Things To Do
in Prenzlau

Prenzlau is a historic town in the Uckermark region of Brandenburg, situated along the Ucker River. Its well-preserved market square, red-brick churches, and scenic streets showcase classic Brandenburg charm. The surrounding countryside offers easy access to lakes, forests, and gentle cycling routes.

With a compact, walkable center and friendly local hospitality, Prenzlau makes a great base for exploring northern Brandenburg.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Town's History
morning
:

Start your day at the Prenzlau Town Museum, where you can delve into the rich history of this charming town. Witness exhibits that showcase the cultural evolution and artifacts from various eras. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the historic town square, taking in the beautifully preserved medieval architecture.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local café, visit the Uckermark's oldest brick church, St. Mary's, and admire its stunning Gothic architecture. The surrounding park offers a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll while enjoying the scenery. Consider renting a bike and exploring the nearby countryside for a scenic ride.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional German restaurant, sampling local specialties such as 'Sauerbraten' or 'Bratwurst'. Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a small concert or event at one of Prenzlau's popular venues. End your night with a relaxing walk by the river, enjoying the tranquil sounds of water under the stars.

day 2
Nature and Outdoor Activities
morning
:

Start your adventure with a hike in the stunning Uckermark landscape, an area known for its diverse flora and fauna. Visit the nearby Naturpark Uckermärkische Seen and enjoy the fresh air while spotting local wildlife. Pack a picnic for a mid-hike snack while surrounded by nature.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, indulge in water sports at the beautiful Kummerower See, where you can kayak or paddleboard. Alternatively, relax by the lake's shore with a good book or just take in the views. You might even have the chance to rent a small boat for a more leisurely experience on the water.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy lakeside café to unwind with a cocktail or cup of coffee. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as the last light of day reflects off the lake's surface. Consider stargazing after dinner, as the area offers relatively low light pollution for an incredible night sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🚆One-way public transport fare$2-3
Coffee$3-5
🍺Beer or glass of wine in a bar$4-7
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$80-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm, walkable town with historic charm
  • Easy access to nature and lakes
  • Good value for Brandenburg in a quieter region
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options
  • Public transport less frequent than in big cities
  • Can be quieter outside peak tourist seasons
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Vielen Dank" - Thank you
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Könnten Sie mir helfen?" - Could you help me?

Places to Visit in Prenzlau

Visit one of these nice places.

Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church)

A striking brick Gothic church offering strong exterior lines and a historic skyline—great for architecture and sunset silhouettes.

Old Town Hall (Rathaus) and Market Square

Colorful facades, arcades, and the lively Market Square provide classic townscape photography and candid street shots.

Ucker River Promenade

Calm waters and reflections along the river offer tranquil early-morning or golden-hour shots.

Remnants of the city walls

Historic fortifications and brickwork along the old town edges supply atmospheric, historic-architecture images.

Culinary Guide

Food in Prenzlau

Brandenburg cuisine in Prenzlau emphasizes hearty, seasonal dishes with local produce. You’ll find comforting, straightforward flavors—great when you’re exploring the town on foot.

Prenzlau Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Brandenburger Eintopf

A hearty one-pot stew with potatoes, vegetables, and meat or sausage, a staple in Brandenburg eateries.

Must-Try!

Gebratene Forelle aus der Ucker

Freshly caught trout from the Ucker region, typically served with potatoes and roots.

Rinderroulade

Classic German beef roulade stuffed with onions and pickles, served with gravy and dumplings or potatoes.

Kartoffelklöße mit Bratensoße

Potato dumplings with rich gravy, a common side in local gaststätten.

Apfelstrudel

A cinnamon-scented apple pastry, a popular dessert in many Prenzlau cafés.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Prenzlau Market (Marktplatz)

Weekly market on the town square with fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and local crafts.

Summer street food stalls

Seasonal stalls around the market or lake areas offering sausages, pretzels, and grilled fish.

Climate Guide

Weather

Prenzlau experiences a temperate continental climate with distinct seasons: warm summers, cold winters, and spring and autumn that are generally mild and pleasant. Rain can occur year-round, so it's wise to carry a light rain jacket regardless of season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality and greetings

Be on time for appointments; greet with a handshake and use formal address (Herr/Frau) unless invited to use first names.

Quiet hours and public behavior

Respect quiet hours in residential areas, especially at night; keep voices down in public transportation and public spaces.

Recycling and cleanliness

Follow local recycling practices; separate waste when possible and dispose of it in designated bins.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is high in Prenzlau, as in much of Germany. Exercise standard travel precautions: keep valuables secure, be aware in crowded areas, and know local emergency numbers (112 for emergencies, 110 for police).

Tipping in Prenzlau

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common. You can add the tip in cash directly to the waiter or at the end of the bill; many places can also process tips on card payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with fresh blooms; shoulder-season crowds; carry a light jacket and a compact umbrella.

Summer

Long daylight hours and a bustling town center; outdoor cafés and events are common. Stay hydrated and expect occasional showers.

Autumn

Crisp air and golden light; great for outdoor photography and harvest markets; pack a warm layer.

Winter

Cold temperatures and potential snow; Christmas markets add seasonal charm; indoor attractions become favored options.

Nightlife Guide

Prenzlau at Night

Prenzlau’s nightlife is modest but welcoming, with cozy pubs and bars around the Market Square. In warmer months, outdoor seating and riverside venues come alive, and occasional live music or cultural events at local venues provide a taste of regional culture.

Hiking in Prenzlau

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Schorfheide-Chorin Nature Reserve trails

Expansive reserve with diverse habitats, ideal for day hikes, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Uckermark lake district trails

Scenic routes around local lakes offering moderate hikes and peaceful lakeside walks.

Airports

How to reach Prenzlau by plane.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Major international hub about 90-100 km south of Prenzlau; rail and road connections make day trips feasible from Prenzlau.

Rostock-Laage Airport (ROA)

Regional airport farther away with limited services; primarily useful for specific seasonal connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Prenzlau has a compact town center where most sights, cafés, and shops are within easy walking distance. The Market Square and riverside paths are especially walkable, while some outskirts may require bus or bike travel.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Family-friendly amenities and parks; many residents live in multi-generational households.

Seniors

A significant portion of the population enjoys a slower pace with access to healthcare and community centers.

Students and commuters

Young adults and commuters benefit from connections to larger towns and universities in Brandenburg.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Fußball)

A popular sport with local clubs and community matches throughout the year.

Cycling

Widely used for daily transport and leisure rides along lakes and countryside trails.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in town with easy access to regional roads. Regional trains connect to Berlin and other towns; parking is available around the Market Square, and cycling is a common mode of transport in the area.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Prenzlau.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are increasingly available. Look for vegetarisch on menus; many dishes can be prepared meat-free on request (e.g., pasta, veggie stews, cheese plates). If needed, politely say in German: Ich bin Vegetarier/in.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare services include local general practitioners and a hospital/medical center in the region; pharmacies are readily available in town. For major services, residents commonly access larger facilities in nearby towns or cities.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide