Schaalsee Biosphere Reserve

Schaalsee Biosphere Reserve is a protected area in western Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with a central lake, islands, peninsulas, and extensive reedbeds. Dense forests and wetlands surround the water, creating an interconnected ecosystem.

The area was a restricted military zone along the Inner German Border from 1952 to 1990 and was largely off-limits to people. During those decades, ecosystems developed undisturbed and flourished without human interference.

The reserve demonstrates how local communities use the land while protecting its natural character. Grazing areas and forestry shape the landscape, with conservation woven into the region's daily practices.

The reserve has about 150 km (93 mi) of hiking and cycling paths through varied landscapes. Bring sturdy footwear and binoculars to spot eagles, cranes, otters, and kingfishers along the routes.

The reserve is home to a population of rheas, large flightless birds that escaped from farms decades ago. These birds have established themselves over the years and now form a self-sustaining population of several hundred.

Location: Kogel

Location: Schildetal

Location: Lüdersdorf

Location: Gadebusch

Location: Roggendorf

Location: Thandorf

Location: Königsfeld

Location: Holdorf

Location: Utecht

Location: Rehna

Location: Krembz

Location: Schlagsdorf

Location: Groß Molzahn

Location: Wittendörp

Location: Rieps

Location: Dechow

Location: Lüttow-Valluhn

Location: Zarrentin am Schaalsee

Location: Kneese

Location: Carlow, Germany

Location: Rögnitz

Location: Pokrent

GPS coordinates: 53.63330,10.96670

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:02