Warnow: Santower Lake and Bössow Village Church

Natural surroundings around Santower Lake

The municipality of Warnow reveals its landscape through two striking features: an extensive network of hedgerows alongside the fields, and Santower Lake with its protected shoreline areas. The entire municipal area lies within the Northwest Mecklenburg Hilly Landscape Conservation Area. Santower Lake borders Warnow and lies within the municipality; its shoreline areas are protected as a nature reserve. As a shallow, sheltered lake, it provides important habitats for plants and animals. Reed beds and wet meadows provide habitats for many species. Fields, hedgerows, and damp shoreline areas give the natural surroundings their varied character.

In autumn, many thousands of geese of various species use Santower Lake as a roosting site. For anyone interested in birdlife, this offers a clear seasonal reason to include Warnow in travel plans at this time of year. There is also a choice of walks: walking routes of varying lengths are available around Warnow and Santower Lake. Check local route conditions and accessibility before setting out.

Village life and architecture in Bössow

Bössow is regarded as an agriculturally oriented village with several well-preserved old farmhouses and a small village church. Bössow Village Church was built in the first half of the 14th century as a late-medieval brick church with a low, square west tower. The east window contains stained glass from the late 14th century, depicting the Adoration of the Magi as well as several apostles and saints. The church’s furnishings also include a pulpit dating from 1674 and a neo-Gothic altarpiece. The building’s design, stained-glass windows, and furnishings bring the church’s different historical layers to life.

Großenhof Castle adds another example of rural architecture. The old half-timbered building is listed as a historic monument; several holiday bungalows are also part of the property. Großenhof and Gantenbeck are considered destinations for gentle tourism, thanks in part to their proximity to the Baltic Sea and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Historic architectural styles and the natural surroundings thus offer distinct travel interests.

Cycling and walking routes as different ways to explore

There are two different points of reference for cycling tours. The municipality’s rural road network is considered suitable for cycling. The municipality recommends a ride from Grevesmühlen via Warnow and Bössow to the Baltic Sea at Wohlenberger Wiek. In addition, the Castles and Manor Houses Route passes through Bössow, Thorstorf, and Warnow and connects to the Baltic Sea Cycle Route. The route crosses the Mecklenburg countryside, with its rolling fields and meadows. Before setting out on a cycling tour, it is worth checking local conditions and route signage.

On foot, you can choose from walking routes of varying lengths around Warnow and Santower Lake. The cycling options and walks can therefore be seen as different focuses for your stay: the recommended bike tour leads to the Baltic Sea, while the other route passes through several places and connects to a long-distance cycle route. Be sure to take local conditions into account when planning either type of trip.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

If you are traveling with a range of interests, weighing these options can help you plan your days. The different themes provide concrete starting points for finding accommodation in Warnow that suits the experiences you want to focus on.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Testorf-Steinfort, Plüschow, Gägelow, Upahl, Bernstorf, Börzow, Rüting, Mallentin.

To the overarching travel overview: Amt Grevesmühlen-Land.