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8 Attractions
Dalwitz Astronomical Observatory
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One of 6 themed observation stations on the "De Sternkieker" astronomy trail in the Mecklenburger ParkLand Star Park. The lush green spaces and numerous manor houses in Mecklenburger ParkLand between the Baltic Sea coast and the lake district fascinate walkers, cyclists and stargazers. Here, the firmament shines with unusual clarity in the particularly dark night sky. Six themed observation stations in publicly accessible estate parks form the "De Sternkieker" astronomy trail, which invites you to hike along the Milky Way. "De Sternkieker", a little man laser-cut in steel with a telescope pointing towards the sky, points the way to the observation station at the access road and takes guests by the hand when it comes to shedding light on the darkness of many a celestial story. On a lounger for 2 people, guests can observe the night sky at each station with binoculars or a telescope. During the day, the stations invite you to observe nature in the historic parklands under old giant trees that overshadow the babbling watercourses, which lead across flowering park meadows, past some ponds with reflections of the manor houses and on to reforested orchards that offer their fruit for visitors to taste in summer and autumn. A replica of the famous Nebra Sky Disk is installed in Dalwitz Manor Park. The Nebra Sky Disk is a masterpiece of early astronomers, approx. 4000 years old and was found in 1999 on the Mittelberg, near the town of Nebra in Saxony-Anhalt. It is therefore not from Dalwitz. Astronomical and religious symbols form the oldest known depiction of the sky of this kind. The makers of this disk may have been part of the culture of Central Germany itself, which came to an end around 3250 years ago in the Battle of the Nations in the Tollensetal valley. We call this the Aunjetitz culture. Many ancient cultures realized early on that a calendar based on the position of the sun and the phases of the moon could not work. Today, we compensate for the resulting inaccuracies with leap years. The people of the Mittelberg (in present-day Saxony-Anhalt) were apparently already aware of this and were able to determine the leap months with the help of the Sky Disc. The disk could therefore be interpreted as a Bronze Age calendar. Over generations, the Sky Disc was repeatedly modified and given additional functions. In its original state, it only showed astronomical objects (the moon and Pleiades). It encoded a switching rule with the help of which the lunar and solar years could be synchronized. This was followed by the horizon arcs, which showed the positions of the sunrise and sunset points during the solstices. Their angular lengths are 82°, which is calibrated for use on the latitude of central Germany. The barque at the lower edge of the disc has no known function and could merely indicate the eastern direction and symbolize the course of the celestial bodies. It can be assumed that the knowledge on the Nebra Sky Disk comes from all over Europe and the Orient, as many details can be found in sources elsewhere. The moon that can be seen on the Sky Disc corresponds to a moon that can be seen in the sky 4.5 days after the new moon. An ancient cuneiform text from Babylonia (from the 7th to 3rd century BC) describes just such a moon: In the first month of the year; in the spring month of Nissan, one should pay attention to the crescent moon and the Pleiades, it reads. Why? Because this could provide information about the necessity of a leap year. This rule had probably already been encoded on the sky disk 1000 years earlier. In a society without writing, it was a template with which the real moon in the sky could be compared year after year to check whether it was already time for a leap year. Since the discovery of the Nebra Sky Disk, our ancestors can now be seen in a different light. They are credited with astronomical knowledge. The Aunjetitz culture does not appear to have developed its own writing. At least no evidence of this has been found to date. This separates this culture from the advanced civilizations of the time. The Nebra Sky Disk testifies that well-founded astronomical knowledge was already known throughout Europe and the Near East in the Bronze Age. It is no longer necessary to regard the Orient as the sole cradle of our astronomy. At the time when the Nebra Sky Disk was buried, Central Europe was in a state of upheaval. A culture was disappearing for no demonstrable reason. It can be assumed that the Sky Disk was buried as a kind of time capsule in order to preserve the astronomical knowledge of an entire culture for future generations. In Dalwitz, the erection of an interpreted version of this disk is a reminder of the continuing interest in astronomical events in our region. A walk in the sky in small steps "over the giant star disk" A walk in the sky is possible without much effort. All you have to do is put your head back and let your eyes wander over the firmament. In Dalwitz, the astronomical observation station offers comfortable wooden loungers for observing the sky for people who get dizzy easily. "All beginnings are difficult", says a popular saying. It can be the same with a sky walk. The star chart shows the summer starry sky with its many constellations close to the poles - the circumpolar constellations. You can also see the summer constellations, which form a fictitious triangle of their main stars. If you want to find your way around, you first have to find the Great Bear. As often only the rear part, the so-called Big Dipper, is clearly visible, it is often confused by laymen with a combination of Pegasus and Andromeda. In this case, it helps to check whether the three stars of the Big Dipper are bent downwards (towards the horizon). If they are, it is the Great Bear. Now the sky walk can begin. The drawbar stars of the Big Dipper are a good test for the eye. The middle Drawbar star is actually a double star. These are the stars Alkor and Mizar. If we now follow the curvature of the Drake, we come to the main star, Arcturus, of the constellation Bear's Keeper. We then extend our arc further to find the constellation of Virgo. Here we will notice Spica, the brightest star in Virgo. Similarly, we work out the position of the Pole Star, the cardinal points and find the constellation of Cassiopeia. There are other great routes depending on the time of year.
Lühburg Astronomical Observatory
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One of six themed observation stations along the “De Sternkieker” astronomy trail in the Mecklenburger ParkLand Star Park. By the light of the moon On the grounds of Lühburg Castle is an astronomical observation station dedicated entirely to the moon. Where nature lovers hear croaking frogs in the spring and the mating calls of stags in late summer, there are now many more moons. It’s especially nice to visit during the day to get a sense of what our moon has to offer. At night, however, Lühburg offers a sky full of stars. The landscape is then bathed in moonlight and transformed into a fantastical new world. It is almost as if the 400-year-old linden tree behind the castle is dancing in the moonlight. It’s not just stargazers and nature lovers who will find a wealth of interesting information at the astronomical observatory at Lühburg Castle. With the help of the guide, anyone can quickly and easily find the North Star. The ergonomically designed wooden lounger sits atop a small hill with a great view of the surrounding landscape and the night sky. Of course, an armrest is also provided at the edge of the field for comfortably holding spotting scopes and binoculars. But the best part is that after visiting the station, the castle invites you inside, where there are many wonderful architectural details to discover. Interesting Facts About the Moon The Moon is one of the celestial bodies with which humans have the closest relationship—both because it is our only natural satellite and because of its influence on phenomena such as the tides. In all civilizations, it bore names such as Diana, Selene, or Cynthia. The Romans called it Luna. Often, the Moon, much like the Sun and the planets, was worshipped as a deity. The Moon orbits our planet Earth in 27.3 days. However, the cycle of the lunar phases, as viewed from Earth, lasts 29.5 days (one lunar month). The Moon is, on average, 384,000 km away from us, and its light reaches us in just over a second, given the speed of light (about 300,000 km/sec). The Earth’s gravitational pull has caused the Moon to always show us the same face. With binoculars, we can observe daily how the Moon’s terminator line (the boundary between light and shadow) shifts. Along this line, we can see many details of the Moon’s surface that aren’t as clearly visible during a full moon. Did you know that… an astronaut who weighs 78 kg on Earth weighs only 13 kg on the Moon’s surface? average temperatures on the Moon’s surface range from 120 to -153°C!!! during a new moon, you can see the Moon bathed in its ashen-gray light? When the Moon is particularly close to Earth in its orbit, we even call it a supermoon, and it sometimes appears slightly reddish to us due to the diffraction of sunlight by Earth’s atmosphere. Its path in the sky lies on the ecliptic, so it follows the same path as the Sun and the other seven planets. It appears to move against the background of the fixed stars and is the only celestial body we can see during the day besides the Sun. However, it only reflects sunlight, since it is not a star. From Earth, we see only the near side of the Moon, since the Moon is tidally locked to Earth. It is only since the space age that humans have known the far side of the Moon. Since the Moon has no atmosphere, most meteorite impacts can be seen as craters on the Moon’s surface. With a diameter of 3,476 km, it is the fifth-largest known moon in the solar system. This makes it relatively large compared to Earth, causing tides on Earth and determining many rhythms in nature. The Six Moons of Lübeck The Earth’s moon is impossible for us humans to overlook. It is the second-brightest celestial body in the sky, influences nature, and is responsible for many geophysical phenomena on Earth. It is therefore not surprising that the Moon has left its mark on the mythology of many cultures and in the imagination of countless people. Seeing the moon in a different light—as something more than just a standard astronomy lecture—was a key motivation behind the development of the astronomical observation station at Lühburg Castle. The artistic design was created by Cassandra Danielides.
Dalwitz ceramics
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Ceramics studio and exhibition at Dalwitz Estate in Mecklenburg ParkLand Dalwitz ceramics and courses in the old clubhouse! Drop by, try it out, have a go Courses: Theoretical courses on ceramics and try-outs for young and old (taster courses approx. 2 hours, small clay works, painting of vessels) Souvenirs (you are sure to find something in the exhibition) Workshop & exhibition (no commissioned work) annual presentation at Whitsun at Kunst:OFFEN in the Lüchow school Feel invited to visit the small workshop exhibition, perhaps find a new favorite piece or try it out for yourself. You can visit Dr. Brekenfeld in the workshop in the old clubhouse at any time by appointment. Dr. Brekenfeld does not have fixed opening hours, but you can reach her by cell phone.
Dalwitz Estate Park
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In the estate park, you can discover a monument dedicated to Sabine von Bassewitz (1716-1790). She was regarded by contemporaries as a "woman of great and rare talents". The manor house as you find it today has existed in its present form since 1726. Of the once baroque gardens you can still see the old avenue of lime trees on the castle rampart. A Caucasian wingnut and a leather tree have also grown to an impressive size. These two specimens at the foot of the moat cannot be overlooked. In the estate park, you can discover a monument dedicated to Sabine von Bassewitz (1716-1790). She was regarded by contemporaries as a "woman of great and rare talents". She was in correspondence with numerous scholars of her time, such as Johann Joachim Spalding and Voltaire, with whom she wrote about his Histoire de Charles XII, among other things. Her letters were admired for the "purity and elegance of style, the acuity, the acquaintance with our literature, and the heart of this rare woman". On a walk through the park behind the manor house, the landscape opens up. You can feel the peace and beauty of a unique park landscape. You can no longer miss the red blossoming chestnut tree at the edge of the moat, which was planted six years ago and is the landmark and logo of our Mecklenburg ParkLand. To the left, at the transition to the small pavilion island, a small Ginkgo biloba is trying to grow tall and a little further on, at the paddock fence, a tulip tree is trying to do the same. In the distance, the estate's cattle graze and the Criollo horses gallop across the pastures. The "estate's own" swan swims its laps on the water with its family. Here is a place to linger. Take a look over the fence of our farm garden, southwest of the gatehouse. This is where Das Gut Dalwitz grows flowers, herbs and vegetables for its guests and the restaurant. Guests are welcome to harvest the produce for their own use. The farm garden is lovingly and lavishly tended. The estate has only one request to its house guests: "Please do not feed the horses with the carrots or other vegetables growing there and do not harvest more than you really need and can eat here."
Parkland goldsmith Vivien Hellweg
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I would like to welcome you to my Parkland goldsmiths in Dalwitz. You can look forward to great unique pieces of jewelry made of gold, silver and tantalum. My pencil portrait drawings will also be on display. I will give you an insight into my workshop, which was founded in 2018, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about goldsmithing. I look forward to seeing you! After training as a goldsmith at the Kaiserslautern Master Craftsmen's School and working for several years in various goldsmiths in Germany, my dream of having my own goldsmith's workshop came true at the beginning of 2018 with the founding of Parkland Goldsmiths Dalwitz. Here I make unique jewelry from a wide variety of precious materials and and carry out repairs and alterations. In addition to the usual gold and silver, I also use tantalum, currently the rarest metal in the solar system, which impresses with its black color and durability. In addition to traditional craftsmanship methods, I also use a modern welding laser. This allows the production of unique tantalum pieces and repairs to your favorite pieces that would otherwise not be possible. If you would also like to get married in the beautiful surroundings of Mecklenburg Parkland, I will provide you with detailed advice as well as the right wedding rings, i.e. designed together with you, and bridal jewelry to match your wedding dress. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9 am - 6 pm
Parkland Massage Annette Hellweg
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Sports therapist Annette Hellweg welcomes you to the cozy rooms of the Mecklenburg Parkland Massage: "For me, getting a massage is the most beautiful and restorative way to relax. Here, body and soul can recharge their batteries to cope with everyday life with strength and vigor. I look forward to offering you a relaxing and restorative time-out in a feel-good atmosphere and attach particular importance to a high degree of empathy, mindfulness and concentration during the massage. Be inspired by my offers and enjoy the feeling of being the most important person on earth for a while." There is a choice: Classic partial body massage - completely individual - back, shoulder/neck or leg Fantastic full-body relaxation with the Hawaii, hot and cold stone or anti-ageing options Foot massage - soothing with a nourishing foot bath Face and décolleté - for a radiant and refreshed appearance Special massages such as abdominal, brush and soul massage Combination and savings offers Opening hours: by appointment
Parkland Safari Oliver Hellweg
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The experienced landscape planner Oliver Hellweg takes you along in his eight-seater off-road vehicle and shows you the Mecklenburg Parkland from its most beautiful side! We drive - no, not cross-country - but (at least most of the time) comfortably and leisurely on public paths and roads that you would never drive in your own car because your navigation system doesn't know them and they seem to lead to nowhere. However, this nowhere is beautiful and typical of Mecklenburg Parkland. Of course, traditional craftsmanship is also part of it, so we will also take a quick look at a guitar-making workshop and a goldsmith's shop. Welcome to our journey through time from the Ice Age to the present day, from the megalithic tomb to the country castle, from wild nature to the estate park. When? From April to October on Wednesdays, Saturdays or by arrangement Where? We normally start in Dalwitz in the heart of the Mecklenburg Parkland. On request, however, we can also start from Tessin (terminus Wismar-Rostock-Tessin), the Warbel town of Gnoien or your vacation home in the vicinity of these two towns (e.g. manor houses in Lühburg, Samow, Duckwitz, Nustrow, Rensow, Stubbendorf, Dettmannsdorf-Kölzow, Ehmkendorf, Wesselstorf, Alt Polchow, Alt Vorwerk). How long? The tour starts at 2.30 pm and we will be back between 6.00 and 6.30 pm. At the beginning, approximately in the middle and at the end of the tour we will be at stations with WCs. With what? XXL off-road vehicle Ford Expedition, 8-seater All-inclusive booking for 1-7 people
Water garden at the Sündenborn
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A garden with several ponds, including a swimming pond, thematically different, spacious garden areas, extensive prairie shrub planting and woodland border planting is home to well over 1,200 plant species and varieties. The 100 different grasses alone, from Chinese reed to small quaking grass, bring a sense of lightness to the near-natural garden with incomparable views of the surrounding agricultural landscape. The garden is open by appointment from the beginning of May to the end of October. Garden rooms The garden is divided into clearly separated, yet interconnected garden spaces. The direct visual connection between the interior living space and the garden through large terrace windows has absolute priority. The pond garden with the main pond is located directly in front of the terrace. 4 changing seasons Early spring welcomes visitors with daffodils and tulips. Throughout the summer, however, the north-facing "shade garden" is clearly dominated by the shapes and, above all, colors of the hosta. The hostas turn yellow relatively early in the fall, with ferns and faded astilbes taking over the scene. The entire scenery on the north side radiates calm and balance. Here, the garden is constantly evolving into a perennial paradise. Phlox, sunflowers, grasses, but also one or two perennials that prefer less sun-exposed garden areas will find their place here. The cherry tree and parasol provide shade in the summer garden. As the days get longer, the summer garden is in the shade quite early in the afternoon, which is pleasant in midsummer. Then the sunshine warms the south-facing edge of the tall herbaceous meadow until the evening. The direct view of the extensive perennial plantings of the Prairie Garden and the fields behind it is unique.