Verchen lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Kummerow, where the Peene River flows out of the lake. The village is in the “Mecklenburg Switzerland and Lake Kummerow” Landscape Protection Area. The beach, water and nature are central features here, alongside the history of St. Mary’s Monastery Church. When deciding what to focus on during your stay, it is worth considering these areas separately: some options are by the beach or lake, while others take you into the surrounding area as a trail or excursion destination.

Beach and water on Lake Kummerow

The beach in Verchen has fine sand and an expansive shallow-water area. Facilities include a fitness trail, a playground with a large pirate ship and a volleyball court. A dog-friendly bathing area adjoins the main beach; a buffer zone separates the two areas. A kiosk on the beach sells food and drinks. Before your visit, check whether the kiosk is currently open. The beach’s features and various facilities make clear that the bathing area is not the only reason to spend time on the shore.

There is also a waterway rest area on Lake Kummerow near Verchen. This is separate from the canoe rental at the nature park information center and the solar-powered boat safaris for observing beavers. Canoe rental is offered there as an option for visitors; check availability in advance. Solar-powered boat safaris are listed in Verchen as an activity. You should also check in advance whether a trip is currently running.

Nature trail, views and excursions

The Seeberge nature trail runs between Gravelotte and Verchen along the steep eastern shore of Lake Kummerow, through a scenic part of the Mecklenburg Switzerland and Lake Kummerow Nature Park. Near Verchen, the observation tower stands on the Verchener Seeberge hills. Stairs lead to the viewing platform, from where you can see far across Lake Kummerow and the surrounding landscape. A short excursion from the nature park information center in Verchen also takes you to a fen described as the largest in Central Europe.

St. Mary’s Monastery Church

St. Mary’s Monastery Church was built in 1269 as an Early Gothic hall church. That same year, Benedictine nuns moved to Verchen and expanded the church there into a monastery. Three stained-glass windows have been preserved in the church and are among the oldest stained glass in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The church also houses a triumphal cross dating from around 1440. Together, the dates represent two historical periods: the construction of the church and monastery in 1269, and the much later creation of the cross.

Getting there and choosing what to focus on

Verchen can be reached via the B 194. The road runs east of the municipality and connects to it via Lindenhof, a district of Borrentin. When planning your stay, it is worth noting the differences in location: the beach and waterway rest area are by the lake, the nature trail runs between Gravelotte and Verchen, and the observation tower is near Verchen. This lets you consider time on the water, the trail and the views as separate options.

Discover more destinations: Kentzlin, Hohenmocker, Lindenberg, Nossendorf, Kletzin, Meesiger, Sarow, Warrenzin

Go to the regional travel overview: Amt Demmin-Land.