Discover Franzburg

Monastery and Palace Church: History in Several Layers

The Monastery and Palace Church was built by Cistercian monks in the 13th century and is considered a landmark of Franzburg. Its history is also reflected in its later use: Franzburg Palace Church is a transept of the former monastery church and served as the palace church of the Pomeranian ducal house. As a testament to the Reformation era, it is one of the few of its kind in this region.

Inside, the palace church preserves works of art from different centuries: a sandstone epitaph with life-size figures dating from 1615, a 16th-century crucifix and a 15th-century Madonna on a crescent moon. Their different dates of origin invite you to look at the works individually rather than regard them as a single, unified interior. Guided tours of the palace church are available by arrangement. If you would like to learn more about the church, you can therefore arrange a guided tour in advance.

Hiking and Cycling Around Franzburg

The nature trail, which starts in Franzburg, leads directly into the Hellberge. It is particularly suited to nature lovers and hiking tourists, and offers a way to extend your stay beyond the historical sights and into the countryside. The Hellberge were shaped by the last Ice Age, which ended around 10,000 years ago; today they are a popular recreational area.

Another option for getting active is the circular route “Nat(o)ur & Kult(o)ur at Lake Richtenberg.” It starts at Mühlengrund Park, has no uphill sections and is also suitable for cycling. This specific route information can help you choose between a hike on the nature trail and a bike ride. If you would like to include both in your trip, Franzburg offers different ideas for enjoying active time outdoors.

Green Spaces in the Heart of Franzburg

The approximately two-hectare Mühlengrund Park combines paths, ponds, expansive lawns and numerous fruit trees. Its mix of water, open green spaces and trees sets it apart from the Ice Age-shaped Hellberge. If you prefer a quieter break surrounded by greenery, you will find a different experience here than on a hike. The circular route at Lake Richtenberg also starts at this park, making it both a destination in its own right and the starting point for the bike tour.

The monastery garden, laid out in 2006, also offers green spaces, along with beds of herbs and seasonal fruit and a small playground. Locals and visitors alike are welcome to stop and relax there. For families, the playground is a practical feature, while the herb and fruit beds highlight the garden’s seasonal character. The park and monastery garden complement each other, while offering different kinds of places to spend time.

A Windmill Design and a Coffee Break

The post mill adds another chapter to the area’s architectural history. It is one of Europe’s oldest types of windmill, also known as a German windmill, post mill or box mill. These different names refer to the same design and help explain the terminology.

Café Wieckhaus serves homemade cakes and speciality coffees. Together with the church, garden and mill, it offers a varied view of Franzburg: historic buildings and art, nature experiences, landscaped green spaces and a local place to stop for refreshments. Which of these aspects matters most to you may also influence your decision to choose Franzburg as a holiday destination.

Choose Franzburg as Your Holiday Destination

If you are primarily interested in culture, the Monastery and Palace Church and its artworks, created over several centuries, take centre stage. For more time outdoors, consider the nature trail, the Hellberge and the circular route at Lake Richtenberg; the park and monastery garden add their own green highlights. When choosing your holiday apartment, consider which of these Franzburg experiences you would like to shape your stay.

More places to consider when planning your trip: Velgast, Splietsdorf, Weitenhagen, Gremersdorf-Buchholz, Glewitz, Wendisch Baggendorf, Papenhagen, Millienhagen-Oebelitz.

For the broader travel overview: Amt Franzburg-Richtenberg.