Plattenburg: Moated Castle, History and Cycling Routes

Plattenburg combines a moated castle of cultural and historical significance with historic interiors and a variety of cycling routes. When planning your trip, you can weigh up history, the annual castle festival in June and routes with different features. The following information will help you distinguish between these highlights.

Moated Castle and History

Plattenburg is considered the largest surviving moated castle in northern Germany. It was first mentioned in a document in 1319; until 1552, it served as the summer residence and preferred seat of the Bishops of Havelberg. The first recorded mention and its later function as a residence mark distinct historical points of reference and provide a timeline for the castle’s history.

The Knights’ Hall and the hall in the Bishops’ Wing are surviving examples of late Renaissance interior design. The castle’s historic role as a residence thus complements the view of the design of individual rooms. These interiors are a distinct highlight of Plattenburg for anyone interested in architecture and cultural history.

The annual Medieval Castle Festival takes place in June, around the start of summer. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the date for the relevant year before setting out.

Cycling Routes and Scenery

The Bishop’s Tour is a 108-kilometre cycling route through the Prignitz region. It includes Plattenburg, Kletzke and Hoppenrade and follows developed, signposted cycle paths. A stop at Plattenburg is also part of the tour. Its length provides a clear indication of the route’s regional scope.

The POLLO cycling route follows former narrow-gauge railway embankments that have been restored as cycle paths. The Plattenburgweg passes through the Birkengrund forest and includes a rest area with a view of the Karthane. Plattenburg’s historic centre is considered to be set amid woodland and water. The wider Prignitz travel destination has a designated cycling network spanning 1,100 kilometres. There are also 17 recommended cycling tours, designed around regional sights and the area’s special features. The Berlin-Wilsnack Pilgrimage Route also passes through Plattenburg. The 1,100 kilometres refer to the regional network, while the Bishop’s Tour, at 108 kilometres, is a single route.

The routes described therefore differ in their specific points of reference: the Bishop’s Tour has a defined length and signposted course, POLLO follows a former railway line, and the Plattenburgweg features a stretch through the forest and a rest area with views of the Karthane. This makes it easier to choose based on which route features matter for your plans.

Getting There

From Berlin, you can take a regional express train to Bad Wilsnack and continue from there by bus to the municipality of Plattenburg. Check connections before departure. By car, Plattenburg can be reached via the B5 or B107; check road conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Meyenburg, Bad Wilsnack, Lanz, Lenzen, Weisen, Wittenberge, Bad Wilsnack/Weisen, Pritzwalk.

Back to the main travel overview: Prignitz.