Warsow: Church, Sude River and Village History

The Church and Its Unusual Design

The church in Warsow is a Gothic building that was probably constructed in the 12th or 13th century. It is considered the oldest church in the Amt Stralendorf administrative district. The interplay of its architectural elements is striking: the choir is octagonal, while the tower extends into the single-nave interior and appears to rise from the roof. An octagonal, slate-covered pyramid sits atop the church tower. These forms give the building a distinctive profile, quite apart from the individual furnishings inside.

The village’s history also stretches far back: Warsow was first mentioned in official records in 1217 as an estate and parish village under the name Warsowe. This date refers to the mention of the village, not to the construction date of the church. Those who enjoy learning about historic places through their architectural and written traces can regard these two details as different insights into Warsow’s history.

The Organ and Furnishings Inside the Church

The furnishings include a baptismal font, a pulpit, pews dating from 1892 and an old carved altarpiece on the north side. The Friese I organ adds its own story to this collection: it dates from 1833, was installed in Warsow by J. H. Runge in 1874 and was restored in 1999 by the Rostock organ builder Schmidt. It originally came from the church in Wustrow on Fischland/Darß. The organ is considered the last work by organ builder Friese I and is therefore particularly significant. In a single church interior, furnishings with different histories of creation and alteration come together.

The church interior also includes the tower room, known as the “Tower for All,” which has been redesigned and renovated. It is equipped with heating, a toilet and a kitchen, and can be used for a variety of purposes.

The Sude, Beek and Their Habitats

The Sude meanders from a moorland area behind Mühlenbeck, past Warsow and towards the Elbe, flowing along the southern boundary of the municipality. The natural stream and river areas of the Sude and Beek near Warsow include wet meadows as well as alder, willow and hazel trees. They provide habitats for beavers and kingfishers. The incised river channels have created steep banks that provide suitable conditions for beavers to build their burrows. Thus, in addition to the church, the waterways and their banks offer another way to explore the landscape of Warsow.

This gives you a clear choice of themes when planning your trip: the church offers an introduction to architecture and history, while the Sude and Beek draw attention to waterways, banks and wildlife habitats.

Circular Route and Getting There

The approximately 21-kilometre “Around the Sude” circular route runs from Kothendorf to Warsow, includes a short visit to the church there and then continues towards Mühlenbeck. The distance refers to the circular route; the church visit is intended as a brief stop along the way. If you choose this outing, the total distance is an important point of reference for planning your day.

Warsow is located directly on federal highway B 321. The nearest railway station on the Schwerin–Hagenow line is in Alt Zachun, about 5 kilometres from Warsow. These give you two specific geographical reference points for your journey: the federal highway by the village and the station in Alt Zachun. The distance to the station is approximate.

Music in Summer and During Advent

Concerts are held in the church every year during the summer months. The church also hosts an Advent market on the third Sunday of Advent, featuring Advent music. These two occasions bring different musical highlights to the church calendar: the concerts take place in summer, while the market is held on a specific date during Advent. If you want to plan your trip around culture and music, these are the seasonal events to note in Warsow.

Discover more places via Klein Rogahn, Pampow, Schossin, Holthusen, Zülow, Dümmer and Wittenförden.

For the overarching travel overview: Amt Stralendorf.