The Griffin Way (Greifenweg) from Bodstedt to Richtenberg and Franzburg connects to the St. Bridget's Way (Pilgerweg der Heiligen Bridgette). Continuing on, you will reach the Via Baltica in Tribsees, one of the major pilgrimage routes in the north.

There is evidence that there were many places of pilgrimage and pilgrimage churches in the region between the Bodden coast and the coastal hinterland in the past. Individual sections of the GreifenWeg follow the old pilgrimage routes.

Pilgrimage and making a pilgrimage have a long tradition in our region. The St. Ewald Church in Bodstedt, for example, is historically attested as a place of pilgrimage of the “holy voders sunte Ewald” between 1474 and 1508. Kenz, with its Marienkirche built around 1398, was the most visited place of pilgrimage in Vorpommern in the 15th century.

Some sections of the pilgrimage route can already be experienced as hiking and biking trails. The aim now is to design the route from Bodstedt via Barth, Kenz and Starkow to Richtenberg as a unified pilgrimage hiking trail.

We invite you to make a pilgrimage along the GreifenWeg through the wonderful natural landscape of the coastal hinterland, to discover regional stories along the way, to reflect and to experience spiritual contemplation.

We want to encourage you to go further, along the paths of the Jacob's pilgrims in the north – and perhaps even to Santiago de Compostela.

Day 1: Bodstedt to Barth (12 km)

“Nature Spirit, Forest Bathing & Wonder Oak”

The first stage of the Griffin Trail begins at the St. Ewald Church in Bodstedt. The present church was built in 1463 as a pilgrimage chapel for St. Ewald (the Low German form of St. Theobald of Thann in Alsace) after a miraculous rescue at sea in January 1457.

1. After leaving the St. Ewald Church, continue to the right on the bike and pedestrian path towards the harbor.
2. Cross the street and continue on the street “Am Waldrand”. Passing the Bodstedt harbor with its traditional Zeesen boats, you will reach the Barth city forest.
3. At the edge of the forest, continue straight ahead into the forest. After about 500 meters, you will reach the Fuhlendorf - Drei Katen crossroads with the large stone marker.
4. Continue straight ahead for about 700 meters.
5. You will see a barrier to your right. About 100 meters behind the barrier, you will come to a beautiful clearing. Take a moment to enjoy the sun on your skin and the wind in your face.
Time to enjoy and to contemplate (see below).
6. At the end of the clearing, turn left onto the forest road. Complete the Solo Time pilgrimage (see below).
Follow the path to the asphalt road. Here you will find a covered bench.
7. Follow the road to the Nikolajew settlement to the next major crossroads (with the bench behind you).
8. Go through the old metal gate and follow the forest path (1.8 km).
9. Continue straight ahead to Gäthkenhäger Weg.
10. Turn right onto the path. After about 70 meters, you will reach the Wonder Oak (11). Here you will find a bench and an information board. You have now completed half of the route.

12. With the WunderEiche behind you, follow the Gäthkenhäger Weg towards Planitz to the forester's lodge.
13. In Planitz, you will pass the forester's lodge on your left and come to a crossroads. Continue straight ahead, passing house no.? on your right.
14. You will reach the old tracks of the Darßbahn. Continue in the direction of L 21.
15. Now turn right onto the combined bike and pedestrian path in the direction of Barth.
16. Passing the Dammtor, you will reach the St. Marien Church in Barth (17).

Day 2: Barth to Kenz (6-9 km)

“City Stories, Spiritual Reflection & Wonder Wells”

The second stage of the Griffin Trail begins at the St. Marien Church in Barth. Here you will also find the unique church library “Bibliotheca Bardensis”, first mentioned in 1396. Embark on a journey through time in the old town of Barth, with its museums, attractions and city stories.

The route, which you can customize, will take you to the Bible Center at Sundischen Straße 52. Follow Sundischen Straße for a short distance and then turn right onto St.-Jürgen-Weg. At the end of St.-Jürgen-Weg, you will reach Kenzer Landweg, which you follow to the railroad crossing. Here, a bench (behind the railroad tracks) invites you to take a short rest.

Along a very beautiful silver willow avenue, you will reach the Rauher Berg. From there, you have a very nice view back to the Marienkirche and the old water tower. Continue along the path to Rubitz. Here you turn right into Erlenweg in the direction of Kenz. Along the village street, you will reach the St. Marien Church with its WunderBrunnen (miracle fountain). In the 15th century, Kenz was the most frequently visited place of pilgrimage in Western Pomerania.

This is where the second stage of the Griffin Trail ends. You can return to Barth by regional train (RB 25).

A small detour to the Alkun Spring - it's worth it!

After leaving the Bible Center, continue on Sundische Straße, past the water tower, to house no. 124.

Turn right here onto the road to the Alkunquelle, which you will reach after about 500 m. Time to linger. From the Alkunquelle, walk back towards Sundische Straße. The additional route is about two kilometers.

Day 3: Kenz to Starkow (8 km)

“Start walking and find yourself.”

The third stage of the GreifenWeg begins at the St. Marien Church in Kenz. In the 15th century, Kenz was the most-visited place of pilgrimage in Western Pomerania.

Follow Brunnenaue to the cemetery.

Before the cemetery, turn right onto the dirt road and continue to the street called “Die Ruh”. Turn left onto “Die Ruh”. Follow “Die Ruh” and then “Kenzer Weg” to the B 105 in Redebas.

Turn right here and cross the “Barthe”.

At the road junction for Starkow, the “Nordvorpommersche Waldlandschaft” rest area with information boards and a bench invites you to linger. After about 3 km on the Starkow road, you will reach the brick basilica of St. Jürgen, with its beautiful parish garden.

This is where the third stage of the Greifenweg ends.

Day 4: Starkow to Richtenberg (16 km)

“Experience God in nature - EVERYTHING is ONE.”

The third stage of the Greifenweg trail begins at the brick basilica of St. Jürgen.

After crossing the Barthe bridge, turn left towards the railway bridge and continue to Altenhagen. In Altenhagen, follow the avenue of oak trees and then turn left into Schulstraße. The route continues for about 2 km along the concrete strip to the entrance to Hövet. Turn left here towards Velgast. After 600 m you will reach the Barthe Bridge. Continue along the road into the forest. After another 600 m you will reach the turnoff for Schuenhagen. Turn right and follow the forestry road for 1.2 km to Schuenhagen.

Turn right and walk into the village. After 150 meters you will reach the forestry office with the “Schreiadlerparcours”. It is well worth seeing! After leaving the forestry office, turn left onto the street “Am Kronenenwald”. Turn left into the street “An der Muß” and follow the path into the forest. Now continue straight ahead for about 4.5 km until you reach a T-junction. Turn left here. After 900 meters, you will reach the main road that leads from Endinger Stern to Richtenberg. Follow the road 2.5 km to Richtenberg.

Turn left into Brinkstraße. Continue along the streets “Papenhagen”, “In der Kurve” and “Kirchstraße” to the St. Nikolai Church in Richtenberg.

The GreifenWeg ends here.

We have reached our goal, the pilgrimage route of Saint Bridget.