Ihlow: Village Church, Small Railway and Flaeming-Skate

Ihlow combines a Gothic village church with an unusual trace of its transport history: the former narrow-gauge railway line can now be travelled on inline skates. The municipality of Ihlow also has other village churches, landscapes and traditions. This gives you a choice of architecture and activities, as well as experiences in other parts of the municipality. When choosing accommodation, it is worth distinguishing Ihlow itself from the municipality’s other attractions.

Building history with clear contrasts

Ihlow’s village church was built around 1300, in the Gothic period, as a rectangular hall church made of dressed fieldstones. Its construction period, floor plan and material provide three concrete points of reference. The church tower with its two spires is particularly striking: Ihlow’s village church is the only rural church in the Fläming with a two-spired tower. Those interested in regional church architecture will find these features a vivid introduction to the history of the place.

Rietdorf, a district of the municipality of Ihlow, offers a different style. Its late Romanesque village church, built of granite ashlar, stands in the centre of the village. Compared with Ihlow, both the period and the building material are different: in Rietdorf, late Romanesque granite contrasts with Gothic fieldstone construction. This comparison brings the municipality’s different building periods to life.

Former railway and activities today

The former narrow-gauge railway line of the JLKB (Jüterbog-Luckenwalde Small Railway) ran through Ihlow; passenger services ended in 1963. Today, you can travel along the route on inline skates. Ihlow is also accessible via the Flaeming-Skate on inline skates or by bicycle. Teltow-Fläming district maintains the Flaeming-Skate and cleans it regularly; nevertheless, check current route conditions before setting out.

Landscape and tradition in the municipality

In Mehlsdorf, a district of the municipality of Ihlow, the Mehlsdorfer Busch surrounds the village. This landscape is shaped by alder carr woodland that has been preserved in an almost natural state. The lowland landscape is suitable for cycling and walking, and the corresponding routes are signposted. Alongside the former railway line, this offers active route options through a different type of landscape.

The district of Niendorf contributes a seasonal tradition: every year, the summer village festival features a Brühtrog race across the village pond, attracting visitors and teams from the surrounding area. As the race is part of the summer festival, check current event dates before your trip.

In a forest near Niendorf lies Pfennig-Pfuhl, associated with the legend of a sunken castle. This local tale adds another dimension to the municipality’s architecture and landscape.

Ihlow within the wider destination of Teltow-Fläming

The wider destination of Teltow-Fläming also offers a distinctive cultural attraction: the Baruther Glashütte settlement is a heritage site of European significance. It has a living glass museum with a working furnace, and traditional workshops produce one-of-a-kind pieces and small-batch series. This expands Ihlow’s themes of churches, routes and village traditions to include glassmaking and craftsmanship in Teltow-Fläming.

Discover more destinations: Dahlewitz, Jüterbog, Ludwigsfelde, Rangsdorf, Dahme/Mark, Gottsdorf, Jänickendorf, Nuthe-Urstromtal

See the overview of the wider destination: Teltow-Fläming.