Things To Do
in Neubrandenburg

Neubrandenburg is a historic town in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, celebrated for its circular medieval city walls and the four gates that enclose the old town. The city sits beside several lakes, most notably the nearby Tollensesee, offering scenic waterfront views and easy outdoor access. Its center blends brick Gothic architecture with a legacy from East Germany, creating a distinctive urban texture.

Visitors can explore well-preserved fortifications, tranquil parks, and cultural venues that make this offbeat destination surprisingly rewarding.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in the heart of Neubrandenburg, where you can savor fresh pastries and coffee. After breakfast, take a guided walking tour of the historic center, marveling at the medieval architecture and the impressive Neubrandenburg Town Hall. Don't forget to visit the iconic St. Mary's Church, where you can admire its stunning stained glass windows.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Neubrandenburg Museum, which showcases the city’s rich history and culture. Wander through the picturesque streets, stopping by local boutiques and artisanal shops for unique souvenirs. As you stroll, you can take a moment to relax at the serene Marktplatz, surrounded by charming buildings and outdoor cafes.

evening
:

As night falls, enjoy dinner at a traditional German restaurant, where you can taste local specialties like Mecklenburg-style fish dishes. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the scenic city walls, illuminated beautifully after sunset. End your evening with a drink at a cozy bar, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

day 2
Lake Tollensesee Adventure
morning
:

Begin your day with breakfast at your accommodation before heading to Lake Tollensesee for a refreshing morning by the water. Rent a bicycle and ride along the scenic trails that encircle the lake, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the beautiful views. Take some time to stop at the lakeshore, where you can dip your toes in the water or simply relax on the grass.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, indulge in various water sports such as sailing, paddleboarding, or rowing on the lake's calm surface. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the lakeside, surrounded by nature and the sounds of the water lapping against the shore. Afterward, continue exploring the area and perhaps visit the nearby beach for some sunbathing.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, head to a lakeside restaurant for dinner with stunning views of the water. Enjoy a meal of fresh seafood or local dishes while watching the vibrant colors of the sunset reflect off the lake. After dinner, take a peaceful evening walk along the shore, soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee or tea$2-5
🥖Bakery snack$2-4
🚌Public transport ticket (single ride)$2-3
🏨Budget hotel night$60-90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, walkable city with a unique ring layout
  • Pleasant lakeside scenery and relaxed pace
  • Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
  • Fewer large international dining options
  • "Guten Tag" - Good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?

Places to Visit in Neubrandenburg

Visit one of these nice places.

Circle-shaped Old Town Walls

A dramatic, intact medieval brick wall encircling the historic center—best photographed at sunrise or sunset when the light accentuates the brickwork.

St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche) Tower

Gothic architecture with city views from the tower; great for skyline and panorama shots.

Tollensesee Shoreline

Tranquil lakeside views with reflections of trees and sky, especially during golden hour.

Market Square and City Gates

Historic gates and brick façades around the market create vibrant street photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Neubrandenburg

North German cuisine in Neubrandenburg emphasizes hearty, seasonal ingredients, regional fish, rye bread, and local produce. You’ll find rustic eateries as well as modern bistros that showcase local flavors.

Neubrandenburg Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Mecklenburgische Bratwurst mit Roggenbrot und Senf

A hearty traditional sausage served with dark rye bread and mustard.

Must-Try!

Frischer Ostsee-Fisch

Local fish such as Zander or Hering, prepared fried or smoked, often with potatoes.

Grünkohl mit Pinkel

Classic northern German kale dish, typically enjoyed in season with sausages or smoked meat.

Rote Grütze

A berry-based dessert common in cafés, served with vanilla sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Stadtmarkt Neubrandenburg

Weekly farmers' market offering local produce, baked goods, and seasonal specialties in the historic center.

Lakeside Promenade Stalls

Seasonal street food stalls along the Tollensesee promenade, great for quick bites and snacks in good weather.

Climate Guide

Weather

The city has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, and cloudy days are common, especially in the shoulder seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and formality

Greet with a handshake; use formal address (Sie) in most contexts until invited to use the informal du. Punctuality and polite conversation are valued.

Public behavior

Maintain quiet in residential areas, respect queuing, and recycle properly; noise levels are generally moderate in the evenings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Neubrandenburg is generally safe for travelers; standard precautions apply. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and keep personal belongings secure near tourist spots; dial 112 for emergencies and 110 for police in non-emergencies.

Tipping in Neubrandenburg

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, rounding up the bill or leaving about 5-10% as a tip is common in restaurants and cafes; cash and card payments are widely accepted.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days and blooming parks; carry a light jacket and be prepared for occasional rain showers.

Summer

Warm to hot days; ideal for lakeside activities, outdoor markets, and long evenings by the water.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures with colorful foliage; great for photography and comfortable city walks.

Winter

Cold and potentially snowy; indoor cultural events are abundant and Christmas markets may appear in nearby towns.

Nightlife Guide

Neubrandenburg at Night

Neubrandenburg offers a relaxed nightlife scene with cozy pubs, small live-music venues, and riverside bars in the city center. Expect a friendly, laid-back atmosphere rather than a large club scene, with most venues closing around midnight.

Hiking in Neubrandenburg

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heide

Extensive heathland and forest area ideal for day hikes and nature walks.

Tollensesee Shoreline Trail

Scenic lakeside trails with glimpses of waterways and wildlife.

Jabel Forest Loops

Forest trails with gentle elevation changes suitable for casual hikes.

Airports

How to reach Neubrandenburg by plane.

Rostock-Laage Airport (RLG)

Regional airport about 1-1.5 hours away by car, with connections to major German hubs.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Major international hub about 2-3 hours away by rail or road.

Lübeck Blankensee Airport (LBC)

Smaller regional airport accessible for general aviation a few hours away.

Getting Around

Walkability

The compact old town is highly walkable, with a complete ring of medieval walls and pedestrian-friendly streets. Biking is popular and public transit provides convenient access to outskirts.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

A sizable portion of residents are families; the university presence brings students and young professionals.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Fußball (Soccer)

Widely followed, with local clubs and community matches contributing to the sports culture.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport includes trains and buses connecting Neubrandenburg to Rostock and Berlin. City traffic is usually light; outside peak hours is favorable for driving. There are bike lanes throughout the city.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Neubrandenburg.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian diners can find cheese, egg-based dishes, and vegetable plates across most cafés and restaurants; look for seasonal salads, quiches, and mushroom dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available through local clinics and a regional hospital; emergences use 112. Pharmacists are widely available and many doctors and specialists accept international patients.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide