Nostorf: Church History, Border Fortification and Circular Route
Accommodation in Nostorf
Nostorf can be understood through its varied historical and landscape connections. St. Lawrence’s Church points to a consecration in the 15th century, while the remains of a Slavic-era border fortification belong to a much earlier period. The Elbe-Schaalsee Circular Route also helps with orientation. When choosing a place to stay, you can weigh up whether local history, archaeological traces or a route through the surrounding area is your priority.
Church History in Nostorf
A chapel dedicated to St. Lawrence was consecrated on 2 October 1483 at the site of today’s St. Lawrence’s Church in Nostorf. It was affiliated as a subsidiary church (Filia) with St. George’s Church in Zweedorf. The consecration date and dedication provide a specific historical and religious reference point for the site.
Another datable landmark is the Friese organ, built in 1890. The church interior and organ underwent extensive renovation by 2006. St. Lawrence’s Church thus brings together the history of a late medieval consecration and an instrument from the late 19th century as distinct historical layers.
Traces of a Slavic-Era Border Fortification
The remains of a Slavic-era border fortification lie directly behind the Stecknitz/Delvenau dyke near Nostorf. According to an initial survey of the finds, it was apparently in existence by the end of the 9th century at the latest and continued to be used in the 10th century. In contrast to the 1483 consecration, the fortification takes you much further back in time and offers a different way to explore local history.
Trial trenches at the fortification yielded findings in 2018 that point to an intense fire and metallurgical activity. These indications of fire and metalworking at the fortification site add to what is known about its chronology.
Routes and Landscape Connections
The Elbe-Schaalsee Circular Route continues north from the old town of Boizenburg/Elbe to Nostorf, then passes the Border Museum along the Green Belt. If you include the route in your plans, check its current alignment before setting off.
In the municipality of Nostorf, “Horst Mühlengraben (Z1)” is designated as a water access point and “Horst Mühlengraben” as a recreational area (E1). Both names can help you find your way; check local conditions before visiting.
More Cultural and Nature Highlights in the Wider Ludwigslust-Parchim Destination
Those who explore the wider Ludwigslust-Parchim destination will find other historical highlights there. Ludwigslust Palace was the former residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg and, together with its park and town, forms an ensemble known as the “Little Versailles of the North.” The palace is the centrepiece of an almost completely preserved late Baroque town complex, with a former court church and an English-style landscaped park. The palace presents art and courtly domestic culture from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Ludwigslust therefore offers a different focus from Nostorf’s church history and early historical fortification.
Another historical highlight in the wider Ludwigslust-Parchim destination is in Dömitz. The museum in the fortress explores the history of the fortress and town, the history of the Elbe, harbour and bridges, and Fritz Reuter; it also offers temporary and art exhibitions. Dömitz Citadel is a Renaissance fortress laid out on Italian models, in the shape of a pentagon with bastions, casemates and a drawbridge. While Ludwigslust represents courtly and residential culture, Dömitz foregrounds fortress history and military architecture. If you are interested in a temporary exhibition, check the current programme in advance.
The wider Ludwigslust-Parchim destination also has a distinct focus for nature lovers: the calcareous fen near Zarrentin is part of the Schaalelauf Nature Reserve and can be explored from the nature trail. This lets you choose between historical topics and a nature experience connected with the fen.
Discover more destinations: Schwanheide, Brahlstorf, Greven, Tessin B. Boizenburg, Dersenow, Neu Gülze, Besitz, Bengerstorf.
View the overview of the wider area: Amt Boizenburg-Land.
