I have to tell you if it wasn’t for this compulsive quest to write about all these towns in Germany, I’d have missed out on some inviting places. Towns like Gadebusch up in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Because of that dedication to all thing German (make that an obsession) I learn something new every single day; and today it was the Battle of Gadebusch during the Great Northern War.
Ever heard of it? Yeah, I didn’t either. ;-)
Turns out there was an epic battle between the forces of Peter the Great (of Russia), Augustus the Strong (of Poland & Saxony) and Frederick IV (of Denmark) versus the Swedish & Ottoman Empires (as well as England) just days before Christmas in 1712. I mention this because there’s a diorama of the “battlefield” that you can see today.
At the risk of sounding glum, this isn’t the only dark spot on Gadebusch’s long history. I also learned that over the course of two decades, some eight people lost their lives during the town’s Witch Trials. Wow, that’s really interesting because today Gadebusch is on the Sagen und Märchenstraße (a scenic route known as the Legends and Fairytale Road).
And do you see that really pretty brick Renaissance style castle? That’s Schloss Gadebusch, once an 8th century Slavic castle that was once occupied (i.e., he took it by force) by Henry the Lion.
Honestly, I like the fact that a few hundred years later I can enjoy my goat cheese in peace here with having to defend it with a battle ax or worry about being called a witch.
Anyway, have you ever tried goat cheese? It’s quite yummy, and you can try some of the local goat cheese factory’s products at the local Farmers Market, as well as other places around town.
Don’t worry, there are plenty of opportunities to eat around here. All sorts of local goodies are served at all of Gadebusch’s events — like the Flea Market (March); the Münzfest (July) that’s also got amusements and art and music; and the very enjoyable Christmas Market.
Anyone wishing for some peace & quiet might be best served by taking on Gadebusch’s hiking trails (one is a total nature trail), or biking routes (one is 34 km going past castles, churches, and lakes). To see what a simpler life would’ve been like, go see the Rauchhaus in the district of Möllin — a farmstead of life in the 1800.
With everything going on, I almost forgot about the medieval Saints James & Dionysius Church, built in 1220. And I almost left out to tell you about the city tours that’ll take you to many of these places.
You go on ahead, I’ve got more goat cheese to eat in peace. ;-)
