Koblentz: Moorland Landscape and History
Accommodation in Koblentz
Koblentz can be explored through two distinctive themes: the natural landscape around Großer Koblentzer See and the history of the present-day church building. The nature reserve combines rare wetland habitats with a role of national importance for waterbirds. In the village, the Mausoleum of the Knights of Eickstedt tells the story of a building that also served as the village church for a long time. When planning your trip, you can focus on both wildlife observation and architectural history.
File:Mausoleum von Eickstedt Koblentz 1.JPG
Photo: onnola (Flickr-User) via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Nature Reserve and Moorland Landscape
The Großer Koblentzer See nature reserve covers 269 hectares and lies between Krugsdorf and Koblentz. It protects an originally mesotrophic valley moor pool, along with adjacent groundwater-fed fen areas. It also includes an inland salt site that is very rare in Western Pomerania and a calcareous fen. These habitats give the nature reserve its distinctive natural character: in addition to moorland, a rare inland salt area is among the protected landscape features.
The lake lies in a gently sloping side valley of the Randow lowland, shaped by meltwater. During the Holocene, the valley became waterlogged; today it forms a groundwater-fed fen, crossed by individual ridges of mineral soil. Those interested in how moorland landscapes form and are structured will find a clear sequence of landforms and their development here. The area is also a breeding, migration and stopover site for waterbirds of national importance.
Paths and Birdwatching
A path behind the old manor house in Koblentz leads to Großer Koblentzer See. Another route runs from Koblentz to Uhlenkrug, passing directly north of the nature reserve. Walks and wildlife observation are therefore among the possible highlights of a stay. The two route descriptions offer different ways to find paths in the area around the nature reserve.
In autumn in particular, migrating geese and cranes are a highlight. Guided walks are offered at Großer Koblentzer See to observe them. Two observation hides on the southeastern shore provide views of the birds arriving to roost in the evening, also especially in autumn. Those interested in this nature experience can choose between a guided walk and observing the birds from the hides. The Koblentz lakes also offer opportunities to enjoy the sunset.
The Mausoleum of the Knights of Eickstedt
The present-day church building in Koblentz was originally built as the von Eickstedt family mausoleum. The Mausoleum of the Knights of Eickstedt was built in 1853–1854 to plans by Friedrich Hitzig, a student of Schinkel. Hitzig designed it in the Late Neoclassical style as a burial place for the Knights of Eickstedt. From around 1897 to 2013, the building was used as the village church. Its history thus encompasses both its original function as a family mausoleum and its long use as a church.
If you are interested in architecture, the building offers a tangible connection to Late Neoclassical architectural history; those looking for nature experiences will find another highlight around the lake and its birdlife. Find other places in Rollwitz, Jatznick, Polzow, Fahrenwalde, Brietzig, Krugsdorf, Viereck and Groß Luckow.
For the broader travel overview: Amt Uecker-Randow-Tal.
