Discover Wusterhusen

St. John’s Church: Paintings, Altar and Historic Furnishings

The side walls of St. John’s Church in Wusterhusen feature murals from the 13th century. Paintings from the first quarter of the 15th century can also be found on the chancel arch. The different dates make the church interesting for visitors keen to explore medieval art: the paintings do not all date from the same period, but reflect different stages in the church’s history.

The carved altarpiece also tells a story of change. It dates from 1510 and was redesigned in the Baroque style in 1650. This makes it possible to distinguish two specific stages in its history: the creation of the altarpiece and its later alteration. If you are travelling with children, you can use these differences in date as an opportunity to explore details of the furnishings together, without focusing your whole visit on a single work of art.

The historic furnishings also include the granite baptismal font. It dates from the first half of the 13th century and has four male heads on its bowl. During a stay focused on cultural history, details like these complement the murals and the altarpiece. The oldest of the three bells probably dates from 1319; this date is not certain. Together, these furnishings give a tangible impression of the many different historic objects found in St. John’s Church.

Organ and Events

Another special feature is the mechanical slider-chest organ. Carl August Buchholz of Berlin built it in 1841, and it has been preserved in nearly its original condition. Following a successful restoration, the Buchholz organ was rededicated during a festive service on 14 July 2024. This date refers to the rededication, not to a future event. St. John’s Church is also a venue for the “Zeit für Dich – Spiritueller Sommer im Norden” (“Time for You – Spiritual Summer in the North”) series.

For visitors interested in church art and the history of music, several different features await: the paintings, the redesigned carved altarpiece, the baptismal font and the organ. The event series adds an opportunity to attend an event to this cultural experience. If you are considering Wusterhusen as a holiday destination, you can decide whether these cultural and historical discoveries are part of the stay you are looking for.

Cycling Through Wusterhusen

There is also a specific option for an active holiday: the Bodden Tour passes through Wusterhusen and runs, among other places, between Lubmin and Hanshagen. One described cycle tour first passes through Lubmin; after the railway crossing, a cycle path leads to Wusterhusen. After riding through the village, a cycle path leads to Lubmin, about 2.5 kilometres away. This distance is approximate.

There is a playground and rest area in the village along the described cycle route, making it a place to take a break. For families with children, this is a useful point of reference along the tour: you can consider stopping here rather than viewing the cycle ride only as a route between places. Those more interested in culture can focus on St. John’s Church; those who enjoy cycling can explore the sections of the tour that pass through Wusterhusen.

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, the first consideration is therefore the kind of stay you have in mind: do you want your trip to leave plenty of room for cultural and historical discoveries, or would you like to include a cycle tour in your holiday? St. John’s Church and the cycling routes mentioned here offer specific points of interest, without requiring both interests to shape the same day.

If you would like to broaden your search to other places, you can also consider Hanshagen, Loissin, Brünzow, Kemnitz, Katzow, Neu Boltenhagen, Kröslin and Rubenow.

For the wider travel overview: Amt Lubmin.