Marienfließ: Monastery, Heath and Spring Trail

Marienfließ combines sandy landscapes with a distinctive monastic history. In the Marienfließ Natura 2000 area, extensive areas of dry sandy grassland and dry sandy heathland have developed on nutrient-poor sandy soils. These open, dry landscapes give the area a distinctive natural character; the monastery park on the Stepenitz and the Quellweg monastery trail add to it. This brings together nature experiences and cultural heritage when planning your trip.

Sandy Heath, Park and Spring Trail

Marienfließ Monastery Park covers 3.5 hectares along the Stepenitz. Trees designated as natural monuments line the park. Benches invite you to linger, while the orchard offers opportunities to experience nature. The Quellweg monastery trail begins and ends at the bridge behind the collegiate church on the Stepenitz. It leads through heathland and forest to a quiet spring area. When planning your day, a visit to the park and the Quellweg route through heathland and forest offer different experiences.

Monastery History and Cycling

Marienfließ Monastery was built in 1231 by Johann Gans of Putlitz and is the oldest Cistercian convent in the Prignitz. The Marienfließ collegiate church preserves coats of arms and epitaphs of the Prignitz noble families. The “Gänsetour” cycle route passes through Krempendorf, a district of the municipality of Marienfließ, adding a specific cycling connection to these themes.

Prignitz: More Nature and Culture

The wider destination of Prignitz offers another perspective on nature alongside the sandy landscape of Marienfließ. The Brandenburg section of the cross-state “Elbe River Landscape – Brandenburg” Biosphere Reserve covers around 53,000 hectares and lies almost entirely within Prignitz district. This makes it possible to consider a specific local focus and a vast regional natural area as different themes when planning a trip. Prignitz has 1,100 kilometers of designated cycling routes and 17 recommended tours that highlight regional sights and special features. Check the route network information before planning your trip.

The wider destination of Prignitz also offers a range of cultural highlights. Plattenburg is Northern Germany’s only surviving moated castle and gave the municipality of Plattenburg its name. In Bad Wilsnack, the late-Gothic hall church of St. Nikolai, widely known as the Church of the Holy Blood, stands in this medieval pilgrimage town. At the Pritzwalk Museum Factory, a permanent exhibition presents the history of industrialization in rural areas; visitors can get hands-on in the museum printing workshop and handweaving workshop.

Prignitz also offers various water-based activities for active days. Experienced paddlers can take tours on the Elbe and observe wildlife in the biosphere reserve. The BUND Visitor Center Burg Lenzen offers guided canoe tours on the Löcknitz for families, adults and school classes; dates are arranged on request. These different options can help you shape the regional part of your trip around wildlife observation or guided paddling.

Discover More Destinations

Jännersdorf, Gumtow, Rühstädt, Weisen, Lanz, Bad Wilsnack, Wittenberge, Gerdshagen

For the overview of the wider destination: Prignitz.