Nature experiences in the fall in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Is there anything more romantic than a sunrise by the sea? Especially over the already picturesque chalk cliffs of Rügens. There's one particular reason to see this natural experience in the fall: the time of year. Because, as the seasons dictate, the days are shorter in the fall and the sun rises later.

From Sassnitz, it's a leisurely eight-kilometre walk into the Jasmund National Park and along the Hochuferweg. Past ancient beech forests that have stood here for thousands of years and finally to the time-honored Königsstuhl, from where you have the best view of the sea. From the National Park Center there, you can either take the bus back to Sassnitz or walk the remaining four kilometers of the hiking trail to Lohme. Either way, it's a great start to the day. www.nationalpark-jasmund.de

The National Park Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft is a true paradise for animal lovers and observers. Cranes and deer in particular are easy to spot in autumn and make first-class photo motifs against the backdrop of the magnificent autumn colors. Those who get out of bed extra early will be rewarded, as the wildlife is already very active during the twilight. Alternatively, you can also go out at dusk. But please always proceed with respect and calm, out of consideration for nature.

However, as is so often the case: Practice makes perfect. If you want to take a professional approach, take part in a photo workshop or a guided photo excursion in Zingst. That way, you'll be able to take wow-effect vacation photos. You can also rent quality equipment on site instead of buying expensive equipment.

There are many ways to explore the Mecklenburg Switzerland Nature Park and Lake Kummerow. On foot while hiking, on the water while paddling or even on horseback while riding. From every perspective, the nature park is a memorable nature experience, especially in the fall. That's why the rangers have put together an impressive program for the months of September and October, which makes the natural area accessible to non-experts under expert guidance.

On September 28, for example, there will be a mushroom hike with a short identification lesson. On November 9, on the other hand, amateur ornithologists will have their hearts beating faster when all kinds of bird voices and calls are identified in the nature park on the "Robin and Wren" tour with the help of rangers. Don't forget provisions, binoculars and suitable clothing. Information on all tours is available online on the nature park website.

The Müritz is the largest inland lake that lies entirely within Germany. No wonder that the huge body of water forms a unique natural habitat that provides an invaluable refuge for many plant and animal species. Not only is part of the decentralized UNESCO World Natural Heritage Beech Forest located here. A total of 17 pairs of white-tailed eagles have also nested around the lake. In the truest sense of the word.

And so that you don't just go in search of the noble animals for luck's sake, we recommend taking part in the eagle safari organized by the National Park Service. The dates for this extend up to and including October. Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10.45 a.m., you can get out into nature for three hours. Thanks to the manageable route of around 4.5 kilometers, the tour is particularly suitable for children. All information can be found on the website of the national park.

The Elbe, the third-longest river in the Federal Republic of Germany, runs majestically through north-east Germany and has seen a lot in the course of its existence. In Mecklenburg, the Elbe Valley runs through the area between the fortress town of Dömitz and the small town of Boizenburg/Elbe, which is famous for its tile art. The biotope in and around the river has been recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve and thus not only provides a home for many animal and plant species, but also a place for us humans to relax and (respectfully) explore nature.

A real nature experience in the fall is when the northern geese and cranes fly in. The large flocks can be observed in the evening from the Binnendüne in Klein Schmölen. If you want to take a closer look at the forest habitat, hike along the newly opened Vierwald adventure trail on the high banks of the Elbe near Boizeburg. This is the perfect way to enjoy the peace and quiet of autumn.

Only a few moments come close to the luck of finding a genuine amber while walking on the beach by the Baltic Sea. Autumn is the ideal time of year for this, as the sometimes stormy weather brings the fossilized resin to the shores of the Baltic island of Usedom in droves. You can either stalk the amber on your own and look for it in the freshly washed-up water. Or you can join a guided hike. These are not only carried out during the day on Usedom, but also in the evening twilight. This is when the amber can be brightly illuminated using a UV lamp, saving you a lot of searching.

But even without looking for amber, a walk along the 42-kilometre-long beach in autumn is a fresh and pleasant experience. And afterwards, a hot drink in a cozy café tastes twice as good. You can find all guided hikes in the calendar of events.

Anglers watch out, the Peene is calling! As home to one of the last unspoilt rivers in Germany, the Peene Valley in Western Pomerania presents itself as an ideal fishing area. Especially in the fall. This is when the chances of hooking predatory fish such as pike, zander or perch are particularly high. The last section of the river between Anklam and the Baltic Sea estuary, the Peenestrom, is teeming with fish. In total, more than 50 species inhabit the river, and not in short supply. The necessary infrastructure in the form of accommodation, boat hire and tourist fishing licenses is also available on site. So, good luck fishing!