Old Synagogue Stavenhagen - Jewish heritage in MV

The synagogue was probably built in the 18th century and was used by the Jewish community of the town of Stavenhagen until 1938. The front building served as a residence for the community's own rabbi. The half-timbered building contains a large prayer hall and an entrance hall, from which a staircase leads to the women's gallery. The synagogue was built in the backyard of the community center, i.e. hidden, to protect it from the hostile eyes of the Christian village community at the time. It was only when the Jews were fully emancipated that they built a representative synagogue that was visible in the street. It is special above all because it is one of the few synagogues to have survived the Kristallnacht on November 9, 1938. It was then forced to be sold and was used as a carpentry workshop until the 1980s. In 2011, the "Old Synagogue Stavenhagen" association was founded with the aim of renovating the historic building, which has already achieved monument status. Previous efforts to renovate the building had failed for financial reasons. Anyone interested in visiting the synagogue should contact Klaus Salewski by email or telephone: Sali-45@web.de or 0152 27779181

Old Stavenhagen Synagogue - a historical testimony to Jewish life

The Old Synagogue in Stavenhagen is one of the most remarkable historical sites in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The half-timbered building, which was probably built in the 18th century, houses a large prayer hall and an entrance hall with a staircase to the women's gallery. Deliberately built in the backyard of the community center, it was intended to remain hidden from the view of the Christian village community - an architectural testimony to the social situation of the Jewish population at the time.

One of the few synagogues to survive the Reichspogromnacht of 1938

What makes the synagogue in Stavenhagen special is that it is one of the few synagogues in Germany to have survived the Reich Pogrom Night of November 9, 1938 almost unscathed. Forced to sell it afterwards, it served as a carpentry workshop for decades. Since 2011, the "Old Synagogue Stavenhagen" association has been working to restore the listed building - and in doing so, keep the memory of the town's Jewish community alive.

Jewish history between the Baltic Sea coast and the Mecklenburg Lake District

Stavenhagen is located in the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, not far from the Baltic Sea coast with its well-known destinations such as Rügen, Usedom and Fischland-Darß-Zingst. Anyone visiting the region who is interested in cultural history as well as the beach and nature will find the Old Synagogue in Stavenhagen an authentic and thought-provoking place away from the tourist crowds. Visits are possible by appointment - the contact details can be found in the info box on this page.

Further sights in Stavenhagen

Aristo the Greek

📍 Stavenhagen

We share a great passion with our guests, the enthusiasm for good food, good wines and pleasant conviviality. Our cuisine is based on both the original and traditional, as well as the modern style of Greek cuisine. Our top priority is the absolute freshness and quality of all our products. With delicious Greek dishes and high quality wines, the restaurant "Aristo" in Stavenhagen is a place that invites you to linger.

Stavenhagen Castle and Castle Park

📍 Stavenhagen

Stavenhagen Castle in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern was built in 1740 in the Baroque style on the ruins of a burnt-down castle. It was never intended as a dowager's residence, but was used as a district court, school and later as an administrative building. Today it houses the registry office and the municipal administration and is situated in a restored castle park. The current building stands on the foundations of an older castle complex and was originally intended as a residence for a dowager duke - a plan that was never realized. Instead, the castle developed into a central administrative location over the centuries. It served as an official residence and later as a school and accommodation for refugees after the Second World War. A striking stair tower was added in 1890 and still characterizes the silhouette of the building today. After reunification, the castle was extensively renovated and has been used by the town of Stavenhagen ever since. Today it houses the town council and the registry office. The adjoining castle park with its old trees and restored wall was redesigned between 2001 and 2006 and invites visitors to linger. Stavenhagen Castle combines historical substance with modern use - a lively place with history.

Events in Stavenhagen

Event

17. May 2026, 08:00–15:00

International Museum Day 2026

📍 Fritz-Reuter-Literaturmuseum

Free admission for all

Event

17. May 2026, 08:00–15:00

International Museum Day 2026

📍 Fritz-Reuter-Literaturmuseum

Free admission for all

Event

23. May 2026, 08:00–14:00

Art open

📍 Kunstspeicher Stavenhagen (Busbahnhof)

Art and craft market

Accommodation auf Mecklenburgische Seenplatte

Vacation apartments, hotels and more in the region

Ferienwohnung

Old school Barlin

📍 Dargun

Experience two separate vacation resorts on 30,000 m2 in the middle of the untouched nature of the Mecklenburg Lake District. We offer children's vacations, vacation apartments & hunting vacations!

Ferienwohnung

Old vicarage Rambow

📍 Rambow

Picking golden plums, Cox oranges and Jonathan from a hammock? Sounds like paradise and it is, because it's possible in the Rambow parish garden. Retired pastor Eckart Hübener invites guests to stay in the adjoining baroque half-timbered rectory.

Ferienhof & Bauernhof

Anika's vacation and adventure farm

📍 Groß Wokern

Ideal for families who want to enjoy an adventure vacation on a farm in the Mecklenburg Lake District. Would you like to relax and experience nature on a small family-run horse farm near the Baltic Sea and the Müritz? Then you've come to the right place!

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