Warsow: Gothic Church and Sude Landscape

Warsow combines historic architecture with a river landscape shaped by wet meadows and distinctive habitats. The village is home to a Gothic church, probably built in the 12th or 13th century. Warsow itself was first mentioned in official records in 1217 as an estate and parish village under the name Warsowe. The church is considered the oldest in the administrative area of Amt Stralendorf.

Church architecture with distinctive features

The church’s choir is octagonal. The tower extends into the single-nave interior and appears to grow up out of the roof. It is topped with an octagonal pyramid covered in slate. Inside the church, a baptismal font, pulpit, pews dating from 1892 and an old carved altar screen on the north side have been preserved. Together, these details offer a tangible impression of the building’s architectural and furnishing history.

Another notable feature is the Friese I organ. It dates from 1833 and originally came from the church in Wustrow on the Fischland/Darß peninsula. In 1874, J. H. Runge installed it in Warsow, and in 1999 it was restored by Rostock organ builder Schmidt. The organ is considered the last work by organ builder Friese I and is therefore particularly significant. Its story thus runs from its origins in Wustrow, through its installation in Warsow, to its restoration.

The tower room was redesigned and renovated as a “Tower for All.” It is equipped with heating, a toilet and a kitchen, and can be used for a variety of purposes.

The Sude, wet meadows and a circular trail

The Sude runs along the southern boundary of the municipality. From a marshy area behind Mühlenbeck, it meanders past Warsow towards the Elbe. The unaltered stream and river areas of the Sude and Beek near Warsow are home to wet meadows, as well as alders, willows and hazelnut trees. The river areas provide habitats for beavers and kingfishers. Incised river channels have created steep banks with suitable conditions for beavers to make their burrows.

The approximately 21-kilometre circular trail “Around the Sude” runs from Kothendorf to Warsow. It includes a short visit to the church there before continuing towards Mühlenbeck. The approximate total distance is a useful guide for planning; the church visit is intended as a brief stop along this longer route.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

Warsow is located directly on federal highway B 321. The nearest railway station on the Schwerin–Hagenow line is in Alt Zachun, about five kilometres from Warsow. If you plan to travel by train, check the latest connections.

Compare this itinerary with the exact location of an accommodation option and decide how you would like to balance culture and nature during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Schossin, Pampow, Klein Rogahn, Zülow, Dümmer, Wittenförden, Holthusen.

For the overview of the wider area: Amt Stralendorf.