St. Petri Church in Garz/Rügen is a Gothic brick church dating from around the middle of the 14th century, and is regarded locally as the city’s oldest surviving architectural testament to its history. Its baptismal font is believed to be more than 700 years old. The church therefore offers two specific historical points of reference: the medieval building and the history of the baptismal font. It is a distinctive starting point for a culturally focused stay. Check current service times in advance if they are important to your visit planning.

Cultural history in the wider context of the island

Garz and Putbus are noted for their historic townscapes; the Slavic castle rampart offers a glimpse into Rügen’s early history. Together with St. Petri, they provide a comparison of different perspectives: the church anchors the town’s history in a building, while the rampart offers an early perspective on the island’s history.

Countryside and cycling routes in southern Rügen

To take in the landscape, broaden your view to southern Rügen. The region is predominantly agricultural; small villages, fields, forests, and lakes define its character. More than 300 kilometers of cycling routes are also developed and signposted. The terrain is generally moderately hilly. For planning purposes, this is a different scale from the cultural attractions: St. Petri is a single building, while the countryside and cycling network describe the regional setting. If you are planning a bike tour, check the current route; the size of the network may change over time.

In the wider travel destination of Poseritz

The wider travel destination of Poseritz has its own focus on architectural history, countryside, and regional products. Construction of St. Mary’s Church in Poseritz began after 1300; the choir and tower were added around 1450. The wooden altarpiece dates from 1703. The building and its furnishings reveal a succession of several historical periods. The Birgitta Vorpommern pilgrimage route includes a five-kilometer detour to Poseritz Church.

The mixed forests around Poseritz offer good hiking opportunities. Visitors can also explore the countryside on horseback; the Poseritz Riding and Driving Club (Reit- und Fahrverein Poseritz e.V.) offers one way to do so. In Poseritz, the Naturprodukt GmbH dairy of Rügener Inselfrische traditionally processes milk from a neighboring farmer. At its production site in Poseritz, you can sample and buy the dairy’s products in the farm shop and café.

Choose the right focus for your hotel search

If you are looking for a hotel in Garz/Rügen, first decide whether the local church and town history or the landscape of southern Rügen is more important to your trip. The church, pilgrimage, hiking, horseback riding, and dairy themes in Poseritz belong to the wider travel destination of Poseritz and are a separate focus for planning.

Discover more destinations: Parchtitz, Buschvitz, Ralswiek, Sehlen, Rappin on Rügen, Gustow, Patzig, Poseritz.

Go to the wider travel overview: Amt Bergen on Rügen.