Amt Parchimer Umland: Nature, Trails and Culture

When planning a trip to Amt Parchimer Umland, you can focus on different things: exploring the area, watching wildlife or visiting cultural attractions.

Exploring nature and the Lewitz

The almost 800-hectare area of carp ponds in the Lewitz is a nature reserve. All species of duck are native there; with a little patience, you may also spot white-tailed eagles. Many viewpoints make it possible to observe wildlife without disturbing it. If you would rather explore the landscape on a tour, the Waldlewitz offers a contiguous woodland covering 10 x 10 km. You can explore it on foot, by bike or by horse-drawn carriage.

The approximately 9 km cycle path, rated as easy, runs from Neustadt-Glewe via Neuhof through the Lewitz to the Lewitz village of Matzlow-Garwitz and on to its tourist attractions. Before setting out, it is worth checking the path conditions and signage. For a hike, there are routes that take a different course: The approximately 10 km circular hiking trail/forest path begins and ends at the waterway rest area in Garwitz and leads via the Müritz-Elde Waterway and Malchow to Pingelhof in Alt Damerow. The Garwitz cultural trail runs from the Old Lock Gate in Garwitz along the Elde through fields and woods to Pingelhof. The circular trail takes you back to your starting point; the cultural trail follows the Elde and offers a different focus.

The Ruhner Berge landscape conservation area includes the 32 m-high observation tower on Ruhner Berg. The tower opened to visitors in 2001 and offers views across the landscape in clear weather. The Ruhner Berge were designated a landscape conservation area in 1994. So, alongside wildlife watching in the Lewitz, you can also visit a viewpoint in a protected landscape.

Cultural attractions and special experiences

In Grebbin, you can visit an earthen Dutch-style windmill dating from 1878. Pingelhof is another cultural landmark: it is considered one of the most beautiful farmsteads in Mecklenburg. Families can enjoy a barefoot path, puzzle stations, a small playground and an herb garden along the cultural trail. The attractions offer different experiences: the mill is a historic building to visit, while the trail to Pingelhof combines exercise with the family activities listed above.

At Pingelhof, bread and cakes are regularly baked in a stone oven using traditional recipes. Check when baking takes place before visiting, as dates may change. At Elefantenhof Platschow, adults and children can take part in a personal experience session by prior arrangement. Together with a keeper, they can care for and feed the elephants, shower the animals outdoors, depending on the weather, or go for a walk with them.

Water-based attractions and further context on Parchim

Built in 1998, the marina in Matzlow-Garwitz has 45 berths, supply and disposal facilities, and a fuel station for waterway users. These water-based activities complement the walking and cycling routes.

Parchim is a broader travel destination with its own cultural and landscape attractions. St. Mary's Church is the oldest building in Parchim that has survived to the present day. The Parchim Museum’s permanent exhibition in the Kulturmühle covers 900 m² and presents the town’s history from its beginnings to the present day; the stated exhibition area may change if the exhibition is redesigned. Today, the Parchim ramparts can be enjoyed as an urban park; they cover approximately 4.4 hectares. The 62-hectare Wockersee lies on the northern edge of Parchim and is suitable for walking. The Wockertal landscape conservation area lies directly adjacent to the lake.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Spornitz, Damm, Domsühl, Groß Godems, Karrenzin, Lewitzrand, Obere Warnow, Rom, Severin, Ziegendorf, Zölkow

To the wider travel guide: Ludwigslust-Parchim.