Wittenförden combines its location on Neumühler See and on Schwerin’s western city limits with a landscape shaped by the Ice Age and a history that ranges from peat extraction to the former basket-making trade. For trip planning, nature, local history and Schwerin’s city center offer different points of focus.

Between Wittenförden and Schwerin

Schwerin’s city center can be reached from Wittenförden in just a few minutes by bus, bicycle or car. Actual travel time depends on the route and traffic. Wittenförden borders directly on Schwerin’s western city limits; Neumühler See is another geographic point of reference for the town. You can focus on Wittenförden itself or include Schwerin’s city center as an additional destination.

Moorland and Circular Tours

Wittenförden is located in a landscape shaped by the Ice Age, between the “Grambower Moor” nature reserve and extensive woodland. The moor lies southwest of Schwerin, between Grambow, Wittenförden, Zülow and Stralendorf. The educational trail and circular hiking route in Grambower Moor are freely accessible and signposted from Grambow. Check local conditions before planning to use this route.

Another circular tour starts in Wittenförden near Schwerin, passes through Klein and Groß Rogahn, Stralendorf, Walsmühlen, Dümmer, Wodenhof and Grambow, and returns to Wittenförden. The starting point is an important distinction for planning: the educational trail in the moor is accessible from Grambow, while the circular tour starts in Wittenförden.

Burial Mounds and Craftsmanship

Several burial mounds are located in the southern part of the town. They are part of the archaeological heritage, but may not necessarily be open to the public. After the Thirty Years’ War, peat extraction became an important source of income for the people of Wittenförden; for this reason, until the end of the 19th century, the town was nicknamed “peat-diggers’ village.”

The coat of arms also recalls a former local craft: its willow symbol refers to basket-making. The nickname and coat of arms thus offer different clues to the town’s history—peat extraction as an important source of income and a former craft.

Culture in the wider Ludwigslust-Parchim destination

In the wider Ludwigslust-Parchim destination, Ludwigslust Palace is another point of cultural and historical interest. It was the former residence of the Mecklenburg dukes and, together with its park and town, forms an ensemble known as the “Little Versailles of the North.” The late Baroque town layout has been preserved almost in its entirety; it includes a former court church and an English-style landscape park. The palace presents art and courtly domestic culture from the 18th and early 19th centuries.

In Dömitz, you can explore another chapter in architectural history: the citadel is a five-sided Renaissance fortress laid out on the Italian model, with bastions, casemates and a drawbridge. The museum in the fortress covers the history of the fortress and town, the history of the Elbe, harbor and bridges, and Fritz Reuter. There are also special and art exhibitions; their programs may change.

At Zarrentin Monastery, guided tours are offered on the history of the former Cistercian nunnery, the lives of the nuns and the building’s architecture. A permanent exhibition about the monastery is located on the ground floor. Dates and access may change; check both in advance if you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Holthusen, Pampow, Warsow, Zülow, Dümmer, Klein Rogahn, Schossin.

Go to the wider travel overview: Amt Stralendorf.