It’s been months (really, months) since I’ve gotten the chance to come back up here to the North — and I’m glad to be here in the town of Crivitz. I mean, the Amt Crivitz, the Collective Municipality.
Whether you choose to just see the town itself, or enjoy the additional sixteen villages, Crivitz is a lovely forested town with lakes and history, fun festivals and village churches. You see, there’s something everyone can get excited about.
Because I have the power of the pen (keyboard), I’m choosing to tell you about the historical side of Crivitz first.
The City Church is a good place to start, a lovely medieval church from the 14th century. Another grand church is the tiny village church in Wessin. It isn’t very big, but I think that’s part of its charm.
There used to be a synagogue here too, and you’ll find it at Fritz-Reuter-Straße 13. It hasn’t been a place of worship since the 1920s, but don’t let that stop you from coming to see it. Crivitz isn’t without scars from World War II; you’ll find a pieta at a “memorial” chapel to those who died during a Death March — and the old Jewish Cemetery was once used as prisoner’s camp.
I still get conflicted about the dark side of Germany’s days of the Third Reich, but Crivitz today is a totally different place. These days the town’s a great place to enjoy events like the Kürbisfest, a festival to the pumpkin with all kinds of foods, crafts, and good cheer.
Of course the Bockbierfest in November is a good time event to be had by all (ok, those old enough to drink), and there’s also the Christmas Market in November — if you’re interested.
Then again, if you’d rather have some time alone, then come to the Crivitzer See. The lake is popular with those wanting to either fish or hike along its banks.
As for the rest of Crivitz (the Collective Municipality), you’ll find a lovely 19th century windmill in Banzkow, two more fantastic village churches in Dobin am See, and even a castle in Bülow. Wow, I can’t imagine having to clean that — but that’s nothing compared to the 10th century Schwerin Castle, located just one town over.
Would you look at that, Crivitz has so much to get excited about, that it spills over to the next town. ;-)
