Ruhner Berge Forest, 2024 © Christian Binder
Etymology & History
The name Ruhner Berge (Ruhner Hills) is believed to have two possible origins, reflecting both linguistic and historical influences. One suggests that it may derive from the Slavic word ruh, meaning "rest" or "peace." Another links the name to the now-abandoned village of Ruhn, first mentioned in 1369. The village was later deserted, but its remains were still visible in the 1980s.
Beyond its name, the Ruhner Berge region has long held strategic importance. Rising to 176 meters, its hills provided natural vantage points over the surrounding lowlands, making the area a crucial landmark for its early Slavic settlers. During medieval times, trade and military routes crisscrossed the region, connecting villages and estates across northern Germany.
A landscape of Ruhner Berge, 2024 © Christian Binder
Population and Economy
The municipality of Ruhner Berge consists of fourteen villages: Marnitz, Suckow, Tessenow, Drenkow, Griebow, Jarchow, Leppin, Mentin, Mooster, Dorf Poltnitz, Hof Poltnitz, Malow, Poitendorf, and Zachow. Established in 2019through the merger of Marnitz, Suckow, and Tessenow, the municipality is now home to approximately 2,000 residents. It lies south of Parchim, the nearest town, which has a population of 18,000.
Historically, Ruhner Berge’s economy thrived due to its strategic position along the Hamburg-Berlin trade route, which brought steady commerce and movement through its villages. However, the construction of the A24 autobahn in 1981 redirected traffic away from local roads, leading to economic decline.
In recent years, Ruhner Berge has focused on tourism, conservation, and rural renewal. The region’s hills attract hikers and nature enthusiasts, while conservation efforts emphasize sustainable forestry and biodiversity preservation. Despite this shift, tourism infrastructure remains limited, with most hotels, cafés, and restaurants located in Parchim and surrounding areas.
Historically, Ruhner Berge’s economy thrived due to its strategic position along the Hamburg-Berlin trade route, which brought steady commerce and movement through its villages. However, the construction of the A24 autobahn in 1981 redirected traffic away from local roads, leading to economic decline.
In recent years, Ruhner Berge has focused on tourism, conservation, and rural renewal. The region’s hills attract hikers and nature enthusiasts, while conservation efforts emphasize sustainable forestry and biodiversity preservation. Despite this shift, tourism infrastructure remains limited, with most hotels, cafés, and restaurants located in Parchim and surrounding areas.
Aerial view of Marnitz, 2024 © Christian Binder
Aerial view of Suckow, 2024 © Christian Binder
Aerial view of Mentin, 2024 © Christian Binder
Aerial view of Dorf Poltnitz, 2024 © Christian Binder
Aerial view of Jarchow, 2024 © Christian Binder
Aerial view of Poitendorf, 2024 © Christian Binder
Aerial view of Mooster, 2024 © Christian Binder
Culture
Ruhner Berge’s culture is deeply connected to its landscape and community life, with gatherings and festivities playing a central role. In recent years, contemporary art and cultural spaces have also emerged in the municipality’s villages, including Something Great’s arts centre in Mentin and Studio Katerbau in Marnitz—a contemporary photography and visual art space, founded by Maren Katerbau and Til Katerbau.
Additionally, for many years, the local theater group Blaue Blume from Drenkow, directed by Marianne Enzensberger, has been developing community theater performances that are not only rehearsed and staged within the municipality but also toured throughout the region.
Studio Katerbau, 2022 © Maren Katerbau
Sustainability
The municipality of Ruhner Berge is increasingly investing in environmental sustainability. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the 400-year-old Kaisereiche oak and enforcing sustainable forestry practices, which have been in place since the area's designation as a protected site in 1994.
Lake Treptowsee, near the village of Mooster, plays a key role in supporting local biodiversity while also attracting visitors for seasonal activities. Although renewable energy is not yet widely developed, the growing presence of solar panels and wind turbines along biking trails reflects the municipality’s commitment to sustainable development.
Aerial view of Treptowsee in Ruhner Berge, 2024 © Christian Binder