In the South Baltic Sea region, the hinterland behind the well-known and immensely popular seaside resorts is home to an astonishing and multi- faceted area full of stunning manors. The region’s shared, eventful de- velopment and history forms a bond uniting this manor landscape across the borders of the countries lining the Baltic Sea. Whether an art gallery, a hotel or simply a place to meet up – innovative usage concepts and pio- neering spaces are breathing new life into the old walls. Under the motto “Old places, new life,” participants in the South Baltic Manors project have dedicated them- selves to developing this unique manor landscape for tourism. Since 2018, 13 partners from Germany, Poland, Den- mark, Sweden, and Lithuania – inclu- ding stakeholders from the tourism, transportation, and culture sectors, and the manor segment, along with additional associate partners from the Kaliningrad region and Latvia, and the support of many manor owners – have dedicated themselves to turning that motto into reality. The project’s goal is to collectively market the manors and stately homes of the South Baltic Sea Region and inspire visitors to discover the hinterland’s hidden beauty, and to create transnational tourism products and offerings for a variety of target groups. Several steps have already been taken, including the development of bicycle and car routes, the creation of online offerings, and the establish- ment of an international manor festival. This brochure focuses on the Vor- pommern region. The area’s manor landscape has been shaped by its unsettled history. War, expropriation, and the communist regime led to hard times in the region, but also contributed to the manors’ preser- vation. After the fall of communism, many of the former country estates were no longer in use. But over the last 30 years, creative minds have found their way to the rural areas of Vorpommern and channelled their own enthusiasm, innovative ideas, de- termination, and energy into the con- ceptualisation and realisation of novel concepts for the manors’ use. These varied ideas go far beyond the classic manor hotel, and now art, culture, and culinary offerings attract manor enthusiasts to the region’s furthest flung corners. This vast palette of offerings makes a trip to the inland regions of Vorpom- mern truly special. From a solar-po- wered boat trip on the “Amazon of the North” to a cycling trip following in Caspar David Friedrich’s footsteps, a plethora of leisure activities await. Dive into Vorpommern’s manor landscape! baltic-manor.eu 3

The Moated Castle of Quilow“WE REALLY JUST WANTED TO MOVE TO THE COUNTRY SIDE”.What started as a simple plan for Uwe Eichler and Dirk Lagall has become a major project: the Moated Castle of Quilow. Uwe Eichler first encountered the castle in 2011 and couldn’t get it out of his mind. By then, he and his partner had already made the decision to change scenery and move to the countryside. So the two left behind the bustle of Berlin for the small Vor-pommern village of Quilow. “A little house in the countryside” doesn’t quite do justice to the venture pursued by Eichler, the former artistic director of the Ballhaus Ost theatre, and Lagall, a special-needs educator. When the two packed up their belongings in Berlin and moved into the Administration House next to the castle, their goal was to renovate the estate and transform it into a site for cultural encounters. The castle is owned by the Cultural Heritage Foundation in Rural Mecklen-burg-Vorpommern. Uwe Eichler was named voluntary construction super-visor and has since poured his lifeblood and passion into the castle’s revival and reestablishment as the heart of the village of Quilow, with its roughly 80 residents. Of particular importance: The moated castle is to be open to all. Partly because of that ambition, the estate, originally built in 1575, was able to attract significant financial support. After three years of renovation work and the investment of almost 5 million euros, the castle was able to celebrate its grand opening in the late summer of 2020. It now serves as an attraction for tourists and Peenetal locals alike. In cooperation with other hosts in the re-gion, the Moated Castle of Quilow has now become the portal to the Peenetal valley and Vorpommern’s manor land-scape. But it also plays host to exhibi-tions and events. Its first floor contains an exhibition on the history of the cast-le and its former residents, while the second is dedicated to hosting cultural events, theatre, rehearsals, seminars, workshops, readings, and celebrations.wasserschloss-quilow.deTipSpend the night in the Administration HouseIf you want to spend more than just an afternoon in Quilow, you can spend the night in the castle’s Admi-nistration House. Affordable, minimally furnished rooms with a shared bath are available.7

Stolpe ManorAN ENTICING LOCATION WITH A FAMILY HISTORYNot far from the Hanseatic city of Anklam on the south bank of the Peenestrom River lies the village of Stolpe an der Peene. If you follow the old cobblestone road toward the river, your gaze can’t help but drift to the right, down the grand alley leading to the splendid manor. Kurt Stürken, son of the estate’s last owner prior to 1945, spent his first 10 years at the manor living a carefree life with his five siblings. His mother, Ursula Stürken, ran the property alone during the war until fleeing in 1945. The family moved to Hamburg, and the manor became the property of the East German state. When Kurt Stürken returned to Stolpe in 1990, it took four more years of tough negotiations for him to regain ownership of his parents’ manor. Two years later, he opened Stolpe Manor as a hotel and restaurant. Today it is part of the Relais & Châteaux association of hotels and offers its guests a luxu-rious stay. Surrounded with a park full of magnificent old trees, the restored manor sits on a spacious, listed pro-perty. It offers a first-class, à la carte breakfast and is home to an exquisite restaurant with a Michelin star. In addition to its 36 rooms and suites, the property also includes a wellness lounge and a heated outdoor pool with a view of the park. It is a perfect spot for an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Nature Park River Land-scape Peenetal.gutshaus-stolpe.de/en/ The Stolpe Ferry InnThe poet Fritz Reuter (1810–1874) used to eat here regularly. The historic Stolper Fährkrug inn, located directly across from the manor property, is one of the oldest inns in the Pommern region and an additional spot for fine dining. Tables on the terrace look directly over the Peene River.Tip9

Liepen ManorSustainable REGIONAL AND SUSTAINABLELiepen Manor lies on the south side of the Peene River, nestled in the nature of the Peenetal. In 2009, a collection of creative and confident minds joined forces here, working hard to gradu-ally transform the property into the idyllic holiday destination it is today. Originally built in 1907, the estate includes the manor itself along with outbuildings surrounding a tastefully arranged courtyard. The ensemble forms a sheltered space suited for relaxation, leisurely walks, and other pleasures. An ample park, complete with a mini-golf course and outdoor exercise equipment, stretches behind the manor house. A stroll through the park brings you to the property’s herb and vegetable garden. The produce grown here is used in the manor’s restaurant and served with game from the estate’s very own game reserve as well as with other regional delicacies.Most of the 35 rooms are in the manor house itself, which is also home to the large wellness area. Its luxurious offerings include massages, as well as indoor and outdoor saunas, and seve-ral pools. It is a perfect place to take a break from the day-to-day, even in winter. The former bull pen is home to a small farm shop, the reception desk, and a large auditorium for celebrations of up to 160 guests. An additional kit-chen allows for the separate catering of events, weddings, family reunions, and company gatherings. Even today, the old wooden beams bear witness to the fact that they were once worn down by bulls. The small farm store lets you take a small piece of Vor-pommern home with you – in the form of homemade jam, for example. The Hotel & Restaurant Am Peenetal is a first-class destination in Vorpommern and perfect for exploring the nature the region has to offer.gutshof-liepen.de A silent, solar-powered boat trip on the PeeneRegionality and sustainability are top priorities in Liepen and play a role not only in electricity production and on restaurant menus, but also in the special leisure activities available to guests. The hotel maintains its very own fleet of solar-powe-red boats, which earned an EDEN award for sustainable tourism from the European Commission in 2010. The solar-powered vessels glide silently over the Peene, allowing for unique views of flora and fauna. With a bit of luck, you might see a white-tailed eagle, a beaver, or other wildlife. A solar-powered boat tour complete with captain and tour guide can be booked via Stolpe Manor or Liepen Manor.Tour tip11

Experience the region Viking graves At the canoeing stop in Menzlin, you can do far more than just rent canoes and kayaks for a trip on the Peene. You can also return to the time of the Vikings. The Altes Lager, or “Old Camp,” a former Viking trading post within the Slavic settlement area, is located right on the banks of the river. kanuverleih-menzlin.de/en-ca/ Kunstraum Ziethen – culture in the countryside The Kunstraum Ziethen art space – located in the classroom of the former village school in tiny Ziethen, not far from Anklam – has been a private, rural cultural initiative since 2018. It hosts regular exhibitions, cultural events, concerts, readings, and much more. kunstraum-ziethen.de The Papendorf Scent and Experience Garden The Papendorf Scent and Experience Garden invites you to explore the world of medicinal herbs, natural scents, and toxic plants. The 5,000-square-metre garden belonging to the Mirabell Association is located near Lassan. Here, you can experience more than 300 varieties of plants with all of your senses – on your own or as part of an herbal tour. It is a great place to linger! Parts of the garden are fully accessible to all and always open. mirabellev.de 13

The baroque Griebenow Castleprivately owned until 1935, when it became a satellite campus for the Uni-versity of Greifswald until 1958. After that, Griebenow Castle was used by the municipality of Grimmen as a care home. Following renovation work on the roof and windows in 1992–1993, the founding of the Baroque Castle of Griebenow Association in May 2003 breathed new life into the complex. As the owner of the castle, the asso-ciation is dedicated to maintaining the historical structure.The magical setting is used for marriage ceremonies, wedding receptions, and celebrations of all kinds. Guests are welcome to enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of homemade cake in the castle’s café before strolling through the park to experience its flora and the fauna that have made the complex their home. The castle is also home to several cultural events throughout the year, such as the spring and autumn markets and the traditional tea dance. schloss-griebenow.deThe baroque castle complex – with its café, park, and magnificent old trees – is located near Greifswald and offers a perfect spot for relaxing, enjoying nature, and strolling through the grounds. The castle is nestled in the picturesque parkland at the end of a magnificent alleyway lined with a double row of chestnut trees. Built in 1709 during Swedish rule under Carl Gustaf Rehnskiöld (1651–1722), the castle is now considered an important architectural monument to Vorpom-mern’s Swedish history. The complex also includes the rectangular manor island and additional outbuildings, including the stables, administrative building, carriage house, garden house, and pheasant house. The complex was TipVorpommersche GenussmanufakturAn outbuilding of Griebenow Castle is home to the Vorpommersche Genuss-Manufaktur, where you can purchase delectable regional specialties like handmade apple must, delicious bre-ads, and homemade cakes. A visit to the shop is a perfect complement to a stroll through the park.vorpommersche-genussmanufaktur.de15

Excursions in the su!ounding area Lubmin Beach – Plenty of space for a beach holiday with the whole family Fishing village of Wieck – rustic fisherman’s cottages, tasty fish sandwiches, and a 130-year-old, wooden drawbridge Fishing village of Freest – A traditional fish hatchery between the Peenestrom River and the Bay of Greifswald Caspar David Friedrich Trail – Sites in Caspar David Friedrich’s native city of Greifswald that were important in his life and work Caspar David Friedrich Centre – The artist’s birthplace and the cradle of Vorpommern Romanticism Greifswald Museum Harbour – Germany’s largest harbour museum, featuring impressive traditional ships Pomeranian State Museum – 1,000 square metres of Pomeranian history, art, and culture Eldena Abbey Ruins – A symbol of Roman- ticism and Friedrich’s favourite motif Rungehaus – A museum in Wolgast with an exhi- bition about and artworks by Philipp Otto Runge (1777–1810) in the artist’s birthplace 17

Br!ck Castle A VISIONARY PROJECT West of the A20 autobahn, in the quiet of the Tollensetal valley, you’ll find the enormous grounds of Broock Castle, which was first mentioned in official documents in the 14th century. In 1841, Friedrich August Stüler (1800–1865), the King of Prussia’s official architect, was commissioned to renovate the manor and gave it the form we know today. The famous landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné contemporaneously laid out the English-style garden. After the Second World War, its last owners were dispossessed and the complex – like many manors during this period – was used by the mu- nicipality for a number of purposes, including as refugee housing, and as a kindergarten and an East German co-op store. After 1990, the buildings further deteriorated under changing ownership, until the Schloss Broock GmbH & Co. KG company, represen- ted by Monika and Stefan Klinkenberg, purchased the entire complex – inclu- ding the castle, park, and manor

Zinzow Castle and Manor transforming regional fruits into first- A JOB FOR EVERYONE Zinzow Castle and Manor is located in the Landgrabental valley landsca- pe protection area, between Anklam and Neubrandenburg. Since 1998, the Vielhaber family has been developing a classic, family run operation here: Everyone has their own task, doing what they are best at. The family has reunited the fragmen- ted manor complex and now mana- ges all the buildings, including the compound’s heart: the neo-baroque manor house. Jost Vielhaber and his wife Annegret coordinate operations from here. Guests can choose from six holiday apartments and additional spaces can be rented for events and private parties. The main working building – the 19th century manor distillery – is located across the way, clearly visible from the manor house. Following com- prehensive restoration, the striking brick structure regained its original purpose and is once again being used as a distillery, with the master distiller rate spirits and liqueurs. The oldest building in the manor compound is the former horse barn, which today houses a large collection of historic carriages and is open to visitors. The landscape park is publicly accessible and offers the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll. Zinzow Castle and Manor also includes a working farm overseen by their son, Veit Vielhaber, and his wife Johanna. Johanna Vielhaber is an expert in breeding Pomeranian Coarsewool sheep. Around 200 of them roam the park and the protected areas of the Landgrabental, helping to protect and maintain the valley landscape. For the Vielhabers, rearing the ancient breed and protecting the landscape are a way of promoting cultural her- itage. The spinnable wool of various shades is processed into an assort- ment of products that are sold in the farm shop. The Vielhabers also keep a herd of water buffalo in the nearby land-reclamation area. Veit Vielhaber takes care of the female herd and manages meat and pelt production. The results are available for purchase in the farm store. ostseeschloss.de 21

Ste!iner Haff and Randowbruch Creative owners are increasingly transforming the region south of the Stettiner Haff lagoon between the Randow, Uecker, and Oder rivers into a manor landscape. They are parti- cularly attentive to their proximity to Poland and the metropolitan region of Szczecin, because the world of manor houses does not stop at the German- Polish border. 23

A HUB OF CREATIVITY IN THE COUNTRYSIDEThe 13th-century Bröllin Manor lies in the heart of the nature of the Randowtal valley, not far from the town of Pasewalk. Its main building bears traces of several eras. Initially a knight’s manor, residents began referring to it as a castle in the 1970s. To protect and foster the memory of the manor’s cultural heritage, the Bröllin Manor Association was foun-ded in 1992. It went on to buy the grounds, a property of more than five hectares, in 2000 and began renovating and remodelling. An international production centre was created, complete with rehearsal spaces and seminar rooms used by both artists and guests. Over the years, the Bröllin Manor has hosted the development of over 500 dance, theatre, and performance projects. A residency programme run by the association enables international artists to spend additional time at the manor, including room, board, and mentoring.broellin.de/enBröin ManorSustainable accommodationThe best place on the Stettiner Haff for a sustainable holiday experience is the Haffhus in Uekermünde. You can find additional information at haffhus.de/enTip25

Rattey CastleThis is where you can find Germany’s northernmost winery, in the far nort-heastern corner of the country. Built in 1806, Rattey Castle – and its spacious rooms, restaurant and wellness area – is a perfect home base for a relaxing vacation in the Brohmer Hills. And, with its very own marriage registry office and a stately ballroom, the hotel is ideal for weddings.You can find more informa-tion about activities in the region at brohmerberge.deChristiansberg Botanic GardenA colourful world of plants awaits you near the Stettiner Haff. The Christians-berg Botanic Garden, spread out over 30,000 square metres, includes an old fruit orchard, a natural pond, and even an Alpine garden. There is also a shadow garden, a collection of various heath varieties, and a magnolia garden for your enjoyment.Excursions in the areaTip27

He!enburg Manor The owners of Hessenburg Manor have created a site for enjoyment and relaxation along the Saaler Bod- den and have dedicated it to their passion for cranes. The surrounding fields provide a place for hundreds of cranes to rest during their annual migration from Sweden to Spain and back. The manor house, built in 1840, houses the crane-themed Kranich Museum and a hotel with 10 apart- ments as well as a café. The historic manor, with its large terrace, is situa- ted in the middle of a park with old fruit trees. The Kranich Café is a great place to enjoy homemade cake and coffee or an idyllic dinner under the fruit trees. The exhibition spaces, designed by international artist Alex Schweder, host an assortment of contemporary art. The park also offers space for installations, sculptures, and works of art by national and international artists. Artists in residence can create new works in the context of the manor and its surroundings that are later shown in the Kranich Museum. Young artists can stay at Hessenburg for a month as they complete their work. Dr. Bettina Klein breathed new life into the village with her project, much to the delight of those who still know the manor from the past or, in some cases, even lived in it. The building, like so many of its kind, was used to house refugees after the war. Bettina Klein bought the vacant property largely by chance at an auction and invested considerable time and mo- ney in the project, with the goal of also creating a venue for meetings and encounters. kranichhotel.de/en/ 29

Landsdorf Manor was built in the 19th century in the neoclassical style. The Schäfer family acquired the property in 2001 and it quickly became a fa-mily project – providing a residence and livelihood for three generations. Today, son David Caspar Schäfer owns the manor house. It is surrounded by a park of almost 7 hectares with a pond, a fir and beech forest, and a Swiss-style garden house designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. The ensemble now showcases modern art. In addition to providing a domicile for its owners, the manor house also has four holiday apartments offering modern charm and an idyllic and relaxing stay in the countryside. The property’s expanded and renovated granary offers space for celebrations and events with up to 200 guests. It is also a venue for concerts as part of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festi-val and for theatre performances. The location south of the island of Rügen and the Fischland-Darss-Zingst pen-insula make it a convenient starting point for excursions to the Baltic Sea islands and the coastal region. gutshaus-landsdorf.de Landsdorf ManorBehrenshagen ManorThe park – with its fruit trees, large pond, and bo-tanical treasures – is the key feature of the grounds of Behrenshagen Manor, which is also known as a honey and pumpkin farm. Rare pumpkin varieties and honey from the farm’s apiary are available for purchase here. Guided tours of Lenné Park are also available. Marlow Bird ParkThe highlight of the region, Marlow Bird Park is a popular destination for young and old, guests and locals. In addition to offering adventure-packed overnight stays in close proximity to exotic animals, it allows visitors to explore the diverse world of birds and other creatures close up in partly walk-through aviaries and enclosures. Animal and bird shows, spectacular playgrounds, and show feedings make the bird park a holiday highlight for the entire family. Mill discovery tourMills have a long tradition in Mecklenburg-Vorpom-mern. At one point in time, you could count more than 1,000 in the state. On the mill discovery tour, you can learn about historical windmills and how they are used today. You can take part in guided tours and demonstrations and buy regional products on site. The discovery tour takes you from the coffee mill in Barth through the oil mill in Langenhanshagen and the salt mill in Trinwillershagen to the mustard mill in Schlemmin. You can find more infor-mation about the region’s excursion destinations at vogelparkregion- recknitztal.de/en/TipTips31