Camping Guide | Mecklenburgische Seenplatte

The Mecklenburg Lake District extends across the south of the federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and forms the largest contiguous lake area in Germany. It lies between Berlin and the Baltic Sea coast and is crisscrossed by countless lakes, canals, and rivers. The region belongs to the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte district, of which it is the namesake. Arriving by car is straightforward via well-developed motorways. From the north and west, you can best reach the Lake District via the A24 (Hamburg-Berlin). Coming from the south, the A19 (Berlin-Rostock) is the best option. From Berlin, the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and from Hamburg, it is about 2.5 to 3 hours. There are no toll fees on German motorways. As an alternative to arriving by car, you can also use the train. The most important railway stations in the region are Neustrelitz, Waren (Müritz), and Röbel/Müritz. From Berlin, there are regular regional train connections to Neustrelitz and Waren. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Hamburg, arrival is possible with a change in Berlin or Neustrelitz. The nearest airport is Rostock-Laage (RLG), about 70 km from Waren (Müritz). From there, you can continue your journey by public transport or a rental car. There are bus connections from Rostock-Laage to Rostock and from there train connections into the region. Locally, the best way to get around is by bicycle, boat, or bus. Numerous cycle paths lead along the lakes and through the forests. Many places are also accessible by ship. Bus connections link the larger towns and municipalities. Those who want to explore the region intensively should rent their own boat or bring their own boat.

The Mecklenburg Lake District can be roughly divided into different sub-regions, each with its own character. The Müritz area, around Germany's largest lake, the Müritz, is the tourist center of the region. Here you will find numerous campsites, hotels, restaurants, and leisure activities. Waren (Müritz) is the largest town on the lake and offers a historic old town, a harbor, and a modern adventure pool. Röbel/Müritz is another popular holiday resort with a beautiful marketplace and a marina. The Small Lake District (Kleinseenplatte) south of the Müritz is characterized by smaller lakes, canals, and forests. It is quieter here than in the Müritz area. Mirow is a historic place with a castle and a lock. Wesenberg is another popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Mecklenburg Switzerland in the northwest of the Lake District is a hilly landscape with many lakes and castles. Teterow is the largest town in this region and offers a historic old town and a marketplace. Malchin is another town worth seeing with a city wall and a museum. The Feldberg Lake District in the east of the region is a paradise for nature lovers. There are many untouched lakes, forests, and moors here. Feldberg is the main town of the region and offers a spa center and a nature park. The shores of the Lake District are very diverse. While the eastern shore of the Müritz is rather flat and sandy, the western shore is often lined with reeds. On the northern shore, you will find steep banks and wooded slopes. In the south of the Lake District, canals and rivers dominate the landscape. Families feel particularly comfortable in the shallow shore areas, while athletes use the larger lakes for sailing and surfing. Couples tend to seek peace in the more remote areas of the Small Lake District.

The camping landscape in the Mecklenburg Lake District is diverse and offers something for every taste. There is a large number of campsites, from large resort sites with pools and animation to small, nature-oriented sites. Many campsites are located directly on the water and offer their own swimming beach or boat dock. Prices for a pitch vary depending on the season and equipment. In the high season (July/August), a pitch for two people and a tent or caravan costs between 25 and 40 euros per night. In the low season (May/June, September/October), prices are often significantly cheaper. The size of the pitches also varies. On larger sites, the pitches are often parceled out and offer electricity connections and sometimes also water and wastewater connections. On smaller sites, the pitches are often more natural and offer less comfort. Many campsites also offer rental accommodation, such as mobile homes, holiday apartments, or log cabins. The sanitary standard at the campsites varies. On larger sites, there are often modern sanitary buildings with showers, toilets, washbasins, and dishwashing sinks. On smaller sites, the sanitary standard is often simpler. Many campsites offer Wi-Fi, but the quality often varies. Electricity connections are available at most sites, but the amperage varies. A reservation is recommended, especially in the high season, as the most popular campsites are often fully booked. Last-minute chances often exist on smaller sites or outside the high season. Some campsites also offer online booking systems. In addition to classic campsites, there are also some agriturismo or farm campsites. Here you can camp in the middle of nature and enjoy regional products. Pitches for motorhomes are also available, often there are special motorhome pitches with supply and disposal facilities.

On German motorways, there are no toll fees for cars and motorhomes under 7.5 tons. For trucks over 7.5 tons, a distance-based toll applies. Diesel prices in Germany are generally slightly lower than in other European countries. Petrol stations are usually open from 6 am to 10 pm, and many petrol stations are also open 24 hours. In the larger towns and municipalities, there are supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, Netto, and Edeka. Opening hours are usually from 8 am to 8 pm, and some supermarkets are also open on Sundays. Smaller shops and bakeries often have shorter opening hours. German gas cylinders can be easily exchanged in Germany. An adapter is not required. Disposal stations for camping toilets and wastewater are available at many campsites and motorhome pitches. Disposal is usually free of charge or available for a small fee. Mobile network coverage is good in most areas of the Mecklenburg Lake District. Roaming charges within the EU have been abolished, so you can use your mobile plan without additional costs. Medical care in Germany is very good. In the larger cities, there are hospitals and specialists; in the smaller communities, there are general practitioners and pharmacies. The emergency number for rescue services is 112. Wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany. However, there are a few exceptions, e.g., on private property with the owner's permission. In nature reserves and national parks, camping is generally prohibited. The tap water in Germany is usually of very good quality and can be drunk without hesitation. However, there are regional differences, so it is advisable to ask locally.

The low season (May/June and September/October) is ideal for a camping holiday in the Mecklenburg Lake District. The temperatures are pleasant, the campsites are less crowded, and prices are often cheaper. You also have the opportunity to enjoy nature in peace without being disturbed by crowds of tourists. A less well-known place is Lake Drewitz, located about 10 km south of Waren (Müritz). There is a beautiful campsite and a swimming beach here. The lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. You can reach Lake Drewitz from Waren via the B192 heading south, then turn right after about 8 km towards Drewitz. A local market takes place every Friday in Waren (Müritz) at the Neuer Markt. Here you can buy regional products such as fish, vegetables, fruit, and cheese. There are also direct sales of wine and honey at some farm shops in the area. A local festival is the Müritzfest, which takes place every year in August in Waren (Müritz). There is a colorful program with music, dance, handicrafts, and culinary delights. A local specialty is the Müritz fish, prepared in various ways. You should definitely try a fish roll or a fish dish in one of the restaurants by the lake. Locals like to visit the restaurant "Zur Boje" in Waren (Müritz) or the restaurant "Fischerhaus" in Röbel/Müritz. A worthwhile day trip is a visit to Rheinsberg Palace, located about 40 km north of Neuruppin. The palace is a masterpiece of Rococo and offers a beautiful park and lake. The journey time is about 45 minutes. Another beautiful excursion is a visit to the Müritzeum in Waren (Müritz). Here you can discover the nature of the Mecklenburg Lake District in an interactive way.