Is the hustle and bustle of Berlin getting to be too much for you again? Then there are plenty of places in the surrounding area where you can take a deep breath. Lake lovers can discover a turquoise glacial lake in the Feldberg Lake District, while on Usedom, the Achterwasser entices visitors with its idyllic lagoon landscape, separated from the Baltic Sea by a narrow strip of land that is only a few hundred meters wide in places. However, those who want to experience not only nature but also history and city charm should visit Prenzlau. The city is one of the oldest in Brandenburg and combines a historic old town with the expansive lake landscapes of the Uckermark.
The city was first mentioned in a document as early as 1187 and was granted city rights in 1234. In the Middle Ages, it was one of the most important cities in the Mark Brandenburg and developed into a major trading center. Prenzlau is particularly famous for its imposing St. Mary’s Church, considered one of the most significant examples of North German Brick Gothic architecture. The two towers , each about 70 meters high , still dominate the city’s skyline today and are known far beyond the region. After climbing 234 steps , the church tower offers an impressive view of the old town, Lake Unteruckersee, and the vast landscape of the Uckermark.
The historic old town is characterized by numerous medieval structures. These include the preserved city wall, which is over a kilometer long(originally measuring around 2.6 kilometers ), as well as several historic city gates and towers such as the Stettiner Tor, the Mitteltorturm, the Steintorturm, and the Hexenturm. Together, they give Prenzlau a cityscape that is rarely found in Brandenburg anymore.
Just outside the gates of the old town lies the Unteruckersee, one of the largest lakes in the Uckermark. Its waterfront location makes Prenzlau particularly attractive for walks along the lakeside promenade, boat trips, canoe tours, or relaxing summer days by the lake.
Furthermore, the city is located in the heart of oneof Germany’s most water-rich regions. The Uckermark is often referred to as the land of a thousand lakes and actually encompasses more than 500 lakes, nestled within a vast cultural landscape of forests, hills, moors, and nature reserves. It is precisely this combination of historic architecture and unspoiled nature that makes the region so special.
