Cycle routes through the Lewitz, viewpoints in protected landscapes and cultural attractions such as the mill and Pingelhof offer various ways to discover the Parchimer Umland Office. When planning, it is worth distinguishing the options by mode of travel and interest: there is a low-difficulty cycling tour, routes on foot, nature watching and cultural sites open to visitors. Some destinations combine culture with activities for families; for others, the landscape is the main attraction.
Getting around by bike or on foot
An approximately 9 km cycling route leads from Neustadt-Glewe via Neuhof through the Lewitz to the Lewitz village of Matzlow-Garwitz and on to its tourist attractions. The route is classified as low-difficulty. Since the condition of the route and its signage should be checked before setting off, a quick look at the latest route information is part of the preparation.
For a walking tour, the approximately 10 km circular hiking trail, also known as the forest trail, starts and ends at the waterway rest area in Garwitz. It passes over the Müritz-Elde Waterway and through Malchow to Pingelhof in Alt Damerow. The Garwitz Cultural Trail has a different focus: from the Old Lock Gate in Garwitz, it follows the Elde through fields and forest to Pingelhof. Both route descriptions mention Pingelhof, but differ in route and character.
Waldlewitz is a contiguous forest area measuring 10 × 10 km that can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by horse-drawn carriage. This area therefore offers several ways to get around. The information about the approximately 9 km cycling route and the approximately 10 km circular hiking trail can also be distinguished easily: their lengths are similar, but one is described as a low-difficulty cycle route and the other as a circular hiking trail or forest trail.
Observe nature and enjoy the views
The almost 800-hectare area of carp ponds in the Lewitz is a nature reserve. All duck species are native there. With a little patience, you may also spot white-tailed eagles. Numerous viewpoints make it possible to watch animals without disturbing them. If you plan to observe nature, you can make these places a focus of your trip and set aside time for them rather than treating the observation as just a brief stop along the way.
In the Ruhner Berge, the protected landscape area includes the 32 m-high observation tower on Ruhner Berg. It opened to visitors in 2001; in clear weather, it offers views across the landscape. The Ruhner Berge were designated a protected landscape area in 1994. The tower and the views in clear weather complement the Lewitz’s opportunities for observing wildlife with a different perspective on the landscape.
Mill, Pingelhof and experiences
In Grebbin, you can visit a ground-level Dutch windmill dating from 1878. At Pingelhof in Alt Damerow, by contrast, the focus is on rural culture. Bread and cakes are regularly baked there in a stone oven using old recipes. Since the dates may change, it is advisable to check the baking schedule before visiting.
The Garwitz Cultural Trail also leads to Pingelhof. Families can enjoy a barefoot path, puzzle stations, a small playground and a herb garden there. This makes it possible to combine the landscape along the trail with a cultural and historical attraction that offers these specific activities. At the Elephant Farm in 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, rinse them off outdoors, weather permitting, or go for a walk with them. Booking in advance is part of planning this experience.
Different interests, different destinations
Those who enjoy watching animals will find viewpoints in the Lewitz for observing ducks and white-tailed eagles without disturbing them. Those interested in culture can visit the mill in Grebbin and Pingelhof. The Cultural Trail and the regularly described baking traditions also meet at Pingelhof. When planning a stay, the key question may therefore be whether nature watching, a walking or cycling tour, or a cultural attraction should take priority.
Discover more destinations: Spornitz, Damm, Domsühl, Groß Godems, Karrenzin, Lewitzrand, Obere Warnow, Rom, Severin, Ziegendorf, Zölkow.
Go to the broader travel overview: Ludwigslust-Parchim.
