Naturpark Westhavelland Adventures
Naturpark Westhavelland is Germany's largest protected nature park, renowned for its vast wetlands, old oak forests, and the exceptional night sky offering some of Europe’s best stargazing opportunities.
About Naturpark Westhavelland
Naturpark Westhavelland, located in western Brandenburg near the border with Saxony-Anhalt, covers an area of approximately 1,315 square kilometers, making it the largest nature park in Germany. This protected landscape park is characterized by its extensive floodplains of the Havel River, numerous lakes, reed beds, meadows, and one of the largest continuous oak forests in Europe. The park is ecologically vital, hosting rare and endangered species such as the white-tailed eagle, great bustard, European beaver, and diverse migratory birds. Its flat terrain and network of waterways provide ideal habitat for wetland wildlife and attract birdwatchers from around the world. Naturpark Westhavelland is also famous for the Westhavelland Dark Sky Reserve, designated for preserving exceptional nocturnal darkness, offering unparalleled stargazing and astro-photography experiences. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike or boat, with many well-marked trails along rivers and through forests. The park also preserves centuries-old rural villages, historic windmills, and cultural landmarks, combining nature and heritage. Key attractions include the observation tower at Gülper See for bird watching and the town of Premnitz, a great base for exploring the park. The park appeals to hikers, naturalists, photographers, and families seeking peaceful outdoor recreation in a landscape where nature and cultural history intertwine seamlessly.
Highlights
Westhavelland Dark Sky Reserve – Europe’s first and one of the largest certified dark sky areas
Gülper See Observation Tower – prime vantage point for observing large populations of waterfowl and eagles
Extensive oak forests – some of the oldest and largest in Europe providing vital habitat
The historic windmills in the villages of Großwudicke and Fiener Bruch – cultural landmarks within the park
Notable Natural Features
Westhavelland Dark Sky Reserve
A designated International Dark Sky Reserve that protects the area’s exceptional natural darkness, making it a prime location for stargazing and night sky photography.
Gülper See
A large lake known for its legendary bird populations including white-tailed eagles, providing excellent wildlife observation facilities via its observation tower.
Ancient Oak Forests
One of the largest continuous oak forest regions in Europe, these centuries-old trees form critical habitat for diverse flora and fauna.