If you’re looking for a typical Mecklenburgian town from around the 17th century then you’ve found it in Hagenow. You’ll find it to be a fascinating town in the far north of Germany, right between Hamburg and Schwerin.
Hagenow has just about a bazillion walking trails throughout the countryside, but walking around visiting all its sites just might be enough exercise enough. Though, renting a bicycle is always a good idea.
A whole section of the town has many timber framed houses that date from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It’s here that you’ll find the town’s smallest house (circa 1751) and the oldest (built 1730).
The oldest house in town is now a restaurant, so sit and enjoy some Himmel und Erde made with potatoes, pears, and bacon. Wash it all down with a good beer (wine is all right, but beer seems to go better).
After a hearty lunch you’ll have the energy to do more sightseeing. One of the most famous landmarks around town is the Wasserturm, a tall structure that looks more like a medieval tower than only a water tower. Maybe it’s its Gothic style windows that gives it a much older feel.
On Hagenstraße 48 is Hagenow’s old Jewish Synagogue. After the old building was burned out it was lovingly restored and now part museum and part culture center.
Closeby is Hagenow’s Neo-Gothic style Town Church, built in the 1870’s. You’d never guess from the looks of it that it suffered some bombing damage during World War 2.
There are also quite a few art galleries around town if you’re looking for some other types of cultural goings-on. Plus, Hagenow often has plenty of musical concerts and shopping markets around the Marktplatz.
Hagenow’s just wonderful and I can hardly think of a better place to eat, drink, and be merry Mecklenburgian style. ;-)
