Bentwisch brings together a striking brick church, a courtyard café in the rectory and a location at the junction of the A 19 and B 105. The village lies about three kilometres northeast of the university and Hanseatic city of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, close to the Warnow and the Baltic Sea. For your trip, architectural history and village themes in Bentwisch itself are complemented by other interests in the wider Rostock destination.
Church architecture in Bentwisch and Volkenshagen
The church in Bentwisch is the oldest building in the village. Construction of the present building began shortly after 1300; the Gothic church was completed between 1350 and 1370. It is a brick building on granite and fieldstone foundations. The two dates give the construction a clear sequence: construction began first, followed several decades later by completion of the Gothic building. Visitors interested in historic architecture will find a local point of interest here that can also be clearly placed in its historical period and architectural style.
Another church history can be found in Volkenshagen, part of the municipality. The church there was first mentioned in a document in 1297 and is more than 700 years old. In 1862, Friedrich Hermann Lütkemüller was commissioned to build its new organ. Later, from 1892 to 1895, the church was remodelled under the direction of building councillor Möckel on the orders of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz. A 47-metre-high neo-Gothic brick tower with a tall cross replaced the wooden tower. The dates of the organ commission and remodelling reveal several stages in the church’s history without conflating them with the construction history of the Bentwisch church.
The surroundings of the Volkenshagen tower are also part of its story: set away from the main Rostock–Rövershagen and Rostock–Marlow routes, it is visible from afar and rises above the treetops of old lime trees. The municipality therefore offers different architectural details to look out for: in Bentwisch, the Gothic brick building on granite and fieldstone foundations; in Volkenshagen, the later neo-Gothic tower and its striking silhouette.
Courtyard café and village festival
The courtyard café in the Bentwisch rectory serves homemade cakes and aromatic coffee. It is a welcoming place for a relaxed afternoon with friends, a chance to meet others and enjoy a slice of cake. This offers a different, food-focused counterpoint to the local church history: rather than construction phases and architecture, the focus is on taking a break together. If you would like to plan your café visit in advance, check the opening hours first.
The traditional Bentwisch village festival was held on 3 and 4 July 2026 at the festival grounds in Bentwisch. The programme for this edition included open-air dancing from 7:30 p.m. for guests aged 16 and over, as well as pony rides, glitter tattoos and face painting for younger guests. These details describe the 2026 festival programme, not a future date. If you would like to include a village festival in your travel plans, check the specific dates and programmes for the relevant edition.
More to explore in the wider Rostock destination
The wider Rostock destination offers nature and outdoor activities alongside local architectural history. At Wildpark-MV, visitors can explore the park on their own or join guided walks, including wolf, owl and evening walks. The Kletter- und Erlebniswald Schwaan offers a different experience: it has seven courses for children, beginners and advanced climbers, as well as a 116.5-metre-long Flying Fox zip line that runs directly over the lake. These examples offer a distinct regional perspective alongside the churches in Bentwisch and Volkenshagen and the courtyard café. Before visiting the adventure forest, it is advisable to check the latest information about its facilities.
Choose hotels in Bentwisch
When looking for a hotel in Bentwisch, you can first decide what interests you most: Would you like to focus on the local church, explore the architectural history in Volkenshagen, or include a break at the courtyard café in your plans? If you are also considering activities in the wider Rostock destination, you can compare a different kind of excursion with the local options. This distinction can help you choose Bentwisch as a destination that suits your interests, without presenting the different places as a fixed walking route. Then choose your accommodation based on the specific options available and your personal requirements.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Rövershagen, Gelbensande, Mönchhagen, Blankenhagen.
Return to the regional travel overview: Amt Rostocker Heide.
