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.

458 results

  • Touching, hearing and seeing, you can learn amazing things about ospreys, pikes and yellow fire beetles at the National Park Information Boek // © Nationalparkamt Müritz

    Boek Manor House / National Park Information

    • Temporarily closed
    • Boeker Straße, 17248 Boek

    Accessible exhibition "The fishermen of Boek

    Read more: "Boek Manor House / National Park Information"
  • Gnarled trunks tower into the sky, their bark tells of centuries. The Ivenack oaks are among the oldest trees in Germany and are located in the nature reserve near Stavenhagen. Light falls through the dense canopy and bathes the forest floor in a soft green - a place that inspires awe. // © 1000seen.de

    Ivenack Oaks National Natural Monument

    • Open today
    • Tiergarten, 17153 Ivenack

    The 1,000-year-old Ivenacker oaks belong to the Ivenacker Tiergarten. They are cultural and natural historical highlight of the area.

    Read more: "Ivenack Oaks National Natural Monument"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz/Sebastian Haerter

    Marketplace Neustrelitz

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Markt, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The star-shaped late baroque city layout of the residential town of Neustrelitz is unique in Europe - eight streets lead from the market square in all directions

    Read more: "Marketplace Neustrelitz"
  • © Amt Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte

    Mirow lido

    • 17252 Mirow

    The bathing beach in Mirow is within sight of the castle island. A good and family-friendly infrastructure is available. The arrival and departure with the Kleinseenbahn is possible.

    Read more: "Mirow lido"
  • © Andre Hamann

    Daschow Castle Country Hotel

    • Schloßstr., 19386 Gallin-Kuppentin

    Hotel run as a bed & breakfast - ideal for vacations, culture and small celebrations, in the midst of a beautiful landscape. A place steeped in history, which conveys peace and deceleration from the first moment.

    Read more: "Daschow Castle Country Hotel"
  • View of the vacation apartments at Ferienhof Mirow // © Ferienhof Mirow/Mewes

    Vacation farm Mirow

    • Retzower Straße, 17252 Mirow

    Experience an unforgettable vacation with and around the horse! Enjoy relaxing days on our family-friendly vacation farm in the middle of the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "Vacation farm Mirow"
  • © Kunsthaus Neustrelitz e.V.

    Art House Neustrelitz

    • Schloßstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The Kunsthaus is an "open house". It is open to anyone who wants to try their hand at art and culture and is looking for a space, like-minded people or support.

    Read more: "Art House Neustrelitz"
  • Restaurant // © Biberferienhof_TolPix

    Beaver Holiday Farm

    • Diemitz Schleuse, 17252 Diemitz

    The three-sided farm is located directly on the Diemitz lock on the small Peetschsee lake. The lovingly renovated buildings house the vacation apartments, restaurant, reception and farm store. 11 other wooden houses offer peace and relaxation far away from mass tourism. The Schäferwagenburg and the large campsite by the water are something special for outdoor fans. The raft and boat rental invites you to discover the rustic landscape of Mecklenburg from the water. The beautiful landscape and the relaxed atmosphere at the Biber Ferienhof invite you to enjoy.

    Read more: "Beaver Holiday Farm"
  • gemütlicher Wohnbereich // © André Pretzel

    Vacation home Landidylle

    • Dorfanger, 17192 Sembzin

    A dream for nature lovers in search of peace, relaxation and wonderful vacation experiences in the Mecklenburg Lake District is the vacation home Landidylle. The 105 m² vacation home for 2 people and a dog is located in the tranquil village of Sembzin.

    Read more: "Vacation home Landidylle"
  • Apartments Roman Vitt in the middle of the core zone of the Müritz National Park

    • Serrahn, 17237 Carpin

    NATURE-PURE-URLAUB and unique in Germany: apartments in the middle of a world natural heritage, secluded and also in the core and quiet zone of the Müritz National Park, surrounded by unique fauna and flora.

    Read more: "Apartments Roman Vitt in the middle of the core zone of the Müritz National Park"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Bathing place Großer Fürstenseer See

    • 17235 Fürstensee

    The bathing area is located directly in Fürstensee about 10 minutes drive from Neustrelitz. Crystal clear water and beautiful bathing beach with light sand.

    Read more: "Bathing place Großer Fürstenseer See"
  • © Amt Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte

    Granzow bathing beach

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17252 Granzow

    In the vacation park Granzow is the bathing beach with very family-friendly infrastructure around it.

    Read more: "Granzow bathing beach"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH

    Boek Manor House

    • Temporarily closed
    • Boeker Straße, 17248 Boek

    The Boek manor house was built in the first half of the 19th century as a two-storey plaster building with 13 axes and a central risalit. The history of the estate is marked by numerous changes of ownership. The National Park Ticket buses stop in Boek directly in front of the manor house. Before it was taken over by the German air force in 1935, it was owned by the Le Fort family.

    Read more: "Boek Manor House"
  • Palace garden with orangery in Neustrelitz // © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Neustrelitz Palace Gardens

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • An der Promenade, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The ducal Palaca Garden in Neustrelitz is a gem of 18th and 19th century garden art. In all seasons it invites you to stroll and discover.

    Read more: "Neustrelitz Palace Gardens"
  • Außenansicht Gutshaus 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"
  • 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"
  • 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"
  • © Tourist-Information Malchow

    Tourist information of the island town Malchow

    • Open today
    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Malchow

    The island town of Malchow is located in the center of a lake-forest landscape rich in contrasts in Mecklenburg between Lake Fleesensee and Lake Plauer See on the shores of Lake Malchow.

    Read more: "Tourist information of the island town Malchow"
  • © 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"
  • The ideal taster season - autumn vacation on the houseboat // © Mortan Strauch

    Yacht charter Schulz

    • An der Reeck, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Yachtcharter Schulz offers everything a boater's heart desires, from boating vacations on a thousand lakes to day trips and one-way tours.

    Read more: "Yacht charter Schulz"

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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.