Neubrandenburg: City History and Lake Tollensesee

Routes, the lake, and outdoor activities

The GRÜNE RUNDE (Green Loop) is a 40-kilometer hiking trail. It connects the city’s recreational areas and leads through the surrounding landscape and nature. Lake Tollensesee also offers opportunities for hiking and cycling. A separate 37-kilometer circular route around the lake features scenic views and challenging climbs through the Mecklenburg Ice Age landscape. The two routes differ both in length and in the way they are described: the GRÜNE RUNDE connects urban recreational areas, while the other route goes around the lake. If you’re including trails in your trip plans, you can use this information to choose a suitable day’s itinerary.

Cyclists will also find Neubrandenburg on their route: the city is an important stop on the Elbe-Oderhaff Cycle Route 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 Neubrandenburg. These different route connections make hiking and cycling potential focuses for a visit alongside exploring the city. Boats and bicycles can be rented on the north shore of Lake Tollensesee, at the far end of Kulturpark.

There are also several options for swimming and water sports. Augustabad on Lake Tollensesee has Neubrandenburg’s longest beach, a bathing island, and plenty of space for families to play. The beach at Reitbahnsee has a water-skiing facility. If you’re planning time by the water, you can consider these places and activities as separate options, distinct from the hiking and cycling routes.

Brick Gothic, the city wall, and culture

The city wall is almost completely intact and about 2.3 kilometers long. It includes four impressive city gates, Wiekhäuser (defensive houses built into the wall), and the Mönchenturm. This historic cityscape comprises several different structures to explore when learning about Neubrandenburg’s history. The permanent exhibition “Paths to Brick Gothic—Defence and Decoration in Neubrandenburg” at St. Mary’s Church provides information about Brick Gothic architecture. It is located in the tower, the oldest surviving part of the church.

Another place with a connection to the city’s history is St. John’s Church, which is associated with the former Franciscan monastery. The monastery houses an exhibition on the history of the city. The Schauspielhaus on Pfaffenstraße is the oldest surviving theater in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Together, these places showcase different facets of the city: architectural history, local history, and theater history. If you’d like to include culture in your stay, you can explore these themes alongside the lake activities and routes.

The Neubrandenburg Art Collection presents contemporary art in a restored Baroque building in the city center. It also displays porcelain from the part of the city’s art collection, dating from 1890 to 1945, that was rediscovered in 2006, as well as changing special exhibitions. The collection ranges from contemporary art to historic porcelain, with special exhibitions adding to the display. For visitors interested in art, the collection offers a distinct cultural focus as part of a visit to the city.

Explore the city

A virtual city tour features QR codes at 15 locations, with storytelling displays that invite visitors to explore. If you prefer a guided tour, contact the Neubrandenburg Tourist Information Office, which can arrange guides and city tours. These offer different ways to discover the city and its stories. Whether you’re considering Neubrandenburg primarily for its routes, Lake Tollensesee, or its city history, each offers a different starting point for your trip.

Discover more destinations in Stargarder Land Municipality, Waren / Müritz, Stavenhagen Municipality, Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte Municipality, Neverin Municipality, Malchow Municipality, Demmin-Land Municipality, and Neustrelitz-Land Municipality.

For the regional travel overview: Mecklenburg Lake District.