Franzburg

Monastery Church and Historical Art

Built by Cistercian monks in the 13th century, the monastery and palace church is considered a landmark of the town of Franzburg. The Franzburg palace church is a transept of the former monastery church. As the palace church of the Pomeranian ducal house, it is one of the few testimonies to the Reformation period in this region. Thus, the building brings together the history of the monastery and the history of the Reformation. Guided tours of the palace church are available by arrangement.

The palace church preserves a sandstone epitaph with life-size figures dating from 1615, a 16th-century crucifix and a 15th-century Madonna on a crescent moon. These works illustrate different historical periods. Those interested in church art can see figure sculpture, a crucifix and an image of the Virgin Mary as distinct forms of sacred art.

The post mill is also one of Franzburg’s cultural highlights: it represents one of Europe’s oldest types of windmill. This design is also known as a German windmill, post mill or box mill.

The Hellberge and Trails Around Franzburg

Starting in Franzburg, the nature trail leads directly into the Hellberge and is especially suited to nature lovers and hiking tourists. The Hellberge were shaped by the last Ice Age, which ended around 10,000 years ago; today, the area is a popular place for recreation. Those who want to combine nature and hiking will find a good starting point here, while the formation of the landscape offers a historical perspective extending far beyond the history of the town.

Another option is the circular route “Nat(o)ur & Kult(o)ur am Richtenberger See.” It starts at Mühlengrundpark in Franzburg, has no climbs and is also suitable as a cycling route. Its starting point, level route and suitability for cycling give you concrete details to consider when planning your outing. The nature trail and circular route offer different experiences: nature and hiking are the focus of the former, while the latter is also described in terms of its route type and suitability for cycling.

Parks, a Garden and a Coffee Break

Mühlengrundpark covers about two hectares and features paths, ponds, extensive lawns and numerous fruit trees. It offers a different way to spend time outdoors than the trails into the Hellberge or the circular route.

The monastery garden, created in 2006, invites local residents and visitors to linger. It includes green spaces, a small playground and beds of herbs and seasonal fruit.

You can plan a visit to Café Wieckhaus in Franzburg for homemade cakes and coffee specialties. Along with the churches, trails and green spaces, the café adds a culinary destination to the possible highlights of a stay.

You can also find other local pages at the same hierarchical level for Millienhagen-Oebelitz, Wendisch Baggendorf, Weitenhagen, Papenhagen, Splietsdorf, Gremersdorf-Buchholz, Velgast and Glewitz.

For the higher-level travel overview: Amt Franzburg-Richtenberg.