Nature park Nossentiner, Schwinzer Heide, Germany

The park covers an area of 36,500 hectares and stretches between Goldberg, Krakow am See and Waren. Sweeping plains, extensive conifer forests and wide expanses of water dominate the landscape in the nature park. There are also many small charming landscape elements in between, such as concealed lakes, mysterious bogs, various dry grasslands, brooks and small streams.
There are virtually undisturbed areas in the enormous forests such as beech stands, mixed woodlands of oak, birch, conifers and beech as well as very old coniferous woods with gnarled old trees and giant junipers. The Dobbertin monastic authority set up the first forestry court in 1760 in Schwinz and planted extensive coniferous forests there.
Some of the conifers in the Nature Reserve (NSG) at Jellen stem from those times. There are 60 lakes in the nature park with a total area of 4.600 hectares, 2.370 of which are protected. Despite this official protection, however, the lakes offer bathing and angling facilities. Angling permits can be obtained at the fisheries offices or the local angling associations provided you already have a valid permit of your own. Catches include marane, carp, eels, pike, and perch. Traditional fish dishes can be had at many restaurants and hotels in the region. Two rivers, the Nebel and the Mildenitz, flow through several lakes in the nature park and create an interlinked system of habitats which are not only home to otters but also a wealth of other life. Especially important landscapes are protected and managed by 16 nature reserves where nature is given overall precedence. There are certain regulations in these areas but most of the nature reserves are open to visitors for the purpose of nature study and the enjoyment of the natural surroundings.
The profusion and diversity of habitats make it possible for a rich variety of flora and fauna to live and flourish in natural conditions. On a visit to the parks you can watch sea eagles quartering, cranes, many water fowl and hear the deer bellowing in the forests.
The "Damerower Werder" is well worth a visit; it lies on a peninsula with an old woodland area and houses a herd of free ranging bison. The bison reserve covers an area of 280 hectares; there are hides where you can watch the bison during feeding time.
There is an outlook in a tower on the north shore of lake Plauer See in the Nature Park "Nordufer Plauer See", which offers a fine view on the turf caverns of a local glassmaker.
The landscape of the park was shaped tremendously by man, thus, the towns and villages, which developed over time, are now an integrated part of the scenery.
The Benedictine Monastery in Dobbertin was founded in 1220 by Prince Heinrich Borwin I. and was highly respected and prosperous. It had a strong influence on the development of the region.
In many places the manors and chateaux with their parks and gardens are reminders of feudal times. There are interesting buildings in New and Old Sammit, Karow, Blücherhof, Old Schwerin and New and Old Gaarz. Some of the old administration buildings belonging to the estates and the dwellings of the craftsmen and laborers have been preserved.
The Agricultural Museum in Alt Schwerin has an exhibition of the early development, crafts, trades, and history of the region.
The Nature Parks Authority organizes various events, such as:
Hiking Trips
Cycling Tours
Tours for Groups and Travel Agencies
Educational Trips for Children
Courses and Seminars for Teachers
The nature parks information center is located in the nature park administration building in Karow. Visitors can obtain suggestions and information about the nature park as a cultural scenery, the flora and fauna, and current events.
Hours of Operation:
May - September	everyday	10:00 a.m. - 05:00 p.m.
April and October	everyday	10:00 a.m. - 04:00 p.m.
November, February, March	Monday till Friday	10:00 a.m. - 04:00 p.m.
(All rights to ownership and use of the illustrations and graphics in this publication reserved by the Nature Parks Authority re. MANET GmbH)