Just 17 kilometers east of Barth, in Günz, lies Europe’s largest crane center. Spanning 500 square meters, the “KRANICHWELTEN” exhibition near Günz shows how cranes migrate and rest. Outside, there are exhibits on moorlands and the world of insects, and the bistro offers a view of the natural surroundings. From Barth, you can reach the center by bus or bike.
KRANICHWELTEN is located at Straße des Friedens 21 C in Altenpleen, in the Günz district, between Günz and Buschenhagen, in a region considered a crane paradise: the Vorpommern Bodden Landscape and the Rostock Heath. The center is operated by Kranichschutz Deutschland, with NABU as a partner. It is Europe’s largest crane center. Across the way is the KRANORAMA, the observation station on Lake Günzer.
Inside, take your time exploring the 500-square-meter exhibition. Under a “sound shower,” you’ll hear the duet calls of all 15 crane species in the world. The VR animation and digital quiz guide you through migration routes and habitats, complemented by a film about cranes. Children can do crafts at their own tables. If it rains, you’ll stay dry, since the exhibition is indoors.
Afterward, head outside. Spread across 20,000 square meters are walk-through insect and bog ecosystems. You’ll walk past wild bee mounds and an orchard meadow, complete with a cottage garden. You can sit down on one of the benches wherever you like. The paths to the moorland areas are solid and level, so you can navigate them with a stroller or wheelchair. Photographers will find plenty of subjects from the moorland and insect world, even in a small space. Children can run around on the large crane playground.
At the bistro, you can enjoy regional dishes—both sweet and savory—and coffee, all while taking in the natural scenery. At the visitor center, you’ll learn where to best observe cranes and the latest on the crane migration. Excursions and Crane Week begin here. At the office, the team works on environmental education and international projects.
You can get there even without a car. Bus line 305 runs from Barth and Stralsund to Günz; from there, it’s about a 500-meter walk. By bike, it’s about 18 kilometers from Barth along the Baltic Sea Cycle Route, passing through Dabitz and Nisdorf; bike rentals are available in Barth. If you’re driving, you can park for free at the center.
Your admission ticket serves as a combo ticket and includes access to KRANORAMA.
The former Crane Center in Groß Mohrdorf has been closed since August 1, 2025; KRANICHWELTEN has replaced it.
