Turnow-Preilack: Cycle Routes, Local History and Milling Technology

Turnow-Preilack offers several starting points for a trip, from cycling routes and local history to milling technology. The historical connections and routes relate to different places and scales: some are right in Turnow or Preilack, while others lead through the wider region.

Wet Meadows and Historical Traces

Preilack is surrounded by wet meadows. Historical landmarks at the entrance to the village from the direction of Peitz include a former customs station and a Prussian round milepost. Locally, the former customs post is known as the Zollhaus (Customs House). Together, these places point to different aspects of Preilack’s history, without confusing the former purpose of the customs station with its current use.

The development of the two districts also has its own historical connections. Turnow developed after the Peitz fortress was built in the 16th century. Preilack was first mentioned in 1587 under the name Preylangk. The fortress is connected with Turnow’s development, while the year 1587 marks the first mention of Preilack.

The History of Technology at the Turnow Dutch-Style Windmill

The Turnow Dutch-style windmill combines historical milling technology with a later technical change: since a conversion in the 1930s, the historic machinery has been powered by an electric motor. Visitors can learn about the mill’s history and operation. Its technical features also include a working lift that is more than 100 years old. The mill thus offers insight into both how it operates and the long history of individual technical components.

Sorbian and Wendish Traditions

Sorbian and Wendish traditions are maintained throughout the year in Turnow-Preilack. These include carnival celebrations and raising the maypole. Hahnrupfen (cock plucking) is celebrated specifically in Turnow. Visitors interested in local customs can explore these traditions as a focus in their own right, alongside the historic buildings and the history of the mill.

Cycling Routes in the Area and Region

The Heide Cycle Route starts at route point 65 in Turnow-Preilack and is 47 kilometres long. The Lieberoser Heide Nature Tour reaches Preilack via the Heide Cycle Route in the direction of the Lieberoser Wüste and then continues through Turnow. Further along, the tour follows the Spree in the region, passes lakes and bogs, and runs through a protected wilderness area. Check the route details again before setting off.

In the wider Spree-Neiße destination, the Spree Cycle Route crosses the region for about 60 kilometres; most of it follows paved river dykes. The two cycling routes can be distinguished by their different descriptions: the Heide Cycle Route is described by its starting point in Turnow-Preilack and its length, while the Spree Cycle Route is defined by its passage through the region and its surface. In the wider Spree-Neiße destination, the circular route on Bärenbrücker Höhe features stelae by Eberhard Krüger and views of the surrounding countryside.

Discover more destinations: Jänschwalde, Hornow-Wadelsdorf, Groß Schacksdorf-Simmersdorf, Peitz, Döbern, Kolkwitz, Teichland, Burg

Return to the wider travel overview: Spree-Neiße.