Neubrandenburg

When planning a journey to Neubrandenburg, you will be heading to a colourful historic city in the north of Germany, renowned for its medieval architecture and the picturesque Lake Tollense. This destination, often referred to as the "City of Four Gates", offers tourists an immersion into the atmosphere of Brick Gothic architecture and a peaceful retreat. Finding your way to Neubrandenburg is quite simple: a well-developed transport network allows for a comfortable journey by train, bus, or car, as well as via air travel through the nearest major airports.

Since there is no airport for regular passenger flights within Neubrandenburg itself, travellers usually choose to fly to the nearest regional aviation hubs. This allows you to combine your air travel with a short drive through the scenic countryside on the way to your final destination.

The nearest arrival point is Heringsdorf (HDF), located approximately 72 kilometres away. Other convenient options include airports in the Polish city of Szczecin (SZZ) or the German city of Rostock (RLG), both located less than one hundred kilometres from the city and featuring well-established connections to the region.

For railway travel enthusiasts, there is excellent news: Neubrandenburg has a functioning train station that receives trains from various parts of the country. It is located just a few minutes' walk from the historic centre, so you can immediately set off to explore the ancient architecture upon arrival.

Reaching the city by train is very convenient. For instance, direct regional express trains from Berlin run quite frequently, and the journey takes only about 2 hours. This is an optimal choice for those who value comfort and wish to enjoy the views from the window without the need for complicated transfers.

Bus travel is a popular and economical way to reach the city, especially if you are travelling from the capital or neighbouring regions. Intercity coaches regularly ply the route from Berlin: the trip takes on average between two to two and a half hours. This is a great option for those wishing to save money without sacrificing comfort, as modern buses are typically equipped with air conditioning and wireless internet.

Furthermore, there are convenient connections with the Baltic Sea coast and nearby major cities, such as Rostock or Szczecin in Poland. The routes pass through the picturesque landscapes of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state, turning the drive into a small excursion. Buses generally arrive at the central bus station, located in immediate proximity to the railway station and the historic centre, allowing tourists to start their walk right away.

Travelling by car ensures complete independence and the chance to see the most beautiful corners of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on your way to the destination. Neubrandenburg is located near a vital transport artery — the A20 autobahn, making the journey comfortable and fast. The most popular route leads from Berlin: a distance of about 130 kilometres along the B96 highway can be covered in approximately 2 hours.

If you are driving from the direction of the Baltic Sea, for example, from Rostock, the 110-kilometre journey will take just over an hour. The road from the Polish city of Szczecin (about 95 km) is also convenient and usually takes about an hour and a quarter. The quality of the road surface here is excellent, and traffic is generally moderate, allowing you to enjoy the driving experience.

For tourists who do not plan to rent a car, there are taxi options and intercity transfers available, although this is not the most budget-friendly choice. A trip from neighbouring major cities can cost between 150 and 250 Euros. Therefore, renting a car often becomes a more rational solution, allowing you not only to reach your hotel but also to travel freely around the scenic Lake Tollense.

To ensure your trip to Neubrandenburg is as comfortable and carefree as possible, it is worth considering a few important nuances in advance. We have prepared a list of practical recommendations to help you quickly settle into this ancient city in the north of Germany.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The weather in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region is changeable and often windy due to the proximity to the sea. Dressing in layers is the best solution at any time of the year. Be sure to bring comfortable flat shoes: the historic centre is paved with cobblestones, making it difficult to walk in heels.
2. Transport within the City. Neubrandenburg is quite compact, and its main attractions are best explored on foot. For trips to Lake Tollense or remote areas, it is convenient to use the city bus network. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or at machines. The city is also perfectly adapted for cycling.
3. Finances and Payment. The official currency is the Euro. Despite the widespread development of cashless payments, the culture of cash is still strong in Germany. In small cafes, bakeries (Bäckerei), or souvenir shops, cards may not be accepted, so always keep small denomination banknotes and coins with you.
4. Health and Safety. The city is calm and safe for tourists and families. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the large red letter "A" (Apotheke). Tap water is of high quality and is safe to drink. Emergency services (police, ambulance, fire) can be called via the single European number 112.
5. Language Barrier. The main language of communication is German. In hotels and tourist centres, staff often speak English, but in everyday situations, it may not be sufficient. Locals will appreciate it if you learn a few basic phrases, such as "Guten Tag" (Good day) or "Danke" (Thank you).
6. Local Etiquette. Germans value order and quiet. Remember that Sunday here is a day of rest (Ruhetag), when the majority of supermarkets and shops are closed. It is also customary to greet people when entering small shops or an elevator.
7. What to Avoid. A main rule for pedestrians: never walk on bicycle paths. They are usually highlighted by colour or markings. Cyclists ride quickly, and stepping into their lane is considered a rude violation of the rules and can be dangerous. Also, do not cross the road on a red light, even if the street is empty — this causes disapproval from those around you.
8. Unique Experience. Do not limit yourself to walking only within the city walls. Be sure to find time to look into the so-called "Wiekhäuser" — former defensive houses built directly into the fortress wall. Nowadays, many of them house cosy cafes, artists' workshops, and social clubs that convey the true spirit of the city.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and focus entirely on the beauty of the Brick Gothic architecture and the picturesque landscapes around Lake Tollense. May your acquaintance with the city leave only pleasant memories!