Road Trip Through Germany – Along the German Alleenstraße from Rheinsberg to Rügen

If you’re not yet convinced of how awesome this road trip is, check out this video first to get a taste of what it’s like:

Not all of the sights along this road trip through Germany are located directly along the Deutsche Alleenstraße. But even the short detours are worth taking to explore some of the great highlights in the state Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Road Trip: The German Alleenstraße Route (1 Week)

The stretch from Rheinsberg to Rügen is just over 100 km long. But you can easily spend a week there, as there are plenty of sights to see, especially in the Mecklenburg Lake District and on Rügen.

1. Rheinsberg

The route begins in Rheinsberg, Brandenburg. The town’s landmark is the castle on Lake Grienerick. It is surrounded by a moat and a castle park that stretches all the way to the other side of the lake. There stands a large obelisk, from which you have a beautiful view of the lake.

You can enter the castle grounds and the park for free. Admission to the interior costs €8 per adult.

2. Malchow

Malchow is a small island town situated between Lake Flesensee and Lake Plauer See, in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District.

You can reach Malchow via a small swing bridge. The town was founded here on the island as early as the 10th century. The buildings in the old town have been beautifully restored and exude the charm of days gone by.

The swing bridge leading to the island opens every hour to allow ships to pass. In addition, Malchow is home to a monastery, a museum of curiosities, and a museum dedicated to the GDR.

It’s worth spending some time exploring the area around Malchow.

Campground at Lake Plau

You’ll find a great campground (Naturcamping Zwei Seen) west of Malchow on Lake Plau. Its location on a peninsula by the lake is very idyllic. There’s a swimming beach, as well as special glamping accommodations if you’d prefer to stay somewhere a bit more comfortable.

Linden Avenue near Grüssow

One of the most beautiful tree-lined avenues on this road trip isn’t actually drivable. That’s because the linden tree-lined avenue in the small village of Grüssow, south of Malchow, is overgrown with grass. Only a small dirt road runs alongside it. Still, the avenue is definitely one of the most beautiful photo spots in the region.

Wahren on Lake Müritz

Wahren an der Müritz is the tourist hub of this region and is definitely worth a half-day trip. In the town center, there are many historic buildings, restaurants, and small shops selling local products.

A visit to the Müritzeum is also well worth it. Here you can learn all about the underwater world of the Müritz region.

3. Kummerow/Ivenack

Kummerow Castle

Not far from Malchow lies Lake Kummerow. I recommend that you at least stop by the Baroque Kummerow Castle. Behind the castle is a sunflower field with a direct view of the lake. Since 2016, the castle has been home to one of Germany’s leading private photography collections.

Ivenacker Oaks

The Ivenacker Oaks are an absolutely fantastic natural attraction. It is an interpretive trail that winds its way past several ancient oak trees, some of which have trunk circumferences exceeding 10 meters. Some of the trees are 1,000 years old. These living beings have witnessed a great deal of history, and it is truly impressive to see them up close.

Another unique feature of this attraction is that the oak trees stand in the middle of a wildlife park where deer roam freely through the woods. There is also an area with wild boars, as well as a small Baroque house and a café serving delicious cakes.

A visit to the treetop trail in the heart of the park is well worth it—not just for families, but especially for them. Here, you can look out over the forest canopy and learn a lot about the forest and its inhabitants at the information stations. From the highest point of the trail, you’ll have a fantastic view of the surrounding region.

Admission to the zoo costs €5 per adult (children ages 6–14: €2). If you include the Tree Top Walk, the cost is €9 (children: €3).

Ivenack Castle

Right next to the park lies Lake Ivenacker, with its striking white castle: Schloss Ivenack. It is currently undergoing renovation, as it has stood empty for years. The castle grounds also include a park with a tea house and an orangery.

Basedow Castle

Lakes and castles? They’re a perfect match. That’s why the Mecklenburg Lake District is full of them. One of the most beautiful and significant is Basedow Castle on Lake Malchin. The entire complex, including the stunning landscaped park and the adjacent village, has been a designated historic site since 1985.

Jabel Campground

Between Waren an der Müritz and Malchow, you can stay at one ofthe region’s most beautiful campgrounds, located right on Lake Jabelsee and surrounded by nature. There are many campsites right on the water, as well as a beach area.

4. Stralsund

Stralsund is often called the “Venice of the North,” and for good reason. You should definitely take a look at the old market square, with its six-gabled town hall, St. Nicholas Church, and historic houses. The harbor island, home to the Ozeanum, also has a wonderful Hanseatic atmosphere.

You can find lots more great tips on Stralsund at Nord bei Norost.

5. Sellin

From Stralsund, the route continues along the country road on Rügen. I’ve written a separate article about Rügen that covers many more sights than are mentioned here in this section. Be sure to check it out if you’d like to explore more of Rügen’s sights:

This is Germany’s largest island – The 18 best Rügen attractions, that you shouldn’t miss

Sellin Pier

One of the most famous places on Rügen is Sellin, located in the east. You should definitely take a walk along the pier here and enjoy the view of the sea.

High Bank Trail

From the pier, a hiking trail leads along the high bank to Black Lake, a rare cirque lake.

Granitz Castle

A cobblestone avenue lined with chestnut trees leads right up to Granitz Hunting Lodge. For a €6 admission fee, you’ll find a fantastic exhibition here with lots of interesting information. And the view of the countryside from the tower is fantastic, too. You should be sure-footed, though, for the cast-iron spiral staircase that leads to the top.

Thiessow Campground

There’s a great campground just south of Sellin on Thiessow Beach. During the day, you can relax on this family-friendly beach, and in the evening, you can enjoy the glowing red sunset over the Bodden.

5. Cape Arkona

At Cape Arkona, you reach the end of the Deutsche Alleenstraße (or the beginning, depending on how you look at it). There are two lighthouses here. Admission to the larger of the two costs €3.

Krüger Camping Campground

Another great campground is the Krüger Campground in Jasmund National Park. Here, you can park your car right in the forest, and it’s only a few kilometers to the famous Hochuferweg trail.

Of course, there are plenty more great spots along the Deutsche Alleenstraße from Rheinsberg to Rügen. Which ones would you recommend? Let us know in the comments.