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Bärenwald Müritz

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Bärenwald Müritz is located in Stuer at the southern tip of Lake Plauer See in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and is the largest bear sanctuary in Western Europe. Opened in 2006 by the animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS, the facility provides brown bears previously kept in poor conditions with a near-natural home on a 16-hectare site. The residents mostly come from circuses, small zoos, or private ownership where they lived in inadequate environments. In the bear forest, they can rediscover their natural instincts, bathe in ponds, or dig dens for hibernation. The park is designed so that visitors can observe the animals through fences without disturbing their privacy or retreat areas. An educational trail also informs visitors about bear behavior and the challenges of wildlife captivity. The facility makes a significant contribution to animal welfare and raising public awareness about ecological issues.

Location: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany
Nearby: Plau am See (14 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	0	3	8	13	17	19	18	14	9	5	1
Rain mm	58	43	43	35	50	60	84	65	52	52	50	56

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The Bärenwald Müritz is open from spring to autumn, with the best viewing opportunities from May to September. In spring the bears are particularly active after hibernation, and in autumn they build up fat reserves.

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Best time of day

Morning and late afternoon feeding times are convenient opportunities to see the bears up close. On hot days the bears often rest in the shade, so cooler morning and evening hours are best.

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Etiquette

Please always stay on designated paths and do not cross fences for safety. Feeding the bears is obviously prohibited - the animals receive an appropriate diet from the staff.

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What to bring

Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended as the area is natural and paths may be uneven. Binoculars can be useful for watching the bears from a safe distance.

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Getting there

Bärenwald Müritz is located in the Mecklenburg Lake District and is reachable by car via the A19 motorway. Take the Röbel/Müritz exit; parking is directly at the entrance.

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What to expect

The bears are usually visible, but they also have rest periods - don't be discouraged if they retreat. Enjoy the naturalistic enclosure and the fact that these animals are living a species-appropriate life here.

Geography

Coordinates

53.33400, 12.31600

Facts

Area of 16 hectares in the Mecklenburg Lake District
Opened in 2006 by the organization FOUR PAWS
Largest bear sanctuary in Western Europe
Can accommodate up to 20 brown bears rescued from poor conditions
Features natural forest enclosures with ponds and meadows
The visitor trail is approximately 2 kilometers long

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Plau am See14 km · NExplore →

📍Malchow17 km · NEExplore →

Ras Shouab Turtle Beach18 km · EExplore →

📍Röbel20 km · EExplore →

📍Wittstock/Dosse22 km · SEExplore →

📍Pritzwalk22 km · SWExplore →

📍Lübz24 km · NWExplore →

Müritz28 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Bärenwald Müritz (1)

Altenhof, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern📍 landmark

A locality in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern near Lake Müritz. The area contains a bear sanctuary that houses former circus bears.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Müritz Bear Sanctuary?

A FOUR PAWS sanctuary for brown bears rescued from poor keeping conditions.

Are bear sightings guaranteed?

Not always, as the bears have plenty of space and can retreat into the forest.

Do the bears hibernate?

Yes, in winter many bears are in their dens and cannot be seen.

Are dogs allowed in the bear sanctuary?

Yes, dogs on a leash are allowed. There are also dog crates at the entrance.

Is there food for visitors?

The Bio-Bistro provides regional and vegetarian dishes.

Bärenwald Müritz: where is it located?

Bärenwald Müritz is located in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany.

Bärenwald Müritz: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Bärenwald Müritz: why is it worth visiting?

Bärenwald Müritz is located in Stuer at the southern tip of Lake Plauer See in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and is the largest bear sanctuary in Western Europe.

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