Matzlow-Garwitz: Churches, Lewitz and Waterways

When planning a stay in Matzlow-Garwitz, there are several specific areas to focus on: village churches and ceramics, routes through the Lewitz, and activities related to the water. It is worth keeping Matzlow and Garwitz distinct: the Müritz-Elde Waterway separates the two places. Which sights and activities matter for your trip therefore also depends on which of these topics you would like to focus on.

Churches and ceramics in Matzlow and Garwitz

The current half-timbered church in Matzlow was consecrated in 1789. Its sloping west tower was also added in half-timbered construction in 1831. The church thus reveals two distinct building phases: the consecration of the church building and the later addition of the tower. The chapel in Matzlow also has its own date of note: it received a Sauer organ in 2020.

Garwitz is home to a village church dating from the 14th century, built as a Gothic fieldstone and brick church. Inside are memorial plaques and a carved altar from the 15th century. The churches in Matzlow and Garwitz therefore offer different points of interest: in Matzlow, the half-timbered construction and the dates associated with the church and organ stand out; in Garwitz, the building style and older furnishings are noteworthy.

The Kunstpöttchen in Matzlow offers another glimpse of local craftsmanship. Iris Thees makes handcrafted functional ceramics, from egg cups to complete dinnerware sets. The range thus extends from individual everyday items to coordinated sets. If you are interested in local history, you can combine this look at traditional crafts with visits to the churches, without treating the different subjects as one and the same.

Cycling, hiking and the Lewitz

A newly built cycle path runs from Neustadt-Glewe via Neuhof through the Lewitz directly to Matzlow-Garwitz. The route is about 9 kilometres long and is classed as easy. This gives you two specific points of reference for planning: the approximate distance and the stated difficulty. The named starting point in Neustadt-Glewe, the stop at Neuhof and the destination of Matzlow-Garwitz make the route easy to follow.

The Eldewanderweg Garwitz-Damm is recommended as a destination for walks and cycling tours into the Lewitz protected landscape. The Lewitz is characterised by woodland and meadows. If you are planning a trip into this landscape, the named trail provides a point of reference for finding your way; by contrast, the cycle path from Neustadt-Glewe to Matzlow-Garwitz is described by its approximate distance and specific route.

The Lewitz can also be experienced on the water: the European Special Protection Area Lewitz is one of the sights on the Garwitz canoe circular tour. The cycle path, hiking destination and canoe tour each offer a different focus. The distance and difficulty information helps you assess the cycle path, while the named destinations and landscape features provide the main points of reference for the other two options.

Water activities in Garwitz

The Eldebad Garwitz has a baby pool, a non-swimmer pool and a swimming pool with four 50-metre lanes. The facilities also include a water slide, play areas and a volleyball court. The pools cater to different needs, from the baby pool and non-swimmer area to the lanes in the swimming pool. As opening arrangements may vary by season, check the current operating hours before visiting.

The Marina Matzlow-Garwitz has a waterway rest stop or boat landing, pitches for motorhomes and boat hire. Garwitz has a marina with around 50 berths; the outdoor swimming pool there uses water from the Elde. Boats can stop at Lewitzcamp, and campers can stay overnight in a tent or caravan. These are various water-related facilities, distinct from the pools and play areas at Eldebad.

When choosing accommodation, check the specific details of each hotel offer and take the separation between Matzlow and Garwitz into account when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Amt Dömitz-Malliß, Lübtheen, Ludwigslust, Amt Grabow, Parchim, Amt Stralendorf, Amt Wittenburg, Amt Banzkow

For the overview of the wider region: Ludwigslust-Parchim.