Banzkow between the Stör, the Mill and Village History

Banzkow between Waterways and Village History

Those who want to combine cycling, water and regional history on their trip can explore Banzkow from several perspectives. The waterscape and the evidence of village life offer different points of connection. This is particularly apparent along the Stör waterway, at historic buildings, in the Störtal Museum and in modern design incorporating traditional elements.

Waterways and River Excursions

The Stör waterway is a 22-kilometre connection from Lake Schwerin to the Müritz-Elde Waterway and consists of the Stör and the Stör Canal. The Stör flows through the Stör Valley, via Plate and on to Banzkow. In Banzkow, spacious moorings for boats have been built on both sides of the bridges. If you would like to include waterways in your plans, this connection provides a clear geographical framework for viewing Banzkow.

The Stör waterway’s low current speed makes it suitable for water tours by canoe or paddle boat. This also allows you to experience the surrounding area from the perspective of a stay on the water. The towpath along the Stör provides a specific route length: it is an approximately 13-kilometre cycling and hiking trail from Mueß along the Stör to Banzkow and onward along the Stör Canal to Gaartzer Bridge.

Cycling between a Short Route and a Circular Trail

For longer cycling tours, the Lewitz Cycling Loop is approximately 95 kilometres long and passes through Banzkow as one of its stages. The two different distances help you organise your desired activity range: the towpath is approximately 13 kilometres long, while the cycling loop incorporates Banzkow into a considerably larger circuit. This allows you to distinguish between a single route and an extended cycling circuit when planning your trip.

Lewitz Mill and Mecklenburg Culture

The thatched Dutch-style windmill “Lewitz Mill” in Banzkow, dating from 1874, has been restored. Today, it houses the “Zur Lewitz Mühle” mill restaurant serving Mecklenburg cuisine, as well as a country hotel with a wellness area. The mill therefore combines Mecklenburg cuisine with a country hotel and wellness area.

The Störtal Museum Banzkow presents Banzkow and life in the surrounding area across 300 square metres under the motto “Living, Working and Life in the Countryside”. The museum also showcases rural life in Mecklenburg and traditions that developed over centuries. For visitors interested in culture, this makes Banzkow a tangible place with specific themes relating to village and regional history.

Church and Design in the Village

The red-brick church in Banzkow is neo-Gothic and was consecrated in 1875 after three years of construction. Banzkow village church contains a listed organ by Schwerin organ builder Friedrich Friese, which has been played since 1884. The construction period, design and organ thus point to different historical periods within the village’s history.

A more recent design element was added in 2007: four design features incorporating traditional elements in the Pop Art style were erected at the entrances to Banzkow. Banzkow therefore also demonstrates how traditional motifs were incorporated into a design created in 2007 in the Pop Art style. This creates a transition between waterways, rural history, sacred architecture and contemporary visual language as you explore the town.

For further travel planning, you can also visit Sukow.

For the overview of the wider area: Amt Banzkow.