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

  • Vom Fischerhof den Blick auf die Müritz und die Altstadt von Waren genießen // © Müritzfischer

    Fishermen's yard Waren (Müritz)

    • Open today
    • Am Seeufer, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The Fischerhof Waren "Am Seeufer" is located in the immediate vicinity of the city harbor and the old town. From the terrace, guests enjoy an incomparable view of the Müritz and the old town.

    Read more: "Fishermen's yard Waren (Müritz)"
  • © 1000seen.de

    Malchow Monastery Church Lookout Tower

    • Closed today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    At a height of 55 meters, you can experience breathtaking views of nature in good weather.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery Church Lookout Tower"
  • Parkhotel Klüschenberg // © Parkhotel Klüschenberg

    Parkhotel Klüschenberg

    • Klüschenberg, 19395 Plau am See

    When you come to us, you come to yourself ... Wonderful location in the middle of the quiet and shady Klüschenberg Park. Fresh Mecklenburg cuisine from local seasonal products. Selected wine cellar with growths from all over the world.

    Read more: "Parkhotel Klüschenberg"
  • BEECH Resort Plauer See // © BEECH Resort Plauer See

    BEECH Resort Plauer Lake

    • Dresenower Mühle, 19395 Ganzlin

    Closed due to modernization and reconstruction in 2023. On more than seven hectares, our idyllic lakeside village opens up in the middle of the Ganzliner Holz landscape conservation area directly on Lake Plauer See with its own bathing beach and boat dock. Enjoy with us a piece of untouched nature directly at the gateway to the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "BEECH Resort Plauer Lake"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Welshof Schliemann

    • Dorfstr., 17139 Faulenrost

    Mecklenburg's first hereditary fish farm has been offering fish for four generations. In addition to the cozy restaurant "Zum Fischer Fritz" you can buy fresh and smoked fish in the farm store or spend the night in the vacation apartment....

    Read more: "Welshof Schliemann"
  • Country farm to the dairy

    • Meierei, 17217 Penzlin / Mallin

    In the heart of Mecklenburg, near the Tollensesee, in the middle of forest, meadow and water you will find our small pension with 22 beds. On 9 hectares of farm you will find your well-deserved rest and at the same time have a charming starting point for your active recreation.

    Read more: "Country farm to the dairy"
  • Barefoot adventure trail

    • Closed today
    • Ziegeleiweg, 19395 Plau am See

    Barefoot adventure trail in Plau am See

    Read more: "Barefoot adventure trail"
  • Außenansicht Jagdschloss Kotelow // © Jagdschloss Kotelow

    Kotelow hunting lodge

    • Schlossallee, 17099 Kotelow

    The manor has belonged to the v. Oertzen family since 1672. The single-story baroque house, built in 1773, ends with a mansard roof. The courtyard entrance is gabled over a beautiful oak entrance door with a frontispiece. On the garden side there is a 3-axis central risalit with a terrace in front. Old wooden floorboards are preserved in the interiors. The house was extensively and authentically renovated and is now open to guests as a hunting lodge.

    Read more: "Kotelow hunting lodge"
  • © Julia Gnodtke

    Teterow City Library

    • Open today
    • Neukalener Straße, 17166 Teterow

    The meeting place for young and old bookworms, culture lovers and art enthusiasts in the Bergringstadt.

    Read more: "Teterow City Library"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Waren (Müritz)

    City Hall Waren (Müritz)

    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The historical town hall with the city history museum

    Read more: "City Hall Waren (Müritz)"
  • © Hotel "Zum Löwen"

    Restaurant, beer garden & café "Zum Löwen"

    • Schleusengasse, 17255 Wesenberg OT Strasen

    he excursion destination at the Strasen lock. Open daily from April to October. Regional fish and game specialties, vegetarian & vegan offer

    Read more: "Restaurant, beer garden & café "Zum Löwen""
  • Exterior view manor house Altbauhof // © Gutshaus Altbauhof

    Manor house old farm Dargun

    • Altbauhof, 17159 Dargun

    Nestled in the cultural landscape of Dargun Castle and the monastery church, the manor house is located at the end of the road. To the building belongs one hectare of garden land, which is adjoined by the old manor pond surrounded by ancient trees. The grounds are very spacious, offering a magnificent view over the fields and the nature park "Große Rosin/ Kummerower See" with its rare bird species, such as kingfisher and marsh rail, and attracting ornithologists from all over the world.

    Read more: "Manor house old farm Dargun"
  • © C. Heiser

    Family Holiday Park Dambeck AWO SANO

    • Dambeck, 17237 Kratzeburg

    Welcome between lakes, forests and meadows of the Müritz National Park. Enjoy peace and marvel at plants and animals that have become rare. For young and old, the surroundings can be explored by bike, boat or on foot.

    Read more: "Family Holiday Park Dambeck AWO SANO"
  • 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"
  • © Burg Stargard

    Stargard Castle

    • Burg, 17094 Burg Stargard

    The castle complex, built around 1236, now houses a museum, herb and root garden and a garment tailor shop, offering visitors a unique glimpse into life in the Middle Ages.

    Read more: "Stargard Castle"
  • © Aquafun Fleesensee

    AQUAFUN Fleesensee

    • Open today
    • An der Therme, 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    The adventure pool AQUAFUN Fleesensee offers a fitness and wellness area, saunas, a steam bath,as well as a newly designed outdoor and indoor area.

    Read more: "AQUAFUN Fleesensee"
  • © Campingplatz Ecktannen

    Campsite Ecktannen

    • Fontanestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Our CampingPlatz Ecktannen is situated in a very scenic location on the outskirts of Waren (Müritz) and Germany's largest inland waterway, the "Müritz". South of CampingPlatz Ecktannen is the Müritz National Park, one of the most beautiful nature and plant reserves in northern Germany.

    Read more: "Campsite Ecktannen"
  • Living area of the vacation apartment osprey with large barn windows // © Andre Pretzel

    Vacation apartment osprey- barn at the lake Loppin

    • Am Wallberg, 17194 Jabel

    The vacation apartment "Fischadler" is located in the renovated 100 year old barn in Loppin, directly at the Loppin Lake, in the middle of the nature park "Schwinzer Heide". It is perfect for a vacation with the whole family or for fishing enthusiasts.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment osprey- barn at the lake Loppin"
  • Farm store // © H. Görlt

    Manufacture dandelion

    • Open today
    • Dorfstraße, 17214 Nossentiner Hütte

    Fine food from Mecklenburg is available in this small farm store. Experience nature - with all your senses. During a herb walk, guests can also be enchanted by the abundance and magic around them.

    Read more: "Manufacture dandelion"
  • 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"

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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.