Moorochse Observation Tower

Moorochse Observation Tower – Nature View at Lake Plau in Alt Schwerin, Glashütte District

The Moorochse Observation Tower in Alt Schwerin (Glashütte district) is a popular destination in the Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heide Nature Park, right in the heart of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The tower is located on the northern shore of Lake Plau and offers visitors a breathtaking view of the expansive lake landscape as well as the region’s characteristic former peat pits.

The name “Moorochse”—a colloquial term for the great bittern

The tower’s unusual name derives from the great bittern, which is commonly known as the “Moorochse.” In the spring, the males of this shy bird species emit a muffled call from the reeds that can be heard from far away and resembles the bellow of an ox. This characteristic sound is closely associated with the natural landscape of the nature park.

Wildlife viewing at the Moorochse observation tower

Visitors to the tower have a good chance of spotting a variety of native animal species. In addition to the colorful kingfisher and various duck species, white-tailed eagles can sometimes be spotted soaring in the sky. Particularly patient visitors might even catch a glimpse of the shy otter. The nature parks of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania—as well as the coastal landscapes of Rügen, Fischland-Darß-Zingst, and Usedom—embody the region’s rich biodiversity.