Nestled between a forest and the Wockersee lies the charming town of Parchim in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Here are so many great places to visit, both historical and for the sports enthusiast — not only because Parchim is the birthplace of Field Marshall Helmut Count von Moltke, leader of the Prussian Army for over 30 years.
There’s even a museum in his hometown dedicated to Moltke’s life and contributions. In fact, the good Field Marshall General was baptized in Parchim’s Parish Church Marienkirche.
The church itself is an early Romanesque-Late Gothic church dating from 1278. What makes this church really extraordinary are the Jewish gravestones dating back from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Parchim’s Town Hall was originally built sometime in the mid 13th century. It did have additions and was expanded throughout the centuries, as it was once used as Mecklenburg’s highest court (1667 through 1708). You might like to imagine the judges at the time liked to have a bit of the drink, since the court house had its own wine cellar.
You might be able to find out if those judges were half-snickered by strolling on over to the city archives. ;-)
You can also learn more about Parchim with a visit to the City Museum. What else is great is if you visit Moltke’s Museum; it’ll give you admission into Parchim’s City Museum as well.
Make sure you also visit the Shoe Market or Schuhmarkt, the town’s market square, looking something right out of an old movie.
For those who like the outdoors, you’ll really enjoy a stroll around the Wockersee. It’s where you’ll be able to swim and fish (with a fishing license, of course). There are even boat and bicycle rentals.
At the Buchholz, a recreational center on the outskirts of town, you’ll be shaded by the Douglas firs, over 100 feet tall. The majestic trees were brought over to the area from North America over 100 years ago but that’s only a drop in the bucket of time in this ancient town! ;-)
Oh, and for something pretty modern, just at the western edge of town lies the small-sized Schwerin-Parchim Airport (SZW) — the Chinese Stopover, as I call it. ;-)
All in all, this really is one interesting town.
