Easy hikes and walks around Lützow

“But perhaps the time is not yet ripe for that (...) lest one day they bring misfortune upon each other, along with their peoples. And if they should nevertheless do so, may the dear Lord, in his will, ordain that at least afterwards, when the calamity has already befallen them all, they find their way back to each other and make peace once and for all in this world.” So writes Otfried Preußler (born in 1923 in Reichenberg, Bohemia), best known as a children's author, in his work “The Flight to Egypt. Royal Bohemian Part.” While his words, within the context of the story, refer to the German and Czech inhabitants of the Kingdom of Bohemia, his statement is actually universal and timeless.

In the Battle of Wakenstädt, Swedish troops defeated the allied Danish and Saxon troops on December 20, 1712 near Gadebusch in West Mecklenburg during the Great Northern War. The Swedish commander-in-chief, Magnus Stenbock, had previously positioned himself between the Russian-Saxon troops stationed south of Stralsund and the Danish troops gathered near Hamburg in order to prevent the allies from uniting. As coordination difficulties delayed the deployment of the Russian artillery in particular, it was not used in the Battle of Gadebusch, so Stenbock was able to win a victory against a Danish-Saxon army. It was also the last major victory for the Swedes in the Great Northern War. Although the Swedes won the battle, it exacerbated the existing problems of their own army: around 1,500 men were killed or wounded, and the infantry regiments were short of many officers. Furthermore, many horses were killed, which weakened the artillery and cavalry. The supply situation remained tense for the Swedes. The Danish infantry had been fragmented and suffered heavy losses, but was soon able to reorganize and recover. The Danish cavalry suffered only a few losses in the battle. The fate of this Swedish army was to be sealed by a union of the Danes with the Saxons and Russians in Holstein during the siege of Tönning in 1713/14. Since 2000, a memorial complex has been built in Wakenstädt, in the middle of the historic battlefield. Today it consists of several international memorial stones, large information boards and the "Swedish hut". The Swedish hut was modeled on a Swedish soldier's hut from the 18th century. Since August 2016, there has been a completely redesigned exhibition inside on the archaeology of the Battle of Gadebusch with information boards and archaeological finds recovered from the battlefield. Another part of the hut was decorated in the style of the 18th century. It also serves as the centre for events as part of the Gadebusch-Åmål town twinning, where the events of over 300 years ago are remembered together. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlacht_bei_Gadebusch

The historic train station in Gadebusch is a real adventure station. In addition to the Station Burgsee Restaurant and various event locations, the station has a very special highlight in store. Like various politicians and athletes before you, you can spend the night in the former GDR government train. The saloon sleeping car, built in 1968, has six double sleeping compartments, a toilet and a shared shower. https://www.mecklenburg-schwerin.de/unsere-region/staedte-und-orte/gadebusch/nicht-verpassen/#

The historic train station in Gadebusch, which was completely restored in 2012 and is a listed building, offers you fresh, regional and modern cuisine in the "Station Burgsee" restaurant. Located directly in the Gadebusch city forest and on the Burgsee, you can enjoy typical Mecklenburg hospitality and excellent service here. In addition to its first-class "Station Burgsee" restaurant, the historic Gadebusch train station offers other options for active leisure and vacation planning. From August 2014, guests can stay in an original sleeping car from the former GDR government train, which is located right next to the train station. In addition, rooms are offered for companies to hold product presentations, seminars and demonstrations. Complete, individually put together incentive packages can also be booked. Whether you want to roam the area with tanks on a closed-off track, discover the Mecklenburg landscape in American vintage cars or camp by a pond in the middle of the nature of northwest Mecklenburg - there are great options here. https://www.mecklenburg-Schwerin.de/unsere-region/regionen/vom-schaalsee-bis-zur-ostsee/restaurant-station-burgsee/index.html

The Renaissance castle from 1573 is particularly known for the detailed terracotta decorations on the facade. The 16th century building is currently being extensively renovated. The castle can be visited on guided tours at events such as the Open Monument Day. The original building of the Gadebusch Renaissance castle was a Slavic ring wall castle, which was documented on this site in the 8th century. Godebuz Castle was under Obodrite rule. From 1200 to 1204 the castle was occupied by the Danish and was then converted into a solid brick castle with a free-standing stone keep in the 13th century. From 1283 to 1299 the castle was the main residence of Mecklenburg princes. The nearby castle lake also takes its name from this period. The Barber-Ljaschtschenko Agreement (exchange of land between the British and the Soviet Union) was signed here in 1945. After 1945, the buildings were used as a museum, boarding school and later for administration. Although the castle is currently being renovated, you can visit it as part of special events and guided tours. The Gadebusch museum complex at the foot of the castle hill provides information about the history of the castle and the town. The museum courtyard with a view of the castle lake is also particularly inviting. https://www.mecklenburg-schwerin.de/unsere-region/staedte-und-orte/gadebusch/renaissance-schloss-gadebusch/index.html

When you enter the Gadebusch cemetery through the wrought iron gate, you will come across a large sandstone grave on the right, reminiscent of Argentinian cemeteries. It is the grave of probably the most famous Gadebusch citizen of his time: Johann Friedrich Leopold Hühn. Hühn was born in Gadebusch on March 9, 1830. Like many young people, he sought his fortune abroad. He must have been a good businessman, because he made a huge fortune. On September 30, 1891, Hühn died in Lübeck without an heir. In his will, he left his entire fortune of 1,661,852.00 marks to his hometown of Gadebusch. By 1919, this amount had increased to 3,416,622.59 Reichsmarks due to interest. Gadebusch was probably the richest city in Mecklenburg at that time. The city fathers were overwhelmed by this huge sum. A lack of decisiveness, a lack of financial knowledge and endless debates led to chaos that ended in inflation in 1923. The great fortune was lost. As a consolation, however, the people of Gadebusch were able to keep their beautiful old Renaissance town hall. https://www.maurine-radegast-land.de/erleben/kultur/erinnerungsorte/friedhof-gadebusch

A walk through the Gadebusch cemetery reads like a history book of the city. In the past, the additional professions on the gravestones such as medical officer, city councilor, master locksmith, building officer, master mason, master vulcanizer, teacher, farmer, pastor, provost and many others showed the civic pride. Today, unfortunately, we are experiencing a change in cemetery culture towards anonymity. More and more, other forms of burial are being chosen. On the top level of the Gadebusch cemetery, under beautiful copper beeches and linden trees, there are 21 war graves from the Second World War. The graves are covered in ivy and each individual grave has a nameplate, although no one knows the name anymore. The grave complex is very well maintained and leaves a deep sense of sadness. https://www.maurine-radegast-land.de/erleben/kultur/erinnerungsorte/friedhof-gadebusch

Railway fans will get their money's worth here. Very nice to look at lock and wagons.