Discover the Parchimer Umland Office

Those considering the Parchimer Umland Office area as a travel destination can shape their days around a range of interests: cycling, hiking, nature watching, waterways and culture all offer different ways to explore the area.

Cycling routes, forests and nature watching

An approximately 9 km cycling route with a low level of difficulty leads from Neustadt-Glewe via Neuhof through the Lewitz to the Lewitz village of Matzlow-Garwitz and on to its tourist attractions. Check the route’s condition and signage before setting off.

In the Lewitz, nature enthusiasts can explore the almost 800 ha of carp ponds: the area is a nature reserve and home to all duck species. With a little patience, you may also spot white-tailed eagles there. Many observation points allow you to watch wildlife without disturbing the animals.

The Waldlewitz offers a different way to explore: this continuous forest covers an area measuring 10 x 10 km and can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by horse-drawn carriage. Those interested in the landscape and viewpoints will also find a 32 m-high observation tower on the Ruhner Berg in the Ruhner Berge Landscape Protection Area. It opened to visitors in 2001 and offers views across the landscape in clear weather. The Ruhner Berge were designated a landscape protection area in 1994.

Hiking trails and culture along the way

The approximately 10 km circular hiking trail, also known as the forest trail, starts and ends at the waterway rest area in Garwitz. It crosses the Müritz-Elde Waterway and passes through Malchow to the Pingelhof in Alt Damerow. The Garwitz Cultural Trail has a different focus: starting at the Old Lock Gate in Garwitz, it follows the Elde through fields and forest to the Pingelhof, one of Mecklenburg’s finest farm complexes.

Families will find a barefoot trail, puzzle stations, a small playground and an herb garden along the Cultural Trail. The Pingelhof also connects the trail with a baking tradition: bread and cakes are regularly baked there in a stone oven using old recipes. Since dates may change, check the current baking date in advance. You can also visit an earth-sheltered Dutch-style windmill dating from 1878 in Grebbin.

Experiences on the water and with animals

The marina in Matzlow-Garwitz, built in 1998, has 45 berths, supply and waste-disposal facilities, and a fuel station for waterway users. This adds practical facilities for visitors on the water to the area’s scenic attractions.

Elefantenhof Platschow offers a special experience for adults and children: after registering in advance, you can take part in a personal one-hour experience and, together with a keeper, care for and feed the elephants, hose them down if the weather is suitable, or go for a walk with them. This is a shared activity that requires advance registration; hosing down the elephants depends on the weather.

Parchim: city history and Lake Wockersee

In Parchim itself, city history and nature go hand in hand. The Parchim Museum’s permanent exhibition at the Kulturmühle covers 900 m² and traces the city’s history from its beginnings to the present day. St. Mary’s Church is the oldest building in Parchim still standing today. The Parchim ramparts also tell the story of the city: they cover approximately 4.4 hectares and can now be enjoyed as an urban park. A very well-preserved section of the Parchim city wall can be seen on Am Wallhotel street.

Lake Wockersee covers 62 hectares and lies on the northern outskirts of Parchim. It is suitable for hiking, swimming and boating. The Wockertal Landscape Protection Area borders the lake directly. To reach Parchim, first travel by Deutsche Bahn to Ludwigslust or Schwerin, then continue by ODEG. Check current connections and timetables before your trip. From Parchim station, it takes about ten minutes to walk to the city centre; taxis and buses are also available for onward travel.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Spornitz, Damm, Domsühl, Groß Godems, Karrenzin, Lewitzrand, Obere Warnow, Rom, Severin, Ziegendorf, Zölkow.

Go to the main travel overview: Ludwigslust-Parchim.