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

  • © Georg Schwan

    Motel "The Golden Crown

    • Constantin-Kirchhoff-Straße, 17166 Teterow

    A cozy, well-kept motel on the outskirts of Teterow.

    Read more: "Motel "The Golden Crown"
  • © Stadt Neustrelitz

    Hotel Garni Schlossgarten

    • Tiergartenstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    Your Hotel Garni at the baroque palace garden in the heart of the residence city

    Read more: "Hotel Garni Schlossgarten"
  • 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"
  • © Ferienpark Plauer See

    Vacation park Lake Plauer See

    • Insel Werder, 17214 Alt Schwerin

    Pure island nature - In the middle of a protected landscape area, surrounded by forests, meadows and water, we welcome you to the vacation island of Lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Vacation park Lake Plauer See"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Göhren-Lebbin

    Playground at the market place in Göhren-Lebbin

    • 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Climbing frame, slide, spring seesaws, one-man carousel, polar bear, fountain, seating directly on the marketplace area in Land Fleesensee

    Read more: "Playground at the market place in Göhren-Lebbin"
  • View into the resort // © Meyer-Gattermann

    Ball house on the lake

    • Mühlendamm, 17217 Wustrow

    On the edge of the Mecklenburg Lake District, 12 spherical houses invite you to an unforgettable vacation. Located directly on the lake, surrounded by unspoiled nature.

    Read more: "Ball house on the lake"
  • Small exhibition of the Nature Park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“

    • Wargentiner Straße, 17139 Basedow

    The exhibition about the nature park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“ in Basedow can be found in the cafe “Alter Schafstall“, on the right side of the guest room. It displays land and people of the region.

    Read more: "Small exhibition of the Nature Park “Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See“"
  • Das KARO // © KAROLINE STAEDTEFELD FOTOGRAFIE

    The KARO / Studio / Connection / Cafe

    • Klein Dratow, 17192 Schloen-Dratow

    Photo studio, venue for small events, courses, seminar room, exhibition room, small café near the Müritz National Park and the Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route Two wonderful apartments can be booked for vacation guests, seminar guests, retreats

    Read more: "The KARO / Studio / Connection / Cafe"
  • © Jana Koch

    Tennis facility Teterow

    • Langhäger Chaussee, 17166 Teterow

    Three playing fields, which can also be booked by guests subject to availability.

    Read more: "Tennis facility Teterow"
  • Ankershagen village church

    • Lindenallee, 17219 Ankershagen

    Located directly on the Berlin-Copenhagen long-distance cycle path, Ankershagen Church invites you on a short journey through time and space. One of the oldest village churches in Mecklenburg, full of fascinating paintings, medieval art and a peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for a break - to discover, pause and move on.

    Read more: "Ankershagen village church"
  • Angelnde Kinder am Steg des Hexenwäldchens am Jamelsee // © Hexenwäldchen

    Camping site Zum Hexenwäldchen

    • Blankenförde, 17252 Blankenförde / Kakeldütt

    The Hexenwäldchen is a small, secure and family nature campsite directly on the lake, in the middle of the motorboat-free Müritz National Park with a real (!) Night rest from 22.00Uhr. With us you will experience a friendly and relaxed togetherness with "proper" guests, and quite a few have children with them!

    Read more: "Camping site Zum Hexenwäldchen"
  • Historical view of Malchow monastery // © Kultur- und Sportring e.V.

    Malchow Monastery Art Museum

    • Closed 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"
  • © Malchower Reiterhof

    Malchow Riding School

    • Friedrich-Lessen-Weg, 17213 Malchow

    Horseback riding in charming surroundings You will find the Malchower Reiterhof in the Mecklenburg Lake District between Lake Plauer See and Müritz on the B192 (at Malchow Monastery) in an idyllic forest and meadow landscape with very good riding opportunities.

    Read more: "Malchow Riding School"
  • Pension Jägerrast

    • Boeker Straße, 17248 Rechlin OT Boek

    Leisure oasis at the Müritz National Park - your starting point for Slow Travel in the Müritz National Park

    Read more: "Pension Jägerrast"
  • Slavic village Neustrelitz

    • Open today
    • Am Slawendorf, 17235 Neustrelitz

    A visit to the Slavic Village at Lake Zierk is an excursion into the early medieval settlement history of the region. Here you can be active and creative.

    Read more: "Slavic village Neustrelitz"
  • Dat Waldhus  im Frühling // © Steffen Tepasse

    Dat Waldhus - Holiday with dogs

    • Philosophenweg, 19395 Plau am See

    When they spend their vacation at Waldhus, they are among like-minded people. Here they will probably always meet more paws than feet.

    Read more: "Dat Waldhus - Holiday with dogs"
  • © Waren (Müritz)-Information

    WineTango

    • Alter Markt, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    At WeinTango, everything revolves around good wines. With our dedication to excellent wines, we are in the process of deepening our expertise so that we can offer you first-class advice. We take you on a journey through the world of fine wine. In addition to a wide selection of wines, we also offer a small but fine selection of specialties to round off your taste experience.

    Read more: "WineTango"
  • © slube

    slube at the city harbor Neustrelitz

    • Am Stadthafen, 17235 Neustrelitz

    In Neustrelitz, you stay in the slubes directly at the city harbor, between jetties and typical historic brick warehouses. Perfect for jumping into the Zierker See lake in the morning, paddling through the Mecklenburg Kleinseenplatte lake district or exploring the Strelitzer Land region with its UNESCO World Heritage sites.

    Read more: "slube at the city harbor Neustrelitz"
  • Plastic Gallery Castle Church Neustrelitz

    • Open today
    • Hertelstraße, 17235 Neustrelitz

    The neo-Gothic castle church in the residential city is a fascinating exhibition venue for figurative sculpture in summer

    Read more: "Plastic Gallery Castle Church Neustrelitz"
  • 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"

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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.