Zirchow lies directly on the north shore of the Szczecin Lagoon and within the Usedom Island Nature Park. Local highlights range from the late Gothic St. Jacobus Church and the Airport Miniature World in the airport building to Thurbruch to the west. Architectural history, airport-themed miniature models and lowland moorland give the place three clearly distinct facets.
The Lagoon and Thurbruch
Thurbruch lies west of Zirchow; parts of it are designated as a nature reserve. The moor is considered one of the largest lowland moors in northern Germany and provides a refuge for moorland flora and fauna within the nature park. Thus, the location by the lagoon and the connection to the moor landscape represent different geographical aspects of Zirchow: the village lies on the north shore of the Szczecin Lagoon, with Thurbruch to the west.
St. Jacobus and Its Architectural History
St. Jacobus is a late Gothic brick and fieldstone church dating from the 13th century. It is considered the oldest surviving church building on Usedom. The square west tower was added in the 15th century and later received a Baroque cupola. The church thus reveals a medieval origin and later additions. Medieval wall paintings have been partially uncovered in the altar area.
The portal doors also served a protective function: they could be barricaded with wooden beams during raids and used as a place of refuge. Lyonel Feininger frequently used the church as a subject for his paintings. In October 2022, the Kiba Foundation named St. Jacobus “Church of the Month.”
Airport and Miniature World
Heringsdorf Regional Airport is located within the area of Zirchow and Garz. Its runway is 2,305 metres long; the airport also has an instrument approach. The Airport Miniature World is located in the airport building. It displays airport-themed miniature models across more than 200 square metres.
Flight schedules and operations can change. If you are planning your journey around them, check the connections for your travel dates.
Tour 18 and Cycle Routes
Tour 18 begins at the church in Zirchow. After about 1.1 kilometres, the route passes under an old railway bridge; after roughly 1.6 kilometres, it reaches a larger wooded area. A place to sit serves as the first rest stop. Check the path conditions and access before setting out; facilities along the route can also change. On Tour 18, there is a stretch of around 500 metres between the railway bridge at about 1.1 kilometres and the larger wooded area at roughly 1.6 kilometres.
For cycling, paved cycle paths connect Zirchow with Bansin, Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, Kamminke, Garz, Świnoujście and Usedom. Surfaces and route conditions can change, so it is worth checking the current route before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Dargen, Loddin, Ückeritz, Mellenthin, Usedom, Korswandt, Rankwitz, Stolpe auf Usedom.
Go to the higher-level travel overview: Amt Usedom-Süd.
