Altenhagen: Churches and a Bronze Age Burial Mound

Altenhagen can be explored through tangible traces of its past: a fieldstone church in the present-day town centre, the parish’s half-timbered church, and a Bronze Age burial mound on the country road towards Philippshof. There is also a route included in the cycling plan. This means local history and cycling offer different interests to choose from during your stay. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Altenhagen, these themes can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your trip. The wider Mecklenburg Lake District offers another regional perspective.

Church architecture in the townscape

A fieldstone church stands in the present-day town centre. It was restored at the end of the 18th century. Its location makes it a landmark in the centre and a tangible starting point for learning about Altenhagen’s architectural history.

Another ecclesiastical landmark is the half-timbered church in Altenhagen. It is now the main church of the Altenhagen parish, was built after the Thirty Years’ War, and has stood for more than 300 years. It was intended as an “emergency church.” Comparing the fieldstone and half-timbered churches brings their different construction methods and historical origins into view. Anyone interested in local history will find more here than just a look at a single building: its construction, age and original function each offer a different reason to learn about the town.

Burial mound and other traces

A Bronze Age burial mound, described as pre-Christian and open to visitors, lies on the country road towards Philippshof. It adds an archaeological point of interest to the history of the churches. The directions indicate the mound’s location, while its dating offers a very different historical perspective. You can therefore treat it as a separate destination alongside the churches.

A smallholder’s cottage is also part of the townscape: it is on Dorfstraße, next to the inn.

Cycling and choosing where to stay

For cyclists, the Tützpatz–Neuenhagen–Altenhagen route is relevant. In the cycling plan, as of June 2024, it is designated as a cycle path running alongside the road. As conditions may change, please check the current situation before setting off. This designated route is a different planning consideration from the historic sites: you can weigh up whether cycling or local architecture and history will play a bigger part in your stay.

This distinction can also help when looking for a holiday apartment in Altenhagen. If your main aim is to discover the local churches and burial mound, these local themes can be the focus of your plans. If you also want to explore nature and landscapes, the wider destination of the Mecklenburg Lake District offers its own regional attractions.

Nature in the Mecklenburg Lake District

The Müritz National Park is characterised by forests, bogs, lakes and expansive meadows. Its hiking trail explores the park’s landscapes and special features in nine stages: the route follows lakeshores, passes through ancient forests and by inland dunes, and leads to the source of the Havel. Certified nature and landscape guides offer informative tours, including guided visits to the UNESCO World Heritage beech forest in Serrahn and tours from the water. Hiking, guided nature exploration and Altenhagen’s local history offer different interests within the wider destination.

Another nature attraction in the Mecklenburg Lake District is the Damerower Werder bison reserve. It is located on a peninsula in Lake Kölpin and in the Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heath Nature Park. Visitors can watch bison there. The forest adventure trail features climbing opportunities, an anthill house, an exhibition with touch-and-see panels, and a dendrophone. The reserve thus offers a distinct focus on wildlife watching and interactive activities.

Discover more destinations: Gnevkow, Altentreptow, Tützpatz, Grischow, Siedenbollentin, Werder, Bartow, Pripsleben

See the regional travel overview: Amt Treptower Tollensewinkel.