Süderholz: Castle Park, Churches and Chapels

Süderholz combines parkland with small chapels and churches whose architectural histories span different periods. Griebenow Castle Park represents nature and designed landscapes; Griebenow, Klevenow and Rakow bring specific architectural and ecclesiastical history into focus. This offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip—from parks and nature to sacred architecture.

Griebenow Castle: Chapel and Park

Griebenow Castle Chapel is a 15-sided half-timbered central-plan building constructed in 1654. Its clear geometric form and half-timbered construction give the building a distinctive architectural character. Those interested in historic building methods will find more than a date here: its form and materials offer concrete ways to appreciate the chapel as a building.

Its furnishings are also part of what makes it special: the altar, patronal pews, pulpit and organ are largely preserved in their original condition. The building's historic character therefore encompasses not only its architecture but also several important elements of its interior furnishings. The chapel appeals both to travellers who pay attention to architectural forms and to those interested in preserved church furnishings.

The historic park at Griebenow Castle was first documented in 1706 and today covers around 15 hectares. A rectangular castle island creates a clear geometric accent within it. Visitors can experience a high level of biodiversity in the flora and fauna while walking through the park. Nature and designed parkland emerge here as two facets of the same visitor experience: alongside the shape of the island is the diversity of plant and animal life.

Church History and Nature in Klevenow and Rakow

The small Klevenow Chapel was probably built between 1650 and 1730 on the remains of the rampart of the castle of the same name in what is now Süderholz.

Klevenow Castle Park also offers a distinctive natural feature. It has a pond with two islands, and many rare trees and shrubs, as well as several impressive natural monuments, can still be found there. Those wishing to take in trees and park features as well as historic buildings on an outing will find a different focus here than at Griebenow Castle Chapel: the landscape and its plant life take centre stage.

The Church of the Holy Body, a former medieval pilgrimage church, is located in Rakow. It was probably associated with a miracle involving a host. The church houses a Fischer organ. Together, the pilgrimage history, the cautiously reported account of the miracle and the organ give the place several distinct points of cultural and historical interest.

Another historic landmark is the mile obelisk on the L26 in Griebenow. It is listed as a historic monument in the Vorpommern-Rügen district's monument register. This adds a monument that can be located directly on a named road to the larger buildings and churches.

Travel Interests and Finding Accommodation

A café run by an association, serving coffee and cake specialities, is located on the ground floor of Griebenow Castle. It operates seasonally.

When looking for accommodation in Süderholz, your preferred kind of trip can help guide your choice: Would you like to focus on parkland and nature, are you particularly interested in chapels and churches, or would you like to combine both themes? The places mentioned offer concrete inspiration for this decision.

Vorpommern-Rügen as a Regional Setting

As a broader travel destination, Vorpommern-Rügen offers an additional cultural perspective. The district is known, among other things, for the Störtebeker Festival; it is also home to an estimated 60 museums. These regional attractions complement the focus on Süderholz, whose distinctive features lie in the parks, chapels and churches described here.

Discover more destinations: Amt Ribnitz-Damgarten, Stralsund, Amt Franzburg-Richtenberg, Sassnitz, Grimmen, Amt Barth, Zingst, Amt Darß/Fischland.

Go to the regional travel overview: Vorpommern-Rügen.