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.

461 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)"
  • Mill district Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Mühlenstraße, 17166 Teterow

    Historic ensemble of old town mill, mill pond and old fire engine house.

    Read more: "Mill district Teterow"
  • Ten Commandments" cycle // © W. Kothe

    Glass art in the forge garden at Rattey

    • Rattey, 17349 Schönbeck

    Since 2020, the artist Werner Kothe has been showing his glass art objects in the open space - in the middle of the village, opposite the castle - the exhibition is open all year round.

    Read more: "Glass art in the forge garden at Rattey"
  • Eingebettet im Müritz-Nationalpark, am Großen Labussee. Mehr Platz geht nicht! // © Familotel Borchard´s Rookhus

    Familotel Borchard's Rookhus by the lake

    • Am Labus, 17255 Wesenberg

    100% family vacation in Mecklenburg - only at Familotel Borchard's Rookhus. The right place for the whole family in the middle of the Müritz National Park.

    Read more: "Familotel Borchard's Rookhus by the lake"
  • Together we actively explore nature! // © 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"
  • © Bluhm´s Delikat

    Bluhm's Delikat

    • Warener Str., 17194 Moltzow

    Bluhm's Delikat serves honest food made from fresh and seasonal products. We are caterers and producers as well as organizers of various culinary events in the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "Bluhm's Delikat"
  • Das Werbefahrad vor der Ferienwohnung "Emma" // © Bärbel Kuhrt

    Vacation apartment "Emma"

    • Dorfstraße, 17111 Siedenbrünzow

    A cozy vacation apartment with partly antique furnishings in the Tollensetal.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment "Emma""
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Playground "In the city park

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Kirchenstraße, 17213 Malchow

    Directly next to the town church, the playground, which will be opened in the fall of 2021, invites visitors to linger.

    Read more: "Playground "In the city park"
  • Store in the foam manufactory // © Papadoxx-Fotografie GbR

    Jolu natural cosmetics

    • Closed today
    • Demminer Straße, 17159 Dargun

    In one of the most beautiful regions of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern you will find cosmetics made in harmony with nature from all the regional treasures that our state has to offer. The pampering and care products can be purchased on site in the cosmetics manufactory or ordered quite comfortably via the online store.

    Read more: "Jolu natural cosmetics"
  • © Fleesensee Feriendorf GmbH

    BEECH Resort Fleesensee creative workshop

    • Am Kalkberg, 17213 Goehren-Lebbin

    In the BEECH studio, your creativity will come to the fore - painting ceramics, making mosaics, fabric printing or felting and, last but not least, carving for young and old. Registration required Tel. 039932 80300, BEECH Resort Fleesensee

    Read more: "BEECH Resort Fleesensee creative workshop"
  • Genuss und Entspannung pur auf dem Fischerhof Damerow // © Müritzfischer

    Fishermen's farm Damerow

    • Zum Werder, 17194 Jabel OT Damerow

    Directly at the Jabel lake our guests enjoy a varied offer fresh from the smoker and our delicious fisherman's rolls. Here you will experience pure enjoyment and relaxation! For the little guests there is a water play mobile for lots of fun for children.

    Read more: "Fishermen's farm Damerow"
  • © 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"
  • © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Malchow Lake Clinic

    • August Bebel Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Our clinic is located in the middle of the Mecklenburg Lake District, directly at the Malchow Lake and in the center of forests and lakes. Since its opening in 1997, it has established itself as a rehabilitation center for orthopedics and internal medicine.

    Read more: "Malchow Lake Clinic"
  • © Thorsten Falk, Seehotel Plau am See

    Seehotel Plau am See

    • Hermann-Niemann-Str., 19395 Plau am See

    Make friends out of guests - Leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in the hospitable atmosphere of our beautifully situated lakeside hotel. The idyllic 4-star hotel, located directly on Lake Plauer See, awaits you in its family atmosphere. Discover the wonderful area around Lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Seehotel Plau am See"
  • Sonnenuntergang-Bank // © Groh

    Beach Sommersdorf

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17111 Sommersdorf

    On the western shore of Lake Kummerow, a wide sandy beach, several swimming bays and usually a light breeze await you. From here you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets.

    Read more: "Beach Sommersdorf"
  • Maxluzi show workshop // © Maxluzi Schauwerkstatt

    Gallery MAXLUZI - Furniture, light and more

    • Closed today
    • Zwenzower Weg, 17255 Wesenberg

    In the MAXLUZI gallery you will find handmade home accessories such as finely turned wooden lamps, stylish furniture, fine spice mills and more.

    Read more: "Gallery MAXLUZI - Furniture, light and more"
  • Welcome to the Manor House 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"
  • © MV-T/Wilken

    Roggow Estate

    • Poggeplatz, 18279 Lalendorf

    Vacations for everyone at the Roggow estate - close to nature, relaxing and full of history

    Read more: "Roggow Estate"
  • Yacht charter & boat rental Halbeck

    • Markt, 16831 Rheinsberg

    Halbeck Boat Hire & Yacht Charter is the place to go in Rheinsberg for all questions relating to leisure on the water. Whether it's a canoe, a small motorboat with or without an inland boating license or a motor yacht - everyone will find the boat that meets their vacation requirements here.

    Read more: "Yacht charter & boat rental Halbeck"
  • © Hotel Inselhof Malchow

    Hotel Inselhof Malchow

    • Lange Straße, 17213 Malchow

    Welcome to the Hotel Inselhof in Malchow, the small but fine private hotel on the island directly on Lake Malchow!

    Read more: "Hotel Inselhof Malchow"

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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.