Discover Vellahn: Forest Swimming Pool, Animal Welfare and Mill History

Vellahn brings together several distinct themes: the forest swimming pool on the edge of town, surrounded by woodland; Land der Tiere in the district of Banzin; and Bruchmühle, with its historic core. This gives you a choice of different focal points: water and exercise, animal welfare and education, or architectural history.

Woodland, Water and Exercise

Vellahn Forest Swimming Pool is on the edge of Vellahn, in a woodland setting. Its large swimming pool is designed for swimming laps; there is also a water slide and a beach volleyball court. Facilities range from swimming in the pool to sliding and ball games. If you plan to make the forest swimming pool a set part of your itinerary, bear in mind that seasonal opening hours may change, and check the current opening times before your visit.

Animal Welfare and Education in Banzin

Land der Tiere, in the Vellahn district of Banzin, is a 133,000-square-metre vegan animal welfare centre and a home for rescued animals between Hamburg and Berlin. It is also an educational institution. Anyone interested in animal welfare and education will find a clearly defined focus here.

In 2026, Land der Tiere is open every Sunday from May to October; check the specific dates before setting out. Train travellers are advised to book the on-demand bus, route 832, from Boizenburg station to Banzin. From the destination stop in Banzin, it is about a 10–15-minute walk to Land der Tiere. Check the timetable before travelling so you can factor in the ride and the walk when planning your trip.

A Historic Landmark in Vellahn

The core of Bruchmühle in Vellahn dates from 1840. This gives the town’s architectural history a specific point in time alongside the themes of the forest swimming pool and animal welfare.

If you are looking for accommodation for your trip to Vellahn, first choose your dates based on your main focus: for the forest swimming pool, current seasonal information is important; for Banzin, Sunday opening and the on-demand bus timetable matter.

Culture and Nature in the Broader Destination of Ludwigslust-Parchim

The broader destination of Ludwigslust-Parchim includes other distinct cultural and natural attractions. Ludwigslust Palace was the former residence of the dukes of Mecklenburg. Together with the park and town, it forms an ensemble known as the “Little Versailles of the North.” The palace is also the centrepiece of an almost completely preserved late Baroque town layout, with a former court church and an English-style landscape park. The palace showcases art and courtly domestic culture from the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The Dömitz Citadel is an example of a different architectural style: the Renaissance fortress, laid out on the Italian model, is pentagonal, with bastions, casemates and a drawbridge. The fortress museum covers the history of the fortress and town, the history of the Elbe, harbour and bridges, and Fritz Reuter; temporary and art exhibitions are also part of its programme. At Zarrentin Monastery, guided tours cover the history of the former Cistercian convent, the nuns’ lives and the architecture. The ground floor houses a permanent exhibition about the monastery. Check dates and visitor information in advance.

The landscapes are another distinct focus within the broader destination of Ludwigslust-Parchim. The limestone fen near Zarrentin is part of the Schaalelauf Nature Reserve and can be explored from the nature trail. The Lewitz is one of the protected areas in the district where you can discover its diverse flora and fauna. Water sports are practised on the Müritz-Elde Waterway in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. The fen, protected areas and water activities showcase different aspects of the region’s natural and landscape attractions.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kogel, Gallin, Lüttow-Valluhn, Zarrentin Am Schaalsee.

Back to the main travel overview: Amt Zarrentin.