Zarrentin am Schaalsee — Bright Hope Under A Full Moon

It’s been a long day, not much has gone right, pretty much from the time I woke up this morning. My first thought was run right back to bed, trying to forget today ever happened. Ohh, what an opportunity I would have missed out on — a full moon shining on the water of the lake here in Zarrentin am Schaalsee.

Bright hope for a brand new tomorrow. ;-)

Once hidden behind the “Iron Curtain” in East Germany (and on the Inner German border & bordering Schleswig-Holstein), Zarrentin these days isn’t just a town between Schwerin and Hamburg, it’s also the “Seat” of the Amt Zarrentin — the Collective Municipality — giving it four more communities to its original twelve districts, and increasing its population from just over 4,900 people to almost ten-thousand.

One of the most popular places for all its residents is the old medieval Cistercian monastery. The view of the former monastery is great from the banks of Lake Schaal, but it’s really known for its many concerts and other cultural events. There are even exhibits about the Kloster’s history from its founding in the 13th century, so you’ll learn something on top of being entertained.

FYI, you’ll find a number of events also held in Low German, if you’re interested.

Another 13th century addition to Zarrentin is the Church of St. Abundus, although the half-timbered addition didn’t come along until some 400+ years later. Oh well, these things happen.

Generally being one to get all giddy at the thought of a medieval church, this time it’s the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve area around the Schaalsee that did it for me. Puhleeze, if thinking the lake was stunning in the light of a full moon — that was nothing to seeing it in the bright sunshine.

A sunny day is just what I needed after yesterday, so I was excited to travel on over to Gallin to see its exceptionally pretty timbered church, and over to Vellahn to see its charming stone church.

Too bad Castle Melkhof is privately owned — wouldn’t have minded sitting there for a spell, especially under the light of that full moon.

 

Learn more about Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Holiday Homes
preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload preload