Unspoilt and unique, romantic and wild – such is the natural scenery in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This is a place of lakes and thousand-year-old oaks, varied coastal landscapes, mysterious moors and kilometre-long avenues. Discover three national parks, three biosphere reserves and seven nature parks.
Countryside sights
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site: the trees in the Serrahner Forest are the green lungs of the Müritz National Park. The age-old beech forest is particularly distinctive. © TMV/Gross
The beech forests in the Müritz and Jasmund National Parks on the island of Rügen have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. They are a valuable habitat for many wild animals, including cranes and eagles, but are also great for hiking tours. The beech forest on the island of Rügen features a special highlight: its breath-taking cliff line with the famous Königsstuhl cliffs. With over 1,000 lakes, the Mecklenburg Lake District is Europe’s largest networked location for water sports – with the biggest inland lake in Germany, the Müritz, at its centre. In the countryside, the imposing manor houses and country estates impress visitors.
The Amazon of the north
Almost no other river in Germany is surrounded by as much unspoilt nature as the Peene. The Peene meanders for almost 100 kilometres through fens, forests and floodplains. Each and every kilometre is special – with white-tailed eagles, kingfishers, otters and beavers at close hand.
Walking on water
The 24 km2 Schaalsee is located at the heart of the UNESCO biosphere reserve of the same name, and at 72 metres, one of the deepest lakes in Germany.
© TMV/Gänsicke
Usedom island: idyllically situated in the Pomeranian Bay, this gem is home to unspoilt nature, clean air, kilometres of sandy beaches and fascinating spa architecture. Germany’s famous imperial spas include the glamorous Ahlbeck and lively Bansin as well as the seaside resort of Heringsdorf, which is also known for being the first spa and healing forest in Europe. The piers that extend across the water in Ahlbeck and Heringsdorf also impress. With a length of 508 metres, the Heringsdorf pier is one of the longest sea bridges in Germany.
Picturesque islands
The Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is home to some 25 islands and peninsulas. The largest of these is Rügen, with a coastline of more than 500 kilometres. This popular holiday island is famous for its white chalk cliffs, which were a source of fascination to painter and Romanticist Caspar David Friedrich. The artist was inspired by the dreamy nature, and his paintbrush translated his feelings into a beautiful pictorial language.
Where red deer walk on the beach
Our rush hour: The “Darß-Zingster Boddenkette and Rügen” region is one of the most important retreats for the crane in Europe. © Thomas Grundner
The Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula is characterised by its unique natural landscape: the wind and the waves buffer and shape the coast time and again. Beautiful red deer can often be seen walking in the shallow waters. Cranes arrive for a “feast”. The local scenery isn’t just appreciated by lovers of the great outdoors – sports enthusiasts are also in their element: whether it’s ice sailing on the frozen Bodden or volleyball on the sunny beach – the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula is great.