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.

462 results

  • Town History Museum Waren (Müritz)

    • Neuer Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    Today is history tomorrow

    Read more: "Town History Museum Waren (Müritz)"
  • © Reit- und Fahrtourstik Lychen

    Riding and driving tourism Lychen

    • Weinbergstraße, 17279 Lychen

    Water and forest, fun and recreation and all that with short and long-eared four-legged friends - to be found at the Reit- und Fahrtouristik Lychen, where the mules from the Uckermark are at home.

    Read more: "Riding and driving tourism Lychen"
  • © 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"
  • Entrance to the AGRONEUM Alt Schwerin, © AGRONEUM/Hans Dieter Graf

    AGRONEUM Alt Schwerin

    • 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"
  • Church Blankenförde

    • Blankenförde, 17252 Roggentin

    Churches of the region - Experience small village churches or large, restored buildings from the time of the Knights of St. John. You can feel the powerful charisma of these old buildings and for a moment time stands still. - The half-timbered church in Blankenförde -

    Read more: "Church Blankenförde"
  • Malchow Monastery Art Museum

    • Open today
    • Kloster, 17213 Malchow

    The Malchow Monastery Art Museum is located in historically renovated rooms where works of art are presented in their uniqueness. The history of regional artists becomes a tangible experience.

    Read more: "Malchow Monastery Art Museum"
  • © TMV/Kirchgessner

    Observation tower Plau am See

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

    The lighthouse welcomes boaters as they enter the Müritz-Elde waterway from Lake Plaue. From its viewing platform at a height of 8 meters, it offers a fantastic panoramic view over Lake Plauer See. It is now considered the most popular photo motif among guests.

    Read more: "Observation tower Plau am See"
  • © Kurverwaltung Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    Hauptmannsberg in the Feldberg lake district

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Carwitzer Str., 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    On the 120m high Hauptmannsberg you can relax with a view of the lake while having a picnic with friends and family. The beautiful natural landscape invites you to linger.

    Read more: "Hauptmannsberg in the Feldberg lake district"
  • Aerial view of the fishing farm with cottages, © Fischerei und Räucherei Alt-Schwerin/Dietmar Bürth

    Fishing & Smokehouse Alt Schwerin

    • Wendorf, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    Fishing business with boat mooring (also for large yachts) in Lake Plauer See, fish restaurant with original Mecklenburg fish cuisine, smokehouse and vacation apartments directly on the lake.

    Read more: "Fishing & Smokehouse Alt Schwerin"
  • Wangelin garden

    • Nachtkoppelweg, 19395 Wangelin

    Observe - grasp - marvel - enjoy in the largest medicinal herb garden in Mecklenburg. In addition to medicinal herbs, you will also find aromatic, magical and dyeing plants, as well as a butterfly garden and a typical North German farm garden. The garden's harvest can be tasted in the garden café and children can let off steam in the playscape.

    Read more: "Wangelin garden"
  • 1a Interior, © Sven Heinrich

    FEWO 1a

    • OT Feldberg, Mühlenweg, 17258 Feldberg

    Welcome to the FEWO 1a. This is located directly in Feldberg with space for two people. The short way to the center, the nature and waterways, offers many possibilities to arrange the vacation.

    Read more: "FEWO 1a"
  • © Rainer Gottwald

    Vacation home Laeven

    • Mooskoppel, OT Laeven, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The vacation home is located about 4 km from Feldberg, in the district of Laeven in a secluded location on a large plot with unobstructed views. Due to its spacious layout, it is also particularly suitable for groups of 4 - 10 people.

    Read more: "Vacation home Laeven"
  • © TMV/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"
  • © Kolping Ferienland Salem

    Kolping Holiday Land Salem

    • Am Hafen, 17139 Salem

    We offer a temporary home for families, seniors, school classes, seminar groups with individual care or joint offers from the house.

    Read more: "Kolping Holiday Land Salem"
  • © 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"
  • St. Oberholz Retreat Woldzegarten

    • Walower Straße, 17209 Leizen

    The St. Oberholz Retreat is a hotel in Woldzegarten in Mecklenburg, around an hour and a half's drive from Berlin and two hours from Hamburg. The hotel is run by the St. Oberholz Group from Berlin.

    Read more: "St. Oberholz Retreat Woldzegarten"
  • © Hotel Heidekrug

    Gasthof & Hotel Heidekrug

    • Rostocker Chaussee, 19395 Plau am See

    Our Heidekrug is a small family-run hotel on the Leistener Lanke, a bay in the north of Lake Plau. We are idyllically situated on the edge of the forest with access to the lake via our own property.

    Read more: "Gasthof & Hotel Heidekrug"
  • 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"
  • © TMV/Gänsicke

    Müritz harbour village

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Alte Werftstraße, 17248 Hafendorf Müritz

    Your vacation domicile at the Müritz! Situated in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District, a vacation resort in a class of its own awaits you.

    Read more: "Müritz harbour village"
  • Van der Valk Golfhotel Serrahn

    • Dobbiner Weg, 18292 Serrahn

    Surrounded by crystal clear lakes, lush green meadows, wide open fields and forests lies the "Golfhotel Serrahn". An ideal place to unwind or enjoy some action-packed days during the most wonderful time of the year.

    Read more: "Van der Valk Golfhotel Serrahn"

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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.