Mesekenhagen: Moorland, bird stopover and nature experiences

Mesekenhagen is a Bodden community close to woodland and bodies of water. Nature experiences range from moorland and protected biotopes to hiking trails, wildlife watching and cultural events. Visitors primarily seeking nature experiences will find a variety of landscapes and ways to explore the surrounding area.

Moorland and bird stopovers

The Mesekenhagen polder covers approximately 600 hectares of moorland with deep peat deposits between Jager, Kirchdorf and Mesekenhagen. A network of ditches and a pumping station drain the area into the Gristower Wiek. The polder contains numerous legally protected biotopes as well as parts of several Special Areas of Conservation. Both the moorland and the protection of special habitats are therefore characteristic of this area.

The Karrendorfer Wiesen are another natural area. They cover 365 hectares and are part of the “Insel Koos, Kooser See und Wampener Riff” nature reserve. During migration season, the meadows are an important stopover area for waders and waterbirds. This seasonal aspect is particularly important for nature enthusiasts: the area’s significance for birds stopping to rest is explicitly tied to migration season. The polder and the Karrendorfer Wiesen offer different opportunities to explore moorland, biotopes and bird stopovers.

Hiking trails and animals at Gristow Nature Experience Park

Gristow Nature Experience Park has 9 km of hiking trails that pass through various biotopes. You can take the route into account when planning your day; no walking times or difficulty ratings are provided. Those who want to observe different habitats while out and about can follow the trails through the biotopes.

Around 300 animals can be observed in the park, including sheep, goats, horses and fallow deer. The park combines these wildlife-watching opportunities with hiking trails through various biotopes. It also hosts the traditional horseback barrel-breaking event every year. The annual horseback barrel-breaking event adds a cultural touch.

Views and culture at Gristow Church

The tower of Gristow Church has about 141 steps. In good weather, the view extends across the Gristower Wiek to Greifswald and Rügen. The approximate number of steps and the weather-dependent view offer clear guidance for anyone interested in the tower. Good weather is explicitly required for the view.

Gristow Church is also used for art events, concerts and readings. Together with the views, this offers a different way to experience Gristow than the trails and biotopes in the nature experience park. Visitors who want to include cultural experiences alongside nature and landscapes in their trip can also consider these event venues.

Mesekenhagen is particularly appealing to travelers interested in moorland and wetlands, bird stopovers, hiking trails or cultural events. The Karrendorfer Wiesen, the Mesekenhagen polder, Gristow Nature Experience Park and Gristow Church represent different aspects of the area, without implying a shared route or a particular order.

For more information about places at the same level, see Levenhagen, Neuenkirchen, Dersekow, Diedrichshagen, Wackerow, Dargelin, Hinrichshagen and Behrenhoff.

For the broader travel overview: Amt Landhagen.