Natur- und Sternenpark Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heide

About

The Natur- und Sternenpark Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heide is located in central Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania, a federal state in northern Germany. Covering approximately 355 square kilometres, the park encompasses 16 sparsely populated municipalities. It is characterised by extensive forest landscapes, numerous lakes and peatlands, and a historically shaped cultural landscape that includes wet and dry meadows, heathlands, and traditional orchards. Nearly 50 percent of the park consists of high-quality open spaces that provide exceptionally valuable habitats for wildlife.

The landscape plays a critical role in supporting long-distance migratory species and other sensitive wildlife, including white-tailed eagles, cranes, and otters. Informed by many years of bat research and a strong commitment to protecting nocturnal species, combined with the region’s limited infrastructure, the protection of natural nighttime darkness has been formally integrated into the park’s management plan since 2014, positioning the initiative as a pioneering conservation effort.

​The nature park has actively promoted public awareness of night-time protection for many years. With the strong commitment of its 16 municipalities and the support of LEADER Action Groups, village lighting has been extensively modernised, resulting in a substantial reduction in unnecessary light emissions. These efforts have been complemented by a wide range of outreach activities, including public information sessions and stargazing events, training programmes, exhibitions, educational materials, and the establishment of dedicated stargazing sites.

Partner schools benefit from hands-on project days, while a broad and well-established network supports the shared mission of protecting the night. This network comprises the nature park’s support association and foundation, local authorities, regional and local elected officials, the Regional Planning Association of the Mecklenburg Lake District/Rostock, Non-Governmental Organizations, tourism organizations, astronomy clubs, certified star guides, and the University of Greifswald. To ensure the long-term preservation of high-quality night-time darkness, the park has implemented a comprehensive monitoring programme that combines hand-held measurements with permanently installed TESS-W photometers.

The nature park is accessible year-round via an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails, as well as by car. Ten easily accessible stargazing locations and a permanent exhibition on night-time darkness protection at the park centre provide visitors with in-depth information during the day. After dark, certified star guides offer guided tours on land and water, and astronomy-focused events provide additional opportunities to experience and learn about the natural night sky. Independent night-sky observation is also possible throughout the park.

Area

355 km²

Designated

2025

Category

Dark Sky Park

Address

Naturpark Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heide
Ziegenhorn 1 | 19395 Plau am See OT Karow
Google Maps

Contact

Marina Kahrmann
Förderverein des Naturparks Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heide e.V. (Friends of the Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heath Nature Park)
[email protected]
+49385 588 64 871

Amber Harrison
Dark Sky Places Program Manager, DarkSky International
520-347-6363
[email protected]

Documents

Application
Announcement
Annual Reports

Website

www.naturpark-nossentiner-schwinzer-heide.de

www.sternenpark-nossentiner-schwinzer-heide.de