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Holidays in Zierow
Welcome to Zierow, a hidden coastal gem tucked away in the district of Northwest Mecklenburg. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, rolling Baltic landscapes, and the sweeping views of the Wismar Bay, Zierow is more than just a quiet village—it is a recognized "State-Recognized Health Resort" that offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation.
1. A Journey Through Time: The History of Zierow
Zierow’s history is deeply intertwined with the landed gentry of Mecklenburg and the shifting tides of the Baltic region.
The Era of the Negendank Family
The earliest records of Zierow date back to 1355, when it was the seat of the squire Eckhard Negendank. In these medieval times, the estate was a fortified property, featuring a defensive tower surrounded by a wide moat and accessible only by a drawbridge. The Negendank family remained the lords of the manor for over four centuries. In 1563, they replaced the old defensive tower with a more modern, solid stone house, signaling a transition from military fortification to residential comfort.
The Rise of the Von Biel Family
In 1785, the estate changed hands, eventually being purchased by Christian Andreas Biel, a judicial counselor from Braunschweig who was later ennobled in 1790. It was under the von Biel family that Zierow took on its current architectural character. Between 1819 and 1824, Gottlieb von Biel commissioned the construction of the manor house in the Classical style and laid out the expansive landscape park that still defines the village's aesthetic today.
Modern Turmoil and Resilience
The 20th century brought significant drama to the village. The last private owner, Heinrich Freiherr von Biel, was a man of great conscience. Due to his involvement in the July 20, 1944 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, he was arrested and sentenced to serve in a punishment battalion. Miraculously, he survived the war and became the first Lord Mayor of Wismar in 1945, helping to manage the refugee crisis before eventually moving to West Germany.
During the GDR (East German) era, the manor house served various purposes—housing refugees, acting as a community hall, and eventually becoming a training center for agricultural engineers. Since 2015, the village has officially held the title of State-Recognized Health Resort (Erholungsort).
2. Village Description & Geography
Zierow is situated on the Wismar Bay (Wismarer Bucht), directly opposite the island of Poel and the bird sanctuary island of Walfisch. It covers an area of roughly 10 square kilometers and is home to about 800 residents.
The village is divided into several charming districts:
Eggerstorf and Fliemstorf: Known for their natural, rugged beaches.
Landstorf and Wisch: Primarily agricultural and residential areas.
The heart of the village is a picturesque linden-lined street that leads directly to the manor house. The coastline spans about two kilometers along the Baltic Sea at Eggers Wiek, characterized by shallow, calm waters that make it a favorite for families.
3. Culinary Delights: Typical Food of the Region
The food in Zierow is a reflection of its maritime location and its agricultural roots in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Seafood Staples
Given the proximity to Wismar Bay, fish is the star of the menu. Common varieties include:
Herring (Hering): Often served pickled (Bismarck) or fried.
Eel (Aal): Frequently smoked or served in a rich green sauce.
Flounder and Pike: Locally caught and usually pan-seared with butter.
Regional Specialties
Labskaus: A traditional sailor’s dish made of salted meat, potatoes, and beetroot, topped with a fried egg and a rollmops (pickled herring).
Himmel und Erde (Heaven and Earth): A comforting mix of mashed potatoes (earth) and apple sauce (heaven), often served with fried blood sausage.
Mecklenburger Rippenbraten: Roast pork ribs stuffed with apples, plums, and raisins—a sweet and savory classic.
Rote Grütze: A red berry compote served with vanilla sauce or cream, a staple dessert across Northern Germany.
4. Activities: From Coast to Countryside
Zierow offers a surprisingly wide array of activities for its size, catering to both relaxation-seekers and active adventurers.
At the Beach
The Zierow Natural Beach is the hub of summer activity. Because the water is shallow for several hundred meters, it is incredibly safe for small children.
Mini-Golf: The "2Beach" 18-hole course is located right by the water.
Wellness: Many visitors head to the Ostseecamping Ferienpark which features an indoor pool and a sauna world.
Winter Fun: A unique eco-friendly synthetic ice-skating rink operates year-round near the beach.
Hiking and Cycling
Zierow is a major stop on the Baltic Sea Coastal Cycle Route (Ostseeküstenradweg).
The E9 European Long-Distance Path: This trail runs through Zierow, allowing hikers to walk all the way to Wismar (roughly 7km) or toward the cliffs of Boltenhagen.
Coastal Walk to Hoben: A favorite local route leads through the tiny, thatched-roof village of Hoben, offering panoramic views of the bay.
5. Shopping: Local Crafts & Essentials
While Zierow is a quiet village, it provides essential shopping and unique local finds.
Kraftquelle: A charming small shop in the center of the village where you can find fresh bread rolls, regional honey, eggs, and newspapers.
Camping Market: Located at the Ferienpark, this store offers a wide range of groceries and beach supplies during the high season.
Farm Shops: In the surrounding "Klützer Winkel" region, many farmers sell "Bio" (organic) products, cheeses, and handmade crafts directly from their barns.
Nearby Wismar: For larger retail needs, the Hanseatic city of Wismar is just a 10-minute drive away, featuring the Marktkauf mall and various boutiques in the historic Old Town.
6. Festivals & Events
Life in Zierow follows the rhythm of the seasons, with community-focused events:
Easter Bonfires: A traditional North German gathering on the beach to welcome spring.
Beach Festivals: During July and August, the village hosts various small music nights and "Sandcastle Competitions" for children.
Wismar Port Days (Hafentage): While technically in Wismar, this massive June festival is a highlight for Zierow visitors, featuring historic sailing ships and dragon boat races.
Christmas Markets: The village community center often hosts small, cozy craft markets in December.
7. Nature & Wildlife
The nature in Zierow is defined by the Wismar Bay Protected Area.
Eggers Wiek: This coastal section is part of a protected habitat. You can frequently spot grey herons, cormorants, and white-tailed eagles circling the bay.
The Manor Park: The historic park surrounding the Zierow manor house contains ancient oaks and linden trees, providing a cool canopy for afternoon walks.
Bird Watching: The nearby island of Walfisch is a designated bird sanctuary; while you cannot visit the island itself, it is a spectacular site for binocular-wielding nature lovers during migration seasons.
1. A Journey Through Time: The History of Zierow
Zierow’s history is deeply intertwined with the landed gentry of Mecklenburg and the shifting tides of the Baltic region.
The Era of the Negendank Family
The earliest records of Zierow date back to 1355, when it was the seat of the squire Eckhard Negendank. In these medieval times, the estate was a fortified property, featuring a defensive tower surrounded by a wide moat and accessible only by a drawbridge. The Negendank family remained the lords of the manor for over four centuries. In 1563, they replaced the old defensive tower with a more modern, solid stone house, signaling a transition from military fortification to residential comfort.
The Rise of the Von Biel Family
In 1785, the estate changed hands, eventually being purchased by Christian Andreas Biel, a judicial counselor from Braunschweig who was later ennobled in 1790. It was under the von Biel family that Zierow took on its current architectural character. Between 1819 and 1824, Gottlieb von Biel commissioned the construction of the manor house in the Classical style and laid out the expansive landscape park that still defines the village's aesthetic today.
Modern Turmoil and Resilience
The 20th century brought significant drama to the village. The last private owner, Heinrich Freiherr von Biel, was a man of great conscience. Due to his involvement in the July 20, 1944 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, he was arrested and sentenced to serve in a punishment battalion. Miraculously, he survived the war and became the first Lord Mayor of Wismar in 1945, helping to manage the refugee crisis before eventually moving to West Germany.
During the GDR (East German) era, the manor house served various purposes—housing refugees, acting as a community hall, and eventually becoming a training center for agricultural engineers. Since 2015, the village has officially held the title of State-Recognized Health Resort (Erholungsort).
2. Village Description & Geography
Zierow is situated on the Wismar Bay (Wismarer Bucht), directly opposite the island of Poel and the bird sanctuary island of Walfisch. It covers an area of roughly 10 square kilometers and is home to about 800 residents.
The village is divided into several charming districts:
Eggerstorf and Fliemstorf: Known for their natural, rugged beaches.
Landstorf and Wisch: Primarily agricultural and residential areas.
The heart of the village is a picturesque linden-lined street that leads directly to the manor house. The coastline spans about two kilometers along the Baltic Sea at Eggers Wiek, characterized by shallow, calm waters that make it a favorite for families.
3. Culinary Delights: Typical Food of the Region
The food in Zierow is a reflection of its maritime location and its agricultural roots in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Seafood Staples
Given the proximity to Wismar Bay, fish is the star of the menu. Common varieties include:
Herring (Hering): Often served pickled (Bismarck) or fried.
Eel (Aal): Frequently smoked or served in a rich green sauce.
Flounder and Pike: Locally caught and usually pan-seared with butter.
Regional Specialties
Labskaus: A traditional sailor’s dish made of salted meat, potatoes, and beetroot, topped with a fried egg and a rollmops (pickled herring).
Himmel und Erde (Heaven and Earth): A comforting mix of mashed potatoes (earth) and apple sauce (heaven), often served with fried blood sausage.
Mecklenburger Rippenbraten: Roast pork ribs stuffed with apples, plums, and raisins—a sweet and savory classic.
Rote Grütze: A red berry compote served with vanilla sauce or cream, a staple dessert across Northern Germany.
4. Activities: From Coast to Countryside
Zierow offers a surprisingly wide array of activities for its size, catering to both relaxation-seekers and active adventurers.
At the Beach
The Zierow Natural Beach is the hub of summer activity. Because the water is shallow for several hundred meters, it is incredibly safe for small children.
Mini-Golf: The "2Beach" 18-hole course is located right by the water.
Wellness: Many visitors head to the Ostseecamping Ferienpark which features an indoor pool and a sauna world.
Winter Fun: A unique eco-friendly synthetic ice-skating rink operates year-round near the beach.
Hiking and Cycling
Zierow is a major stop on the Baltic Sea Coastal Cycle Route (Ostseeküstenradweg).
The E9 European Long-Distance Path: This trail runs through Zierow, allowing hikers to walk all the way to Wismar (roughly 7km) or toward the cliffs of Boltenhagen.
Coastal Walk to Hoben: A favorite local route leads through the tiny, thatched-roof village of Hoben, offering panoramic views of the bay.
5. Shopping: Local Crafts & Essentials
While Zierow is a quiet village, it provides essential shopping and unique local finds.
Kraftquelle: A charming small shop in the center of the village where you can find fresh bread rolls, regional honey, eggs, and newspapers.
Camping Market: Located at the Ferienpark, this store offers a wide range of groceries and beach supplies during the high season.
Farm Shops: In the surrounding "Klützer Winkel" region, many farmers sell "Bio" (organic) products, cheeses, and handmade crafts directly from their barns.
Nearby Wismar: For larger retail needs, the Hanseatic city of Wismar is just a 10-minute drive away, featuring the Marktkauf mall and various boutiques in the historic Old Town.
6. Festivals & Events
Life in Zierow follows the rhythm of the seasons, with community-focused events:
Easter Bonfires: A traditional North German gathering on the beach to welcome spring.
Beach Festivals: During July and August, the village hosts various small music nights and "Sandcastle Competitions" for children.
Wismar Port Days (Hafentage): While technically in Wismar, this massive June festival is a highlight for Zierow visitors, featuring historic sailing ships and dragon boat races.
Christmas Markets: The village community center often hosts small, cozy craft markets in December.
7. Nature & Wildlife
The nature in Zierow is defined by the Wismar Bay Protected Area.
Eggers Wiek: This coastal section is part of a protected habitat. You can frequently spot grey herons, cormorants, and white-tailed eagles circling the bay.
The Manor Park: The historic park surrounding the Zierow manor house contains ancient oaks and linden trees, providing a cool canopy for afternoon walks.
Bird Watching: The nearby island of Walfisch is a designated bird sanctuary; while you cannot visit the island itself, it is a spectacular site for binocular-wielding nature lovers during migration seasons.
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