An early Gothic brick church, old winter linden trees and a lake on the edge of the village offer several starting points for a stay in Demen. The “Around Crivitz” cycling and hiking route also passes through Demen along its main course. This makes it possible to explore the village through both its architectural history and its trails and landscape.
Church, Rectory and Bells
Demen Church is an early Gothic brick building. Together with the rectory, it shapes the appearance of the village; old winter linden trees stand on the church grounds. Inside, a well-preserved Gothic carved wooden altarpiece has been preserved. It depicts Saint Mary and the body of Christ—a specific visual representation that adds another historical detail to the church alongside its architectural style.
The bells, too, tell different chapters of the story: the larger one has a diameter of 75 centimetres and was cast in Lübeck in 1737. The smaller one measures 50 centimetres and was recast in 1852. The two measurements and dates make the bells distinctive details of Demen’s church history. Visitors interested in architecture and historic furnishings will find not only the brick building here, but also carved art and historical records about the bells.
Lake and Landscape in the Municipality
Lake Demen lies right on the edge of the village and has a bathing beach. Check current access and seasonal conditions before visiting. The bathing beach makes Lake Demen appealing to travellers who would like to spend time by the water.
The Warnow flows through the municipality of Demen and passes to the southwest of the village. The area around the river is considered peaceful and close to nature. Nearby, in the Warnow lowlands, a picturesque riding stable is also an option for horse lovers. In Kölpin Forest near the village of Venzkow, there are giant sequoias that are about 40 metres tall and over 100 years old. These natural attractions are not all on the edge of the village: they are spread across the village and the wider municipal area.
Cycling and Hiking Route, and Canoe Trips
The “Around Crivitz” route is a cycling and hiking trail about 89 kilometres long. Its main course passes through Demen and Kölpin. The total length describes the route, not a single section for a day trip; therefore, check the specific route details before setting out. Points of interest along the wider regional route also include lakes and bathing spots.
Canoe trips can be planned on the Warnow. Rental stations along the river are located near Gut Vorbeck, Weitendorf and Sternberg Castle. If a trip is part of your plans, find out in advance whether rentals are available and check the river conditions. The route and canoe trip are two different ways to plan your stay: on foot or by bike along a longer trail, or as a planned activity on the water.
Getting There and Planning Your Stay
If travelling by car, you can reach the A14 motorway in the municipality of Demen via the Schwerin-Ost interchange. When looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether local history, the lake, the cycling and hiking route or a planned canoe trip will be the focus of your stay. For activities on the route or on the water, it is advisable to check the relevant section or current conditions in advance.
More Cultural Attractions in Ludwigslust-Parchim
The wider destination of Ludwigslust-Parchim has cultural attractions of its own, in addition to Demen. Ludwigslust Palace was the former residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg and, together with its park and town, forms an ensemble known as the “Little Versailles of the North.” The palace is the centrepiece of an almost entirely preserved late Baroque townscape, with a former court church and an English-style landscape park. The palace presents art and courtly domestic culture from the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Another historical highlight is Zarrentin Monastery, where guided tours explore the history of the former Cistercian nunnery, the nuns’ lives and the building’s architecture. A permanent exhibition about the monastery is located on the ground floor. If you are planning a tour, check dates and access in advance. These regional destinations add to the range of attractions in Ludwigslust-Parchim without replacing Demen’s own church, lake and trails.
Discover more destinations: Bülow, Crivitz, Zapel, Friedrichsruhe, Tramm, Barnin.
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Crivitz Administrative District.
