Elmenhorst: Village History, Equestrian Sports and Nature

Elmenhorst invites you to explore village history, equestrian sports and nature as different reasons to travel. The village church preserves several chapters that can be dated; at Pentecost, attention turns to a dressage and show-jumping tournament, while the Krummenhagener See Nature Reserve begins at the northwestern municipal boundary.

Village Church and Local History Room

Elmenhorst Village Church was built around 1270 by the Cistercian monastery of Neuencamp, now Franzburg. The building reveals a long historical timeline: the Mehmel organ dates from 1870 and was extensively restored in 1999 by Rainer Wolter from Zudar (Rügen). Baroque wall paintings were uncovered in the church in 2003. The building’s history, organ and paintings provide different points of interest within the same place and give travellers interested in historical details specific things to explore.

Visitors can learn about the village’s historical development in the local history room at the House of Encounter. These offer different perspectives side by side: the church tells the story of architecture and historical interior details, while the local history room focuses on Elmenhorst’s development.

Equestrian Sports at Pentecost

An equestrian and show-jumping tournament is held in Elmenhorst every year at Pentecost. More than 300 riders take part. If you are planning your stay around this event, check the current event date before travelling. This will help you plan your visit to coincide with the tournament.

Another connection to equestrian sports is the Elmenhorst Riding and Driving Club (Reit- und Fahrverein Elmenhorst e.V.), where those interested can learn to ride and take part in equestrian sports. The tournament and the club cater to different interests: the recurring Pentecost event, or learning and practising equestrian sports.

Nature Reserves and Wildlife

The Krummenhagener See Nature Reserve begins at Elmenhorst’s northwestern municipal boundary. It provides a habitat for a diverse range of breeding and migratory birds. The Zarrendorfer Torfstiche Nature Reserve lies northeast of Elmenhorst and is home to otters. The two natural areas therefore differ both in location and wildlife: Krummenhagener See is known for its breeding and migratory birds, while the Zarrendorfer Torfstiche is home to otters.

Cycling Route Planning and Rail Connections

The cycling route transport plan for the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania includes a regional main route from Grimmen via Wittenhagen, Elmenhorst, Zarrendorf, Wendorf and Voigdehagen to Stralsund. Another main route is planned from Krummenhagen via Elmenhorst and Neu Elmenhorst to Ahrendsee and Brandshagen. The routes follow different sequences of towns: the first is planned to pass through Wendorf and Voigdehagen on its way to Stralsund; the second follows the planned route via Neu Elmenhorst towards Ahrendsee and Brandshagen. Check current route signage before setting out on a cycling trip.

Vorpommern-Rügen as a Wider Cultural Region

The wider travel destination of Vorpommern-Rügen offers additional cultural points of interest: Vorpommern-Rügen is known, among other things, for the Störtebeker Festival, and the district has an estimated 60 museums. This regional perspective complements Elmenhorst’s history and cultural attractions if you would like to plan a trip beyond the village.

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