Fishing tower near Parchim

Fangelturm near Parchim - a unique medieval monument in Darze

The Fangelturm near Parchim in Darze is one of the oldest and most remarkable buildings in the whole of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The impressive stone tower was built in 1360 and was originally part of a fortification for the outer town defense of Parchim. With a height of 10 meters, a wall thickness of one meter and exactly 100 layers of stone, the building impressively demonstrates the defensive construction technology of the Middle Ages.

The tower once served as an observation post and enabled the defense and notification of the guard at the Wockertor via embrasures. Robber barons in particular, who drove herds of cattle from the town's fields, posed a serious threat at the time. The entrance to the tower is 2.50 meters above the ground and was previously only accessible via a retractable ladder. Since the beginning of the 19th century, the building has borne the name "Fangelturm", which indicates that it was later used as a prison. Today, it is the only remaining tower of its kind in Mecklenburg.

Those traveling to the coastal region of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - such as Rostock, Wismar or the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula - will find other worthwhile destinations away from the Baltic beaches in the inland area around Parchim. The fishing tower in Darze offers an authentic insight into the region's medieval town history and is an ideal stopover on a round trip through the state.