Zernien: Heights Trail, Forest Pool and Half-Timbered Church

Zernien is located on the ridge of the Upper Drawehn. A distinctive hiking trail, the forest pool and the half-timbered church in Riebrau offer different highlights. This makes it easy to combine active pursuits and cultural experiences during your trip.

Hike to Hoher Mechtin

The Drawehn Heights Trail crosses Hoher Mechtin, at 142 metres the highest point in the Wendland. From the signposted hiking car park in Spranz, a 2.0-kilometre section of the Wendland Circular Trail leads directly to the observation tower on Hoher Mechtin. The tower is accessible only on foot. If you plan to visit it, include the walk from the car park in Spranz as part of your hike.

Forest pool on the edge of town

The forest pool is located on the edge of Zernien along the Drawehn Heights Trail, and its pool is heated. Five 25-metre lanes provide space for swimming, while the water slide is in the adjoining non-swimmers’ area. There is also a parent-and-child area with a baby paddling pool and playground. The different areas cater to different needs, from the swimming lanes to the paddling pool. Check seasonal opening details before your visit.

Half-timbered architecture and church history

The half-timbered church in Riebrau was built from 1759 to 1763 using oak from the Göhrde. Its west tower is integrated into the building to about halfway. Inside, six columns support the gently vaulted wooden ceiling. The church was renovated inside and out from 2000 to 2001; since then, it has largely regained its original appearance. Its construction period and architectural details give the church a distinctive place in local cultural history.

Another chapter in the municipality’s church history takes us to Gülden. After the church there had fallen into such disrepair that entering it was considered life-threatening, P. Georg Leopold Küchenthal commissioned a new building. It was consecrated on 7 January 1787.

Golf as another travel highlight

The Göhrde Golf Club in Braasche, Zernien, has had an 18-hole course since 2000. Since 2020, tee times have been compulsory at the club; check the current booking procedure before travelling. The club also describes habitats, rare butterflies, red deer that come and go, and squirrels on the grounds. This means golf and the natural features described by the club can join hiking, swimming and architectural history as possible interests during your stay.

Culture in the wider Lüchow-Dannenberg destination

In the wider Lüchow-Dannenberg destination, the Wendland Rundlingsmuseum in the circular village of Lübeln presents a farmstead as an open-air museum. Traditional crafts are brought to life there in the pottery, smithy, bakehouse and wheelwright’s workshop. These cultural attractions offer a different focus from Zernien’s church-building history.

The Kulturelle Landpartie is also part of the wider Lüchow-Dannenberg destination. Since 1989, artists and craftspeople have opened their farm gates and studios every year between Ascension Day and Pentecost, presenting their work for twelve days. Exact dates vary from year to year. If you are planning your trip around the event, check the dates for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Schnega, Gartow, Waddeweitz, Gorleben, Lüchow, Göhrde, Kassau, Küsten

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