Franzburg – Church, Nature and Park

Discover Franzburg through a range of themes: the monastery and palace church tells the story of the town, while the nature trail, Hellberge hills and parks invite you outdoors. If you’re looking for accommodation, consider whether church art and history or walks and scenery will shape your stay.

Church history and special works of art

The monastery and palace church in Franzburg was built by Cistercian monks in the 13th century and is considered a landmark of the town. The palace church is the transept of the former monastery church. As the palace church of the Pomeranian ducal house, it is one of the few surviving monuments from the Reformation period in this region. A transept is the part of a church that runs across the nave—a distinctive architectural feature to look out for as you view the building.

The interior also contains historic works of art from different centuries: a sandstone epitaph with life-size figures dating from 1615, a 16th-century crucifix and a 15th-century Madonna on a crescent moon. Tours of the palace church are available by arrangement. If you plan to take a tour, arrange a date before your trip.

Exploring the Hellberge hills

The nature trail, which starts in Franzburg, leads directly into the Hellberge landscape conservation area and is especially suited to nature lovers and hikers. The Hellberge nature reserve was shaped by the last Ice Age, which ended around 10,000 years ago; today it is a popular recreation area. An outing here brings both the landscape and its long history of formation into focus.

Another way to spend time outdoors is the circular route “Nat(o)ur & Kult(o)ur am Richtenberger See” (Nature & Culture at Lake Richtenberg). It starts at Mühlengrund Park, has no inclines and is also suitable for cycling. The route also passes through Richtenberg. Compare these details with those of the nature trail: the trail is defined by its starting point in Franzburg and its route into the Hellberge hills; the circular route is described by its starting point, level course and suitability for cycling. Trail conditions may vary.

Green spaces and gardens

Mühlengrund Park covers about two hectares. Paths, ponds, extensive lawns and numerous fruit trees shape the grounds. It is also the starting point of the circular route mentioned above, so you can combine a visit to the park with the start of the tour. The park itself is also a destination for anyone who enjoys paths, water features and open green spaces.

The monastery garden, laid out in 2006, invites residents and visitors to linger. Its features include green spaces, a small playground and beds planted with herbs and seasonal fruit. The planting adds a seasonal dimension to a visit: the herbs and fruit reflect the time of year.

Windmill and coffee break

The post mill is another of Franzburg’s special features. The post mill is one of Europe’s oldest types of windmill; it is also known as a German windmill, trestle mill or box mill. These different names refer to the same type of mill and help identify its design.

Café Wieckhaus serves homemade cakes and specialty coffees. If you’re planning a visit, check the current opening hours beforehand. This lets you include a cake or coffee break in your plans without assuming it will be a fixed part of an outing.

Franzburg and the wider travel destination

Franzburg is located in the wider travel destination of Vorpommern-Rügen. The district is known, among other things, for the Störtebeker Festival; it is also home to an estimated 60 museums. These regional details describe Vorpommern-Rügen, not individual attractions in Franzburg. They provide a wider cultural context for planning a trip, while the church, Hellberge hills, park and garden are the Franzburg highlights mentioned here.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests

Those with a particular interest in architectural history and religious art will find tangible historical connections at the monastery and palace church; tours are available by arrangement. For outdoor activities, consider the nature trail, Hellberge hills, Mühlengrund Park and the circular route, each with its own details about starting point and course. The café and monastery garden offer further options: a coffee break or a visit to a garden.

Discover more destinations: Millienhagen-Oebelitz, Gremersdorf-Buchholz, Papenhagen, Weitenhagen, Wendisch Baggendorf, Splietsdorf, Velgast, Glewitz.

View the wider travel overview: Amt Franzburg-Richtenberg.