Sternberg: MĂĽhlentor Gate, Church Tower and Lake Landscape
Accommodation in Sternberg
Sternberg combines a well-preserved historic town centre with the landscape of Sternberger Seenland Nature Park. Gentle hills, almost 100 lakes and the Warnow and Mildenitz rivers shape the surrounding area. There are also fascinating insights into the town’s history and excursions by the water—a mix that lets you decide how to balance days of culture and nature.
The town centre and traces of the past
The entire historic town centre, including Mühlentor Gate and the ramparts, has been preserved. In the Middle Ages, the town wall enclosed the old town; of the four original town gates, only Mühlentor Gate remains, with its entrance and exit. The gate provides a visible link to the town’s history and brings the former fortifications to life as you explore Sternberg.
The site of the local history museum also has a history of changing uses: from 1310 to 1329, it was home to the former castle of Henry II, Prince of Mecklenburg, known as the Lion. From 1500 until the Reformation in 1549, an Augustinian monastery stood on the site. Following extensive renovation, the local history museum reopened on 6 April 2024. Its exhibition explores important periods in the town’s history and the way of life of earlier generations. Visitors can also view limestone containing fossil inclusions.
The town church and its tower views
St. Mary and St. Nicholas Town Church is a three-aisled hall church with a massive tower. Climbing the 66-metre tower, visitors ascend 189 steps to a viewing platform beneath its neo-Gothic spire. From there, the view stretches across Sternberg and the surrounding lakes and forests. Access may be seasonal, so check before your visit whether the tower is open for climbing.
A fresco by Fritz Greve inside the church commemorates the Landtag of 20 June 1549. It depicts the last Landtag held in the open air at Sagsdorf Bridge, where Mecklenburg’s estates decided to adopt the Reformation. The painting connects a work of art in the town church with a pivotal chapter in the region’s history.
The lake and nature trail: time outdoors
Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day on Sternberg Lake in a rowboat or pedal boat. The lake is also listed as a local swimming destination. Check bathing conditions and facilities for the season; boat availability may also vary, so it is worth checking for your planned visit.
The approximately 4.5-kilometre nature trail around Luckow Lake runs along the edge of town. Its information panels were developed and designed in 2006 as part of a student project by Year 12 students at David-Frank-Gymnasium in Sternberg. The lakeside route therefore also has a local educational history: its panels grew out of a project by young people from Sternberg.
Plan your stay around your interests
If you are looking for accommodation in Sternberg, the kind of day you want to have can be a good starting point. If the history of the town is to shape your stay, make MĂĽhlentor Gate, the town church and the local history museum the focus of your plans. If you would rather spend more time by the water and outdoors, Sternberg Lake and the nature trail can take centre stage. Comparing the options is especially useful when culture and activity matter equally to your travel group: exploring the historic town centre and spending a day on or by the water offer different experiences.
Group activities and guided tours at the local history museum can be arranged by appointment. To help you find your way around town, Sternberg Tourist Information provides a downloadable town map. This makes it easy to fit the historic sights and trips to the lakes into your daily plans.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Blankenberg, BrĂĽel, Kobrow, Borkow, Zahrensdorf, Hohen Pritz, Langen Jarchow, Dabel.
Go to the overarching travel overview: Sternberger Seenlandschaft District.
