Neubrandenburg on Lake Tollensesee
Accommodation in Neubrandenburg
Neubrandenburg lies on Lake Tollensesee in the Mecklenburg Lake District. The water, trails through the Ice Age landscape and distinctive brick buildings give your stay several different facets: you can combine time by the lake with city history and art. Augustabad offers Neubrandenburg’s longest beach, a bathing island and plenty of space for families to play. There are also opportunities for hiking and cycling. When choosing your destination, consider whether you would prefer to spend the day by the water, take a longer tour or focus on a cultural walking tour of the city.
Rathausplatz Neubrandenburg, Regionalmuseum Neubrandenburg
Photo: Trzęsacz via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Hiking, cycling and time by the water
The GRÜNE RUNDE is a 40-kilometre hiking trail that connects the city’s recreational areas and runs through the surrounding countryside and nature close to the city. Another option is the 37-kilometre circular route around Lake Tollensesee. It offers scenic views, but also includes strenuous climbs through the Mecklenburg Ice Age landscape. When choosing a hike, you can opt for a trail through recreational areas close to the city or a more challenging loop with climbs.
Neubrandenburg is also an important stop for cyclists: the Elbe-Oderhaff Cycle Route runs from Lüneburg to the Baltic Sea. In addition, the Ice Age Route of the Mecklenburg Ice Age Landscape Geopark, with its axial cross-connections, passes through the city. These routes suit a range of travel plans: a single hike, a circular tour by the lake or a leg of a longer cycling trip.
Boats and bicycles can be rented on the north shore of Lake Tollensesee, at the end of the Kulturpark. There is a water-ski facility at the beach lido on Lake Reitbahnsee. If you would like to add water activities to your stay, there are several places to go: the beach and bathing island at Augustabad, boat and bicycle rentals on the north shore, and water skiing on Lake Reitbahnsee.
Brick Gothic architecture and city history
The almost entirely preserved city wall, around 2.3 kilometres long, encompasses four magnificent city gates, Wiekhäuser and the Mönchenturm tower. These buildings bring the city’s history to life in its streetscape. If you are particularly interested in Brick Gothic architecture, the tower area of St. Mary’s Church houses the permanent exhibition Ways to Brick Gothic – Defence and Decoration in Neubrandenburg. The tower area is the oldest surviving part of the church.
St. John’s Church is another place to discover the city’s history. It is associated with the former Franciscan monastery, which houses an exhibition on the city’s history. For an insight into theatre history, visit the Schauspielhaus on Pfaffenstraße: it is the oldest surviving theatre in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Art and discoveries in the city
The Neubrandenburg Art Collection presents contemporary art and porcelain in a renovated Baroque building in the city centre. The porcelain comes from a part of the city’s art collection that was rediscovered in 2006. This part comprises the collection dating from 1890 to 1945. Temporary exhibitions complement the displays. A visit to the art collection can therefore appeal to those interested in contemporary art as well as those keen to explore the history of the city’s collection.
A virtual city tour uses QR code keys at 15 locations, with storytelling shop windows inviting visitors to explore. If you would rather discover Neubrandenburg on a guided tour, the tourist information centre can arrange guides and city tours.
You can also explore these places as you continue looking for a suitable destination: Amt Friedland, Amt Penzliner Land, Amt Malchow, Amt Demmin-Land, Amt Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte, Amt Stavenhagen, Demmin and Neustrelitz.
For the broader travel overview: Mecklenburg Lake District.
