Papendorf celebrated its 700th anniversary in 2002. The municipality is located in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany. Papendorf is primarily a residential community without any major economic structures. The local history, architectural history and regional cycling landscape offer different ways to understand the village and the wider district.
Local History and Agriculture
Papendorf was first mentioned in 1302. In the same year, Margrave Waldemar gave the village to the town of Pasewalk to settle a debt. In 1360, the Pomeranian dukes Barnim, Bogislaw and Watislaw once again granted Papendorf to Pasewalk. The dates mark two distinct milestones: the first mention and grant in 1302, and the renewed grant in 1360.
The economic structure also has a historical dimension. Agriculture was once Papendorf’s most important economic sector; agricultural land in and around the village is still farmed on a smaller scale. This reflects the difference between its former primary economic role and the current extent of agricultural use, while Papendorf is now primarily a residential community.
The Village Church as a Historic Landmark
The rubble-stone foundations of Papendorf church date from the early 14th century. The original building is a rectangular fieldstone hall; a base for the west tower was added later. A fieldstone wall surrounds the churchyard. The church is considered an important testament to the region’s architectural and cultural history. Another detail that can be dated precisely is the bell: Stettin craftsman Ernst Voss cast it in 1889.
A visitor notice dated June 3, 2026, reported that the church had been inaccessible for several years; safety concerns had led to traffic restrictions in the surrounding area. Check current access and road conditions before setting out. There is also a First World War memorial on Dorfstraße.
A Cycling Route Towards Papendorf
A municipal publication from November 2025 mentions a cycling route along the B 104 that leads towards Papendorf. If you plan to use this connection, check the current route before your trip.
More Nature and Cycling in the Vorpommern-Greifswald District
Canoeing and beaver watching are promoted as activities in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district. The landscapes around the Szczecin Lagoon, the Peene, the Uecker and the Randow can be explored by bicycle. Pine and beech forests, as well as the Ueckermünde Heath, are considered areas for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. The region therefore offers everything from cycling tours, hiking and riding opportunities to activities on the water and beaver watching.
One specific circular route is the Brohmer Berge–Randowtal Tour. It starts in Pasewalk and combines historic sights with views of the Brohmer and Helpter hills. It then continues through villages, meadows and forests to the Slavic settlement of Ukranenland in Torgelow. The route has rail connections in Pasewalk, Strasburg and Torgelow. This helps distinguish the local cycling route towards Papendorf from the longer circular tour by their different landmarks: the route mentioned runs along the B 104, while the circular tour starts in Pasewalk and leads to Torgelow.
Discover more destinations: Jatznick, Polzow, Zerrenthin, Krugsdorf, Fahrenwalde, Viereck, Brietzig, Rollwitz.
For the higher-level travel overview: Amt Uecker-Randow-Tal.
