Plauer See, located in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), is a stunning destination that perfectly balances historical charm with raw natural beauty. It is the third-largest lake in the state and is renowned for its crystal-clear water.
History
The area’s landscape was carved by the last Ice Age roughly 20,000 years ago, leaving behind deep basins that filled with water.
Slavic Roots: The name "Plau" comes from the Slavic word Plawe, meaning "rafting place."
Medieval Growth: The town of Plau am See on the western shore grew around a 13th-century castle. The Burgturm (castle tower), built in 1448, still stands today with its 3-meter-thick walls and 11-meter-deep dungeon.
Industrial Influence: In the 19th century, the lake became a vital part of the Müritz-Elde Waterway. Technical monuments like the Hubbrücke (lift bridge) in Plau, built over 100 years ago, still operate today.
Tourism: Since the late 1800s, the lake has been a popular "Sommerfrische" (summer retreat) for city dwellers from Berlin and Hamburg.
Nature
Plauer See is a protected landscape and part of the Natura 2000 network.
Flora & Fauna: The lake is famous for its underwater meadows of stoneworts (Characeae) and its dense reed beds, which provide nesting grounds for kingfishers, reed warblers, and bluethroats.
Wildlife: Look out for white-tailed eagles, ospreys, and cranes. Nearby, the BÄRENWALD Müritz offers a sanctuary for brown bears in a natural forest environment.
Conservation: The north shore is a designated nature reserve featuring old peat cuttings filled with water lilies.
Typical Foods
The cuisine is hearty, shaped by the lakes and fertile surrounding soil.
Freshwater Fish: Smoked eel, pike, perch, and Kleine Maräne (Vendace) are local staples.
Mecklenburger Rippenbraten: A traditional pork rib roast stuffed with apples, plums, and raisins, giving it a signature sweet-and-sour flavor.
Sanddorn (Sea Buckthorn): Often called the "lemon of the north," you’ll find it in everything from juices and liqueurs to cakes and jams.
Tüften (Potatoes): Potatoes are the backbone of most meals, often served as Himmel und Erde (potatoes and apples).
Activities
Water Sports: The lake is a paradise for sailing, surfing, kayaking, and Stand-Up Paddling (SUP).
Cycling: A 50-km circular path surrounds the lake, mostly flat and scenic, ideal for a day trip.
Hiking: The "Spur der Zaubersteine" (Trail of Magic Stones) in the Plau City Forest is a favorite for families.
Boating: You can rent "charter boats" (often without a license) or take a professional steamer tour starting from the Plau lighthouse.
Shops
Plau am See offers a "Einkaufswelt" (shopping world) focused on regional craftsmanship:
Regional Crafts: Look for Bauterrakotta Susanne Koenig for handmade tiles or Anne & Herr Schulz for wooden art.
Local Produce: Visit Engels Hofladen for regional meats or the Schau-Imkerei (show apiary) for local honey.
Souvenirs: The Tourist Info at Burgplatz sells local products, cycling maps, and fishing permits.
Festivals
Plauer Badewannenrallye (Bathtub Rally): A quirky, must-see summer event where locals race homemade "boats" on the Elde river.
Burgfestspiele: An annual summer theater festival held in the castle courtyard (e.g., Peter Pan or musical revues).
Quetziner Strandfest: A classic beach festival held in late July/early August with music and fireworks.
Lampionausfahrt: A magical evening in September when decorated, illuminated boats parade across the water.