Discover Plattenburg: Moated Castle, History and Cycling Routes

Plattenburg is a destination where castle history and routes through the Prignitz region offer different highlights. The moated castle is the cultural focus; cycling and scenic routes offer further perspectives on your stay.

Castle History and the Renaissance

Plattenburg is considered the largest surviving moated castle in northern Germany. It was first mentioned in a document in 1319 and served as the bishops of Havelberg’s summer residence and preferred home until 1552. Renaissance interiors have been preserved in the Knights’ Hall and the hall of the bishops’ wing. The site’s cultural profile is therefore defined by both its early written record and former role as a residence, as well as its preserved interiors.

A seasonal event is the medieval castle festival, held annually in June around the start of summer. Check the date for the relevant year before your trip if you would like to plan around the event.

Forest Paths and Scenic Views

Plattenburg’s cultural and historic center is considered to be set within a forested area rich in water. The Plattenburg Trail runs through Birkengrund and offers a rest stop with a view of the Karthane. The forest section and viewpoint provide a distinct scenic highlight alongside the castle’s history.

Cycling Routes with Different Highlights

The 108-kilometer Bishop’s Tour through the Prignitz includes Plattenburg, Kletzke and Hoppenrade, follows developed and signposted cycle paths, and stops at Plattenburg Castle. The Berlin–Wilsnack Pilgrimage Route also runs through Plattenburg. The POLLO Cycle Route uses former narrow-gauge railway embankments that have been converted into cycle paths. The routes’ different points of reference can help you choose: named places and developed paths on the Bishop’s Tour, the route through Plattenburg on the pilgrimage route, and former railway lines on POLLO.

The Prignitz as a Wider Travel Region

The wider Prignitz travel region has 17 recommended cycling tours that showcase regional sights and highlights. The designated cycle-path network covers 1,100 kilometers; check current network information before setting out. The Brandenburg section of the cross-state “Elbe River Landscape – Brandenburg” Biosphere Reserve covers around 53,000 hectares and lies almost entirely within the Prignitz district.

Other cultural destinations are also part of the wider Prignitz region: The Late Gothic hall church of St. Nikolai, widely known as the Church of the Holy Blood, stands in the medieval pilgrimage town of Bad Wilsnack. At the Blüthen Parish House Museum, the parish archive, with collections dating back to the 17th century, and the estate of Karl and Gerlinde Groß convey what life was once like in an Evangelical parish house.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

From Berlin, travel by regional express train to Bad Wilsnack and then take a bus to the municipality of Plattenburg. Check connections before departure. By car, Plattenburg Castle is accessible via the B5 or B107; check road conditions before setting out.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Wittenberge, Gerdshagen, Lenzen, Marienfließ, Bad Wilsnack, Rühstädt, Lanz, Mansfeld.

Return to the main travel overview: Prignitz.