Ahh, it’s happened again — I don’t know where I am. I mean, I know I’m in the right place, the town of Sundhagen in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, but no one told me it belongs to the Collective Municipality of Amt Miltzow.
Now that I think about it, the modern day Sundhagen didn’t even exist until 2009, when some seven villages were combined to make what we see now.
Oh, you can tell the place is much older than its 21st century borders. How do I know? That’s an easy one, there seems to be one medieval village church after another.
This is what I love about this part of Germany, so may beautiful brick churches to visit. It’s not even possible to pick my favorite, I’ll just have to tell you a bit about them so you can decide which one is yours, OK?
The Village Church in Reinberg isn’t one of the oldest, having been built only in the 15th century. Kirchdorf’s church is from the 13th century, as is the St. Mary Church in the village of Brandshagen.
No, now that I think about it, it’s got to be the 13th century village church in Reinkenhagen that I love so much. There’s something special about its brick, stone, and slate design.
However, people can’t live by going to churches alone — which is why I’m glad to follow along the Küstenwanderweg, a coastal hiking trail where you can breathe in the salty air of the Baltic Sea. And if you really like the water, come see Port Stahlbrode, with ferries, fishing boats, and even a restaurant serving up the freshest of what the sea offers.
Not for you? I understand. Well, how about partying at Sundhagen’s Christmas Party & Nicholas Festival? I’ll warn ya, it gets cold up here in northern Germany, so it’s best to bring along some warm clothes.
Come when the weather’s more comfortable, this way you can hike all around the nature reserve area in the village of Brandshagen. They’re quite proud to boast they’ve got Great Cormorants. Not bad, considering this pretty bird was almost hunted to extinction.
So what if I don’t know if I’m in Sundhagen, or Amt Miltzow, or whatever. I’m just glad to be here — now to find those Great Cormorants. Here, birdie, birdie, birdie. ;-)
