Mesekenhagen is a Bodden-side community with nearby forests and waterways. Karrendorfer Wiesen, the Mesekenhagen Polder, and Gristow Nature Adventure Park represent different nature themes: migratory birds stopping to rest during the migration season, moorland and water management, as well as trails and wildlife observation. Gristow Church adds weather-dependent views from its tower and cultural activities to these themes. You can therefore consider landscapes, wildlife, and culture as different reasons for your stay.
Karrendorfer Wiesen and the Mesekenhagen Polder
Karrendorfer Wiesen covers 365 hectares. During the migration season, it is an important resting area for waders and waterbirds. The meadows are part of the “Insel Koos, Kooser See und Wampener Riff” nature reserve.
Another named landscape area is the Mesekenhagen Polder. Between Jager, Kirchdorf, and Mesekenhagen lies a moorland area of approximately 600 hectares, with a substantial peat depth. A network of ditches and a pumping station drain the area into the Gristower Wieck. The polder also contains numerous legally protected biotopes as well as parts of several Flora-Fauna-Habitat sites. In a direct comparison of size, the moorland area in the polder, at approximately 600 hectares, is larger than Karrendorfer Wiesen, which covers 365 hectares.
Walking trails, animals, and an annual tradition
Gristow Nature Adventure Park has 9 km of walking trails through a variety of biotopes. Around 300 animals can be observed there, including sheep, goats, horses, and fallow deer. The park thus offers two distinct highlights: trails through a variety of biotopes and opportunities to observe several of the animal groups mentioned. When planning your visit, you can weigh up whether walking or wildlife observation should be the main focus.
The nature park hosts the traditional horse-mounted barrel striking event every year. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the specific date in advance. This lets you take the annual tradition into account without assuming a date that has not been specified.
Gristow Church: Views and culture
The tower of Gristow Church has around 141 steps. In good weather, the view extends across the Gristower Wiek to Greifswald and RĂĽgen. The church is also used for art events, concerts, and readings. The view is therefore weather-dependent, while the cultural activities encompass a range of event types. If you are planning to attend an event or visit the tower, check the relevant dates and visiting options in advance.
More to explore in Vorpommern-Greifswald district
Vorpommern-Greifswald district also offers cultural and historical attractions. In Greifswald, the Pomeranian State Museum displays the Croy Tapestry from 1554, a unique cultural and historical testament from the Reformation era. For cycling trips, the Baltic Sea Cycle Route, part of the EuroVelo EV10 route, passes through the district. Regional cycling routes for exploring the district also include the Stettiner Haff loop and the North German Romanticism Route. These district-wide cycling options cover a different scale than the 9 km of walking trails in Gristow Nature Adventure Park. Check current trail conditions and signage before setting out on a cycling tour.
Discover more destinations: Diedrichshagen, Behrenhoff, Neuenkirchen, Wackerow, Dersekow, Dargelin, Levenhagen, Hinrichshagen
Return to the regional travel overview: Amt Landhagen.
