AGRONEUM Alt Schwerin // © AGRONEUM/Hans Dieter Graf

    AGRONEUM Alt Schwerin

    • Open today
    • Achter de Isenbahn, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    In the middle of the Mecklenburg Lake District and the Nossentiner-Schwinzer Heide Nature Park lies the museum village of Alt Schwerin. As early as 1963 it became a very special, agricultural history village and open-air museum - agricultural history to experience, touch and participate in.

    Read more: "AGRONEUM Alt Schwerin"
  • Country Hotel & Restaurant PRÄLANK

    • Prälank-Kalkofen, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Are you looking for a place to slow down? You want to escape the big city jungle or simply enjoy the wonderful nature? Then visit our small country hotel in an idyllic location on a small lake in the Müritz National Park, not far from the residential town of Neustrelitz.

    Read more: "Country Hotel & Restaurant PRÄLANK"
  • Manor house Zarchlin

    • Dorfstraße, 19395 Zarchlin

    Ecologically renovated house with design vacation apartments, seminar room, large kitchen and music rehearsal room. Plain manor house with 100 historic windows in the Mecklenburg Lake District. Awarded the Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in the Preservation of Historical Monuments.

    Read more: "Manor house Zarchlin"
  • Climate forest Mirow // © Landesforst MV

    Climate forest Mirow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17255 Zirtow

    Here near Mirow in the Mecklenburg Lake District, red alder trees are growing on 2.8 hectares, which were financed through the sale of forest shares between 2008 and 2011. This climate forest will bind approx. 2600 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere during its growth period.

    Read more: "Climate forest Mirow"
  • Pasterhof Eichhorst // © Daniel Auer

    Pasterhof Eichhorst

    • Kastanienallee, 17098 Friedland

    Welcome to our listed former vicarage in the idyllic nature of the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "Pasterhof Eichhorst"
  • Kreativecke im Ping Pong Salon // © Katja Thiede

    Ping Pong Salon - meeting and creative space

    • Elisabethstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The "Ping Pong Salon" is a mixture of meeting, play and creative space in Neustrelitz. Anyone interested can play table tennis and board games here in a cozy atmosphere, attend a variety of events or use the rooms for their own ideas.

    Read more: "Ping Pong Salon - meeting and creative space"
  • 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.