Krakower Obersee Stargazing Site
Krakow am See is one of the municipalities in the Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heide Nature and Star Park—the first certified star park in northern Germany.
Its international recognition as an “International Dark Sky Park” was officially confirmed in late 2025/early 2026. The star park encompasses 16 municipalities in the Mecklenburg Lake District and is characterized by very low light pollution, vast forest and lake landscapes, and a population density of only about 9 inhabitants per km². As a result, exceptionally clear starry skies are visible there—including the Milky Way, which can be seen with the naked eye under good conditions. In and around Krakow am See, there are several official stargazing sites equipped with lounge chairs, information boards, and themed stations. The certification followed years of measures to combat light pollution. These measures included, among other things, the conversion of approximately 600 streetlights to shielded, night-friendly lighting systems. At the stargazing site on Krakower Obersee, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the nature reserve during the day. Under the covered area with seating, you can let your gaze wander across the lake, relax, or use binoculars to watch waterfowl. This site is dedicated to Dr. Neubauer, the long-time nature reserve manager. From Krakow am See via the Mölln district or via the B103/L37 coming from Plau am See toward Bossow, take the Oberseeweg exit toward Krakow am See, then follow Oberseeweg for about 2 km to the Dr. Neubauer Blick observation platform.
Krakower Obersee Stargazing Site in Northern Germany’s First Star Park
The stargazing site at Krakower Obersee is located in the heart of the Mecklenburg Lake District—far from the brightly lit coastal cities such as Rostock, Stralsund, and Wismar. Krakow am See is part of the Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heide Nature and Star Park, the first certified star park in Northern Germany. In late 2025/early 2026, the area officially received international status as an “International Dark Sky Park.” With only about 9 residents per square kilometer and virtually no light pollution, the region offers extraordinary views of the starry sky on clear nights—including the Milky Way, visible to the naked eye.
Dr. Neubauer Viewpoint: Nature Conservation and Stargazing at Obersee
The official observation point, known as “Dr. Neubauer View,” is dedicated to Dr. Neubauer, the long-time nature reserve manager. During the day, the view from the covered seating area stretches far across the nature reserve and the Krakow Obersee—ideal for birdwatching with binoculars. Information boards and themed stations explain the unique features of the star park. As part of the certification process, approximately 600 streetlights were converted to shielded, night-friendly systems. The Star Park, which encompasses 16 municipalities, is thus a serious nature conservation project that benefits both people and the night equally.
Directions to the stargazing spot at Krakower Obersee
The stargazing spot can be reached from Krakow am See via the Mölln district or via the B103/L37 coming from Plau am See toward Bossow. From there, take the Oberseeweg exit toward Krakow am See and follow Oberseeweg for about 2 km to the Dr.-Neubauer-Blick observation deck. The nearest train station is in Krakow am See, from where the rest of the route can be covered by bicycle or car.