Godendorf: Beavers, Mill History and Horse Riding

Godendorf combines nature watching with a rich local history. The municipality offers a range of experiences: a beaver-watching stand in Godendorf-Teerofen, the historic use of water and forests, and horse-riding activities in Schneidemühle. You can plan your itinerary around whether you mainly want to observe nature, learn about the history of the local districts, or spend time with horses.

Beaver Watching and Natural Surroundings

The beaver-watching stand in Godendorf-Teerofen is signposted. At dawn or dusk, there is a high probability of seeing the beaver family that lives there year-round. The time of day is therefore an important consideration when planning your visit. Check that the stand is currently accessible before you go.

The municipality of Godendorf is located directly in the Feldberg Lake District Nature Park and on the border of Müritz National Park. For road directions: the municipality lies 1.5 kilometres southeast of the B 96. Neustrelitz, Fürstenberg and Lychen are 10 to 12 kilometres away and easy to reach.

Mills, Forests and Local History

Godendorf itself was an agricultural estate and was first mentioned in 1505 as “Minow.” The history of its local districts also tells of the use of natural resources. In Schneidemühle, the water power of the mill stream drove a sawmill and a grain mill. Water power was also used for papermaking in the districts of Papiermühle and Schneidemühle. In Teerofen, pitch and tar were produced from wood from the surrounding forests.

Another testament to local history is the Erbmühlgehöft 2 in Godendorf-Schneidemühle. It comprises the miller’s house with an apartment for elderly family members, a paved courtyard, a barn and a half-timbered stable. Düsterförde also has a historic transport connection: the district was shaped by a railway station on the Berlin–Rostock line.

Horse Riding and Activities in Schneidemühle

Hilly-Billy-Town in Schneidemühle offers seasonal guided rides in Müritz National Park and the Fürstenberg Lake District Nature Park, including for non-riders. Pony walks are available for young children. Check dates and availability for the rides with the provider in advance.

Activities for guests at Hilly-Billy-Town include horse riding, swimming, hiking and paddling, as well as berry and mushroom picking and visiting the petting zoo with goats. The petting zoo with goats is also part of the offer. Trail riders can use a stopover with accommodation, meals and a space for their own horse. Day rides and multi-day rides are designed for a maximum of four people; check availability directly with the provider.

Nature Experiences in the Mecklenburg Lake District

The Mecklenburg Lake District also offers nature experiences on a different scale. Müritz National Park is characterized by forests, moors, lakes and wide meadows. Its hiking trail explores the landscape in nine stages, running along lakes, through ancient forests, past inland dunes and to the source of the Havel. While beaver watching in Godendorf is best timed for the morning and evening hours, the hiking trail is divided into stages.

Certified nature and landscape guides offer educational tours through Müritz National Park. These include guided tours in the UNESCO World Heritage beech forest of Serrahn and tours from the water. These regional offerings complement the picture of the Mecklenburg Lake District without being conflated with the wildlife-watching and horse-riding experiences in Godendorf.

Discover more destinations: Blumenholz, Kratzeburg, Wokuhl-Dabelow, Blankensee, Carpin, Userin, Möllenbeck, Hohenzieritz

For the higher-level travel overview: Amt Neustrelitz-Land.