Dannenwalde: Lakes, Forest and the Church by the Road

Dannenwalde brings together nature, culture and active travel ideas without focusing on just one theme. The Wentow Lakes and the surrounding beech forests define its landscape, while cycling routes, a barefoot trail and the octagonal church offer other perspectives. If you are looking for accommodation, consider the mix you want from your trip: should nature set the tone, or would you also like to focus on cultural themes?

Natural surroundings between lakes and forest

Dannenwalde lies within the Uckermärkische Seen Nature Park and the Fürstenberger Wald- und Seengebiet Landscape Protection Area. The village borders the Gramzow-Seen Nature Reserve. Together with the Wentow Lakes and the beech forests, these features make up a landscape whose defining elements are easy to identify: bodies of water, forest and various protected areas. When planning your trip, you can consider which of these aspects you would like to shape your stay most.

Cycling routes and a special stop

Several long-distance cycling routes are associated with Dannenwalde, including the Berlin–Copenhagen Cycle Route and the Queen Louise Route. The barefoot trail is also part of the village’s profile: it is considered a worthwhile stop for motorists on the B96 and cyclists on either of the two routes. Different ways of travelling therefore sit side by side: long-distance cycling routes and a single trail that can be a destination or a stop along the way. If you are planning a family trip and taking different interests into account, you can weigh nature and exercise as separate priorities alongside cultural themes.

The Church by the Road

Dannenwalde’s octagonal church is a prominent cultural landmark. It was built between 1819 and 1821 and is known as the “Church by the Road.” Its unusual shape gives it a distinctive architectural character, and it also hosts an extensive cultural programme. The church thus adds a cultural dimension to the character of the village, alongside its landscape and cycling themes. For travellers interested in both nature and culture, it is a distinct focus when exploring Dannenwalde.

Gransee: Urban history in the wider destination

The wider destination of Gransee offers further points of interest in its historic buildings and local history museum. You can walk around the town wall, which dates from the early 14th century. The Ruppiner Gate Tower and Powder Tower are open to visitors; you can get the key from the local history museum. The twin-towered St. Mary’s Church is a landmark of Gransee. Construction of the Franciscan monastery began around 1280 with the church.

The local history museum and Gransee Tourist Information Office at Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße 44 illustrate the town’s history with dioramas and a model of the town as it looked around 1930. Guided town tours are organised through the local history museum and can be booked in advance there. Alongside a walk around the town wall, visitors can explore Gransee’s history through the museum, a guided tour and the towers, which are open to visitors.

Gransee railway station is served by RE 5 from Berlin Central Station and from the direction of Stralsund and Rostock. Check the current timetable before travelling. When choosing your focus, consider which of these themes matters most for your trip.

View the wider travel guide: Gransee.