Discover Prenzlau: City History, Brick Gothic and Water

Prenzlau brings its history to life in the cityscape: its fortifications include city walls, Wiekhäuser, wall towers, gate towers and remains of the ramparts. There is also medieval monastic architecture, Brick Gothic and routes that bring together urban and natural themes.

City Walls and Views over Prenzlau

A 2.6-kilometre circular route follows the largely preserved and fully restored historic city wall. The route runs partly inside and partly outside the city, passing Weinberg and the city park. This lets you experience the fortifications not just as a structure, but along a route that takes in different sections of their course.

The Steintorturm offers a different view of Prenzlau. During the summer months, it is open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Climb around 100 steps to reach a viewing platform with panoramic views over the city. The climb and the circular route offer different highlights: here, the focus is on the view after the stairs; there, on walking alongside the wall. Check the opening hours before your trip.

The Prenzlau Tree Trail invites you to discover exotic and native trees and see the city from a different perspective. It complements the historic routes with a focus on trees and urban green spaces.

Monastery, Museum and Brick Gothic

The Dominican Monastery in Prenzlau is one of the best-preserved medieval monastic complexes in northern Germany. At the museum in the Dominican Monastery, you can see a remarkable collection of medieval objects, with a focus on religious sculptures. The combination of the monastery complex and the collection makes this a particularly interesting place to explore architecture and historic art together.

St. Mary’s Church is also an important part of the city’s cultural identity. It is considered the first hall church in northern Germany and one of the most significant examples of 13th- and 14th-century Brick Gothic architecture in the region. If you are interested in architectural history, you can make this a separate focus alongside the city fortifications and the monastery complex.

City History and Cultural Events

Guides take interested visitors on a tour through Prenzlau’s nearly 800-year history. Dates and booking options may change, so check in advance if you are planning a guided tour. Events across a range of genres take place year-round at the Dominican Monastery, including theatre, concerts, cabaret, children’s activities and readings. These add a cultural programme to visits to historic sites, with individual events spread throughout the year.

Lake Unteruckersee and Green Routes

Prenzlau’s lido is right on Lake Unteruckersee. The lake near Prenzlau is a designated landscape conservation area, home to a wide variety of rare flora and fauna, and an important resting and breeding site for waterbirds. At the same time, it is a recreation area for the city’s residents and visitors. The lakeside offers different experiences from a walk among the historic buildings.

Prenzlau is also a named stop for cycle tourists: the Berlin–Usedom long-distance cycle route passes through the city. The route and the city wall trail offer different ways to experience Prenzlau actively, while the Tree Trail draws attention to native and exotic trees.

The Uckermark as a Wider Travel Destination

Beyond Prenzlau, the Uckermark offers further nature and cultural experiences. The Uckermark Lakes Nature Park includes clear-water lakes, kettle holes and moors, and offers more than 150 kilometres of water trails and over 600 kilometres of signposted hiking trails. Its landscape features also include terminal moraine ridges, hilly ground moraines, drumlins, ramparts, inland dunes, ribbon lakes and flowing moors.

Another example from the Uckermark is the Rafting Festival in Lychen. It takes place every year on the Oberpfuhl promenade and offers an entertainment programme and hands-on activities for children and adults on both days. Families may find this regional event a good complement to Prenzlau’s city and cultural attractions; check the specific festival dates when planning your trip.

If you are looking for accommodation in Prenzlau, start by considering which experiences you want to shape your stay: city walls and churches, culture at the Dominican Monastery, routes around the city or Lake Unteruckersee. This way, your search can focus on the places and activities you want to experience.

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Go to the main travel overview: Uckermark.