Zarnewanz: Winkelhof, Manor House History and Walking Trails

The townscape of Zarnewanz tells a story of different eras: one type of house still shapes it today, manor houses reflect its architectural history, and walking trails follow the traces of a former railway. Protected landscapes add to these themes. This gives you a range of starting points for planning your trip—from architecture and regional transport history to nature and outdoor activities.

Townscape and Manor House History

The Winkelhof house design, developed in the late 1920s, continues to shape the townscape of Zarnewanz. Zarnewanz itself was first mentioned in a document in 1268. These two dates highlight different aspects: the documentary reference dates back a long way, while the Winkelhof represents a more recent influence that remains visible in the town today.

Zarnewanz Manor House was built around 1850. It is centrally located in the village, next to an adjoining park, and is privately owned. The manor house also has a varied history of use: a chapel was set up in the former dining hall and consecrated in 1931 by Heinrich Behm, the regional superintendent from Bad Doberan. The chapel was deconsecrated in 2022.

Stormstorf, a district of Zarnewanz, also offers a connection to manor house history. The manor complex there, with its manor house and park, is listed in the district register of historic monuments. Stormstorf Manor House was built in 1871; it is privately owned and occupied. Together, the different construction dates and local connections offer a concrete point of reference if you are interested in the municipality’s history.

Walking Trails and Traces of the Sugar Beet Railway

Regional transport history can be explored alongside the landscape: the 65-kilometre-long sugar beet railway was put into operation at the same time as the Tessin sugar factory was built in 1895–1896. The Tessin narrow-gauge railway connected, among other places, Zarnewanz and Gnewitz. Today, signposted trails in the Zarnewanz hiking area follow an old sugar beet railway route.

A specific route is also described for planning a hike: it leads from Zarnewanz through Gnewitz and Stubbendorf to Ehmkendorf, crossing the Recknitz Valley. You can orient yourself either by the place names along this route or by the old railway route. Traces of the former Tessin railway can still be seen in many places throughout the wider region; information boards recall its route and history.

A cycle path is also part of the local history of mobility: in June 2000, a cycle path was completed along the L 18 in the built-up area of Zarnewanz. The walking trails follow the former sugar beet railway route; the cycle path along the L 18 represents a later chapter in Zarnewanz’s history of mobility.

Protected Landscapes

Parts of the municipality of Zarnewanz lie within the Reppeliner Bachtal Nature Reserve. Another connection is found in Stormstorf: the 115-hectare Stormstorfer Bachtal Landscape Protection Area is bounded by Stormstorf to the north. These protected areas give the landscape significance of its own, alongside the town’s architectural and historical features.

The natural landscape extends beyond Zarnewanz. The entire Recknitz catchment area is home to many rare and endangered animal and plant species and is featured in the visitor information for the Zarnewanz hiking area. This means you can view the Recknitz Valley not only as part of a named hiking route, but also in the context of a larger natural area.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

Within the broader Rostock travel destination, Sternberger Seenland Nature Park offers another landscape to explore. It includes deeply incised breakthrough valleys along the Warnow, numerous lakes, picturesque hills and extensive forests; the nature park is particularly suited to hiking and cycling. This gives you different themes to choose from when planning your trip: Zarnewanz features Winkelhof houses, manor house history, trails along former railway routes and links to protected landscapes, while lakes, valleys and forests define the appeal of Sternberger Seenland Nature Park.

When comparing accommodation, first consider which places and themes will shape your trip. Zarnewanz can serve as a specific search location for a trip focused on the townscape, manor house history and walking trails. If you would like to include other destinations in the broader Rostock travel destination, it is also helpful to take them into account when choosing where to stay.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Grammow, Gnewitz, Nustrow, Cammin, Thelkow, Selpin, Stubbendorf.

Back to the main travel overview: Amt Tessin.