Discover Göhlen

Iron smelting in Göhlen

The bloomery furnaces in Göhlen tell of a significant chapter in regional history. Remains of more than 500 bloomery furnaces, iron slag, and a blacksmith’s workplace attest to one of the largest iron-smelting sites in northern Germany. On the outskirts of the village, a reconstructed bloomery furnace from the Migration Period stands inside a glass case. At this furnace, you can see how iron was extracted from bog iron ore about 1,600 years ago. For travelers interested in early metalworking, the reconstruction connects a visible structure with archaeological traces. On August 18, 2005, iron was smelted in the reconstructed bloomery furnace using bog iron ore, wood, and peat. This corresponded to the Germanic iron-smelting methods practiced in Göhlen in the 4th and 5th centuries.

Church architecture and natural history in Leussow

In Leussow, a district of Göhlen, a different story takes center stage alongside early craftsmanship. The landmark church was built in 1872/73 in the Neo-Gothic style, replacing a Romanesque brick building with a wooden tower. The church, churchyard, and rectory form a complex considered a draw for visitors. The transition from the Romanesque predecessor to the Neo-Gothic church gives Leussow a clear architectural contrast with the earlier metalworking history.

The Dörchforthsbeck in Leussow also connects the landscape with human use. The stream was restored with EU funding, enabling animal and plant species that had already disappeared to be reintroduced. The former bathing area was incorporated as part of the restoration. A place was created there that is also used for recreation and relaxation by people from outside the municipality. Thus, both the reintroduction of species and the inclusion of the former bathing area are part of the history of this landscape. The municipality of Göhlen is part of the region of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Cycling: day trip or half-day tour

The route length and stated time frame provide clear guidance when choosing a route. The 46 km Bog Iron Ore Villages Tour passes through the Griese Gegend and Göhlen. It is described as a day trip for experienced cyclists. Göhlen is also a stage on the Bog Iron Ore Cycling Trail – Villages Tour, which is signposted throughout with blue TOUR signs. The cycling trail runs mostly through flat, level terrain with few climbs, and the paths are generally considered easy to ride. Maintenance and weather can affect riding conditions; check the signs and trail conditions before setting out.

A shorter option is the 24 km Kleine Klump Tour, a half-day trip. The circular route starts in Glaisin and Göhlen and is considered suitable for families with children and less experienced cyclists. In Göhlen, it passes the Germanic iron-smelting site and a model of a bloomery furnace. The shorter tour therefore offers a different time frame from the 46 km day trip, while both cycling routes connect Göhlen with its iron-smelting history. Two clear criteria can help you choose: the time you have planned and the description of the intended audience for each route. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Lüblow, Groß Laasch, Lübesse, Sülstorf, Warlow, Leussow, Wöbbelin, Uelitz

See the regional travel overview: Amt Ludwigslust-Land.