The Antonite monastery in Tempzin, nestled in the picturesque Sternberg Lake District, welcomes us as a place that combines history, spirituality, and inner reflection, yet still offers space for joyful pilgrimage. During the monastery's morning prayer, we receive a wonderful pilgrim's blessing for our journey and feel carried into the day before we set off toward the Birgitten Way, which passes directly by the monastery.

The monastery was founded in 1222 by Prince Heinrich Borwin I as a place of healing and pastoral care. The impressive ruins bear witness to its former importance and put us in the right frame of mind to experience God's work. So we take the path along the lush monastery garden and walk towards the clay pit, passing through alternating meadows and fields accompanied by the singing of birds. The view across the lake back to the monastery is pure idyll. It is wonderful to feel and enjoy this happiness. We thank the Lord with Kosegarten's words: “It is good to be here,” take time for prayer, sing joyfully, and are inspired by the silence.

In the village of Blankenberg, we leave the shores of Lake Tempzin and make our way through the Wariner Forest. The forest welcomes us with its unique scent after the rain, inviting us to linger. We share our lunch and rest on fallen tree trunks.

The very long forest path provides space to find inner peace, to reflect quietly on one's own path, and to draw strength from the wonderful nature. At the bridge over the Tönnisbach, decorated with water lilies, we are caught in a heavy rain shower. The dense canopy of leaves offers us protection. We sing to drown out the rain and finally win. The path continues across meadows, where early plum trees invite us to snack on their fruit. 

The so-called “cloverleaf pilgrimage” leads along various routes (15–20 km) through the beautiful Sternberg lake district. The day starts and ends at the pilgrim monastery in Tempzin, so that you arrive back at your “quarter” in the evening. 

We walked one of these routes, well equipped by the director of the pilgrim monastery, Maria Lachmann, with a map and lots of practical tips. It was wonderful to be able to participate in the morning and evening prayers together with all the “residents” of the pilgrim monastery. On Sunday, it was unfortunately time to leave again, but not without lighting a candle at the statue of St. Anthony.

With 32 beds spread across 15 rooms, the Tempzin Pilgrim Monastery is also ideal for larger pilgrim groups to spend a long weekend (4 days) of spiritual retreat. 

We award it at least 7 out of 5 possible points and recommend that all pilgrim groups from near and far spend time together at the Tempzin Pilgrim Monastery once (or even several times). 

Many thanks to Maria for her comprehensive support and wonderful devotions.

Annett and Wolfgang Drews

Here is another offer, which can be found on the pilgrim monastery's website.

Group pilgrimages We have been offering spiritually guided pilgrimages since 1989. Living ecumenism is important to us. Curious and spiritually seeking people are very welcome. We pray the Liturgy of the Hours along the way. Biblical texts with expert commentary invite reflection and introspection. Periods of silence alternate with discussions. The content is based on the annual motto and the Bible. A festive service with Holy Communion concludes the pilgrimage. The routes are led by local guides. It is organized so that only day packs need to be carried. 

Source: https://pilgerklostertempzin.de/kalender/kategorie/pilgerweg/