The collegiate village of Baumgarten was first mentioned in a document in 1233 and is considered a typical green village. In the village itself, the church and its artworks are the focus of a visit; other churches, gardens and paths in the municipality add to the picture. This lets you combine Baumgarten’s village history with excursions around the municipality without confusing the individual places with one another.

Church and Pilgrim Routes in Baumgarten

The late Gothic fieldstone church in Baumgarten was built in the 13th century; its central section is a half-timbered structure. It lies on the Way of St James and the Way of St Birgitta of Sweden. A carved altar dating from the 15th century stands by the organ gallery. Its figures range from St Anne with Mary and the Christ Child, to Jerome with the lion, to John the Evangelist with a book bag and John the Baptist with the lamb. There is also another sculpture of Mary.

Another distinctive detail is the clock with an hour bell on the south side of the church tower, considered a rarity in Mecklenburg. The architecture, altar and clock offer different historical points of interest. For a trip that takes in pilgrim routes and village history, they are a good place to start.

More Village Churches and the Municipality’s Early History

Other places in the municipality also have notable landmarks. Laase has a small early Gothic brick church dating from the 14th century. Its enthroned carved Madonna, dating from the 13th century, is a medieval oak sculpture. It was restored in 2002 and is among the oldest and most valuable Madonna figures in Mecklenburg. Pilgrims and visitors from near and far come to the church because of the Madonna.

The church in Qualitz stands in the middle of the village at its highest point and is visible from far away. Its masonry is made of brick and fieldstone, some of it impressively large. The church was first mentioned in 1233 in a document concerning Rühn Abbey. During a comprehensive restoration in 1873/74, it was given a four-storey Neo-Gothic tower and two newly cast bells.

Between Katelbogen and Qualitz lies a megalithic tomb dated to around 3000 BC, one of the best-preserved megalithic tombs in Mecklenburg. Megalithic tombs in Katelbogen and Qualitz also point to settlement in the region around 5,000 years ago. These statements refer to different periods: the tomb has its own specific date, while the earlier evidence of settlement concerns the region.

Gardens, Pottery and Seasonal Events in Qualitz

Every year, the one-hectare rectory garden in Qualitz takes part in “Open Gardens MV.” Perennials, historic roses, vegetables, potatoes, strawberries and herbs grow there; in other areas, wild plants and trees can grow undisturbed. Strolling through open gardens is another option. Before travelling, check the dates and which gardens are taking part.

Lilienton Pottery is located in the former school next to the church in Qualitz. Its range of ceramics includes everything from small sculptures to complete tea sets. Visits and purchases are possible by appointment. Dorit Liliental takes part each year in “Open Gardens” and “Open Pottery Workshops”; it is also a good idea to check the latest dates for these events. In spring, Qualitz also hosts tree-pruning seminars. If you would like to plan one of these activities into your trip, check the dates in advance.

Hiking and Nature Around Qualitz

The municipality of Baumgarten lies in a scenic landscape and partly within Sternberg Lake District Nature Park. From Qualitz, you can hike in every direction: across fields, through quiet forests or into the Warnow river landscape. Clear-water streams wind through the landscape in the forests near Qualitz. Attentive observers may spot kingfishers and dippers diving in the water, though sightings are not guaranteed.

You can also hike from Qualitz to the “Schwarzer See” nature reserve in Schlemmin Forest. A wooden boardwalk leads through marshland with bogbean, marsh cinquefoil, marsh parsnip, cotton grass, and various sedges and peat mosses. The route through the marsh landscape offers a different experience from hikes across fields and through forests. When choosing a walk, you can consider whether you would rather explore open countryside, woodland or marsh plants.

Discover more destinations: Tarnow, Penzin, Warnow, Bernitt, Rühn, Bützow, Klein Belitz, Jürgenshagen

For the broader travel overview: Amt Bützow-Land.