UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - Flusslandschaft Elbe

Elbe River Landscape

"THE river" is the original meaning of the name of the "Elbe" – that is how important the big river was for northern Germany. At the inland dunes of Klein Schmölen, the river first passes through Mecklenburg's borders under the watch of Dömitz fortress and meanders through the Mecklenburg Elbe Valley, Amt Neuhaus and past the "tile town" of Boizenburg.

Nature and History

The river here has a rural, North German character as it flows past glacial hills and through a wide and gentle landscape. Its green meadows and valleys are full of plants and are a paradise for animals – on water, on land and in the air. The towns on the river banks are full of history, such as the "tile town" of Boizenburg or the fortress town of Dömitz. Old signs of its importance as a border river can be found everywhere – in the Elbberg Museum, in Konau, in Schlagsdorf or in Rüterberg

Experiences

 You can experience the currents of the Elbe by boat. The 1,200 km long Elbe Cycle Route takes cyclists along the river across Europe – if they want. But why not explore the areas to the left and right of the river? Enjoy nature, discover old villages and walk in the footsteps of history. Welcome to the River Elbe!

Elbe River Cycling Route

Special places and sights at river Elbe in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Inland dune of Klein Schmölen
In the Middle Ages, the people living in the area cleared their forests. The wind formed the largest sand dune in the region – far away from the desert or the sea, towns sank into the sand. Today, visitors can explore the secrets of the natural spectacle
Gut Schwechow
Visitors to Gut Schwechow can learn the secrets of the place that makes spirits out of fruit. What they make here are the finest fruit brandies, spirits and liqueurs you can imagine. A visit to the distillery and the shop is worthwhile. And at the same time, you can enjoy the uniquely beautiful location in the Mecklenburg Elbe Valley.
Dömitzer Hafenhotel + Panoramacafé
The rebuilt warehouse in Dömitz harbour offers a fantastic view of the Elbe. In the "Panoramacafé" or the hotel restaurant, you can relax and enjoy the maritime atmosphere.
Dömitz Fortress Museum From 1569, the defensive wall of bricks secured the border of Mecklenburg and the customs revenue on the Elbe. Since then, the fortress has seen stormy and quiet times. There is a museum, the information centre of the Biosphere Reserve Flusslandschaft Elbe, the exhibition "Im Grunde" and a café.
Clay pit of Rüterberg Nature is slowly taking over the clay mining area that was abandoned in 1968. You can walk through this beautiful piece of countryside on a circular route and nature trail.
The Tile Museum in Boizenburg The first museum of this kind in Germany shows a lot more than "just" tiles. From the turn of the century to Art Deco, the exhibition explores the combination of German tile production and social change in these times.
Storkenkate On the trail of the stork – The Sudeniederung in Amt Neuhaus is one of the most important breeding grounds of the white stork in Germany. The "Storkenkate" (Low German for "stork hut") is the information centre of the "Stork Foundation"

Contact

Informationszentrum für das UNESCO-Biosphärenreservat Flusslandschaft Elbe-MV

+49 385 58863100

poststelle@bra-schelb.mvnet.de

direkt zur Website

What is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve? - Living and working in harmony with nature

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are specially protected landscapes. There are only 15 biosphere reserves in Germany. They are much more than "just" nature reserves. There are also model regions where humans and nature are supposed to develop in harmony. Besides protecting rare animals and plants and their habitats in the core zones and the peaceful cultural landscape, it is mainly the people living in the biosphere reserves that leave behind a lasting impression. Teaching people about nature, letting them experience nature, creativity and sustainable (rural) economies are of great importance in the two biosphere reserves in Westmecklenburg. Individualists, artists, independent travellers and nature lovers are attracted to these regions.

Contact: Administrative Bureau for the Biosphere Reserves Schaalsee and Elbe (German)

Ships

The passenger ships of the Heckert shipping company operate a regular service between Dömitz and Hitzacker. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the ships also offer round trips lasting 1.5 hours. You can eat on board the ships, and bicycles can be transported on scheduled sailings. Charter trips are possible on request.

www.elbeschiffstouren.de (German)