Blankenhof: Local History, Kleiner See and Gevezin Manor

Layers of history in Blankenhof and Gevezin

Blankenhof was first mentioned in the 1805 state almanac of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. In 1847, it was separated from the Gevezin fiefdom and elevated to an independent hereditary estate. Gevezin has its own, earlier historical marker: the place was first mentioned in a document in 1311 and was formerly a triangular green village. The dates mark different stages—the early documentary mention of Gevezin, Blankenhof’s first mention in the state almanac, and the later change in the estate’s status.

A green village is a settlement form in which buildings are arranged around a shared village green. Gevezin’s former triangular shape gives its settlement history a vivid focal point. Those interested in local development can distinguish between the different historical accounts rather than combining them into a single origin story.

Kleiner See and the estate

Kleiner See, also known as Blankenhofer See, is in Blankenhof, covers 4 ha and is 2 m deep. It is affiliated with the AV Chemnitz angling club. The fish species listed include eel, perch, bream, pike, carp, roach and tench. These details give the lake a distinct natural profile and make it a topic in its own right alongside local and manor history.

Gevezin Manor House is located in the Kuppiges Tollensegebiet bird sanctuary. Many of the buildings on the Gevezin estate have been preserved and are still in use. Together, the protected-area designation and architectural heritage show two distinct sides of the place: the landscape around the manor house and the estate’s continued use.

Nature and time spent around the manor house

The extensive park at Gevezin Manor House is accessible from the dining room and the centrally located garden room. It offers space for morning walks, a yoga session, meals beneath apple trees and long sunbathing sessions. In the area around the manor house, you can explore natural forests and meadows on foot or by bicycle, while listening to birdsong.

The manor house is available for weddings or birthdays with a maximum of 35 people. If you are planning a celebration, it is best to check current availability in advance. This way, you can distinguish this special use from a stay focused primarily on local history, the lake or nature.

The Mecklenburg Lake District as a wider travel destination

The Mecklenburg Lake District offers further distinct nature-related attractions as a wider travel destination. Müritz National Park is part of this region and is characterized by forests, wetlands, lakes and expansive meadows. The Müritz National Park hiking trail explores the landscape in nine stages: it runs along lakes, through ancient forests, past inland dunes and to the source of the Havel. Certified nature and landscape guides offer informative tours, including guided visits to the UNESCO World Heritage beech forest of Serrahn and tours from the water.

The Damerower Werder bison reserve offers a different focus. It is located on a peninsula in Lake Kölpin and in the Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heath Nature Park. Visitors can observe bison there. The forest adventure trail includes climbing opportunities, an ant house, an exhibition with tactile and visual panels, and a dendrophone. Hiking stages, guided nature tours and wildlife watching thus offer different regional themes that you can prioritize according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Trollenhagen, Woggersin, Sponholz, Zirzow, Neddemin, Wulkenzin, Neverin, Staven.

See the wider travel overview: Amt Neverin.