Groß Dratow: Church, Smithy and Cycle Route

Groß Dratow offers several specific points of interest to help you plan your trip: a village church with a medieval core and later wooden furnishings, a former village smithy with its own history of use, and the Berlin–Copenhagen Cycle Route. These topics appeal to different interests and can be clearly distinguished. If you are looking for a hotel in Groß Dratow, consider whether local history or a specific route should be the focus of your stay.

The village church and its dated details

At its core, Groß Dratow village church is a rectangular fieldstone building dating from the 13th century. Inside is a matching set of wooden furnishings from 1908. This identifies two clearly distinguishable periods: the building’s medieval core and interior furnishings from the early 20th century. The dates answer different questions: the 13th century refers to the core, while 1908 refers to the furnishings.

The west gallery houses an organ by Friedrich Hermann Lütkemüller dating from 1863. Only one of the three original bells remains in the tower; Hans Voss cast it in Lüneburg in 1680. The dates therefore refer to clearly separate elements: 1680 to the surviving bell, 1863 to the organ, and 1908 to the wooden furnishings. The church’s history thus encompasses not only the building’s core, but also specific details about its furnishings and historic features.

The former village smithy

Another subject of cultural history is the former village smithy. The brick building was erected around 1860 and later converted and extended into an inn. Around 1860 therefore refers to the building’s construction date; its conversion marks a further chapter in its history of use. Historically, the former smithy was also associated with a place to rest for visitors to Müritz National Park and hospitality by the blacksmith’s fire. If you plan to stop at the smithy, check current visiting arrangements in advance.

Distinguishing cycling and riding routes

The Berlin–Copenhagen Cycle Route passes through Groß Dratow and crosses the village; it then continues to Kargow. This sequence makes Groß Dratow a clearly identified point along the route and offers guidance for the onward journey. Check route conditions before setting out.

A different activity is the “Klockow-Runde” riding route, which passes through Groß Dratow and Klockow and is about 18 km long. Unlike the Berlin–Copenhagen long-distance cycle route, it is specifically a riding route. The two routes therefore represent different types of trip planning; the approximate length applies to the Klockow-Runde.

Walking in the wider regional area

In the wider area around Groß Dratow, Müritz National Park offers several walking routes around Feisneck, Granziner See and Käbelicksee, as well as around the Havel source lakes Mühlensee and Bornsee. Starting points include Waren, Kratzeburg or Granzin, as well as Ankershagen. For planning purposes, it is important to note the location: these walking routes are in the wider area and should not be confused with a walking route in Groß Dratow. This makes it possible to distinguish local points of interest—the church, smithy and cycle route—from regional walking opportunities.

Discover more destinations: Amt Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte, Waren / Müritz, Vielist, Amt Seenlandschaft Waren, Amt Neverin, Amt Treptower Tollensewinkel, Amt Demmin-Land, Dargun.

For the main travel overview: Mecklenburg Lake District.