Neubrandenburg.

Neubrandenburg, in the brick gothic area of North Germany. is famous for its city walls and gates. The wall is about 2.5 km around, and four of the original gates are still standing, each with its own character. Unlike most city walls, there is no parapet around it: instead it has watch houses spaced at 30 metre intervals. After the wall lost its use as a defensive measure, many of the watchhouses were converted to private dwellings. There are approximatey 30 of these charming half timbered places, some run as cafes, some office space, and a few still lived in.

Also famous in the town is the Marienkirche, which dates from 1298, and as so many others, was badly damaged in the war and was left as an empty shell until after reunification. It was reopened in 2001 as a Koncertkirche. The exterior has been renovated, and the interior has been converted into a modern concert venue. A trip to the top of the tower (mostly in a lift) gives a great view over the city and its fortifications.

Neubrandenburg is at the northern end of the Tollense See, a lake of 10km in length.  A cycle route runs round the edge, some 35km. The next morning we decided to explore some of the lakeside and set off cycling, meaning to find a lunch spot, then return. However, after several hills, and finding a wayside map and realising we were already a third of the way round, we decided to carry on. This turned into quite a pleasurable outing, seeing a lot of wildlife including a large bird of prey (unidentified), deer, and geese. Also a charming country church with ancient wood carvings, and an old organ which still needs a bellows boy! The hymn book shelf held 20 books. Not a huge congregation, we concluded. Having almost reached home, it decided to rain.  When it rains here, it REALLY rains. However, the sun soon came out again.