The Nossentiner/ Schwinzer Heide nature park extends over 365 km² over parts of the districts of Müritz (40%), Parchim (38%) and Güstrow (22%). With only 9 inhabitants/km², it is very sparsely populated. The centerpiece of the nature park is a huge area of sand that is now covered by extensive forests (55%). The forest is currently being converted from pine forests to mixed forests. There are 60 lakes (14%) with different qualities: some are shallow and nutrient-rich, others are deep and clear. Most of it is also used for fishing. Agriculture (25%) is only practiced in the peripheral areas, with grain, maize and rapeseed being grown on the fields and the grassland mostly being used for suckler cow husbandry. The nature park is accessible via a network of cycling, hiking and horseback riding trails. A wide range of information on the origin, use and development of this cultural landscape can be obtained on circular routes and nature trails. The central information point is the culture and information center Karower Meiler. 16 nature reserves cover 19% of the area. The entire nature park is a European bird sanctuary.