Zarrentin am Schaalsee is located in the Schaalsee UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, moorland experiences, circular trails and the history of a former Cistercian convent come together. The PAHLHUUS is a good place to start exploring: the reserve’s modern, accessible information centre is at Wittenburger Chaussee 13. Its exhibition is dedicated to the region’s unique natural features; you can also get tourist information there.
Moorland, lakes and walking trails
The approximately 1.2 km-long Moor Experience Trail starts right behind the PAHLHUUS. This circular trail passes through a protected calcareous fen. The Kirchensee Circular Trail offers a different experience: this easy circular walk is about 3 km long, starts in Zarrentin and offers beautiful views of Lake Schaalsee and Lake Kirchensee. The 8 km-long Monastery Route is another circular trail in Zarrentin. Its highlights include scenic views, the remarkable flora and fauna of the biosphere reserve, and historic remains of the former Cistercian convent dating back to the 13th century.
The trails differ in both length and theme: the Moor Experience Trail passes through the protected moorland, the Kirchensee Circular Trail offers views of two lakes, and the Monastery Route combines nature with historic monastery remains. You can choose a route based on whether you are most interested in moorland, lake views or cultural history. The trails range in length from about 1.2 to 8 km.
Zarrentin Monastery and local history museum
The former Cistercian convent in Zarrentin is known as “Heaven’s Gate” and is located on the southern shore of Lake Schaalsee. Guided tours of the town of Zarrentin am Schaalsee and the former monastery are offered year-round. Confirm the current tour schedule before booking. The ground floor of the monastery also houses a permanent exhibition about the monastery.
The Zarrentin Local History Museum was founded in 1988 and has been located in its current home, the former monastery barn at Kirchplatz, since 2000. These dates refer to different things: 1988 is the year it was founded, while 2000 marks the start of its current location. The Monastery Route takes in historic traces as part of a hike; the tours and permanent exhibition focus on the monastery itself.
Lake Schaalsee and getting there
A boat trip around Lake Schaalsee passes islands and peninsulas, Zarrentin’s promenade and the former inner-German border. Check current services and departure times before making plans.
Zarrentin Beach is about 500 m from the PAHLHUUS, also on Wittenburger Chaussee, at number 98. You can reach the information centre via the A 24, B 195 and L 04, or by bus operated by Verkehrsgesellschaft Ludwigslust-Parchim. Check current road connections and bus services before travelling.
Discover more destinations: LĂĽttow-Valluhn, Gallin, Kogel and Vellahn.
See the overview of the wider travel region: Amt Zarrentin.
