Parchim, District capital in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
Parchim is a district capital in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern that spreads along the Elde and is divided by several canals and tributary arms. The town center sits on different banks and connects residential quarters with administrative buildings and green spaces along the river.
The town received its charter in 1210 and served as the center of a small medieval principality between 1238 and 1316. Later this status faded in importance while Parchim continued as a trade and craft town.
The name Parchim likely comes from a Slavic word for fresh water or ford, pointing to the long-standing importance of the waterways. Today brick churches and townhouses from different centuries line the streets and give the place its North German character.
The town center is easy to explore on foot, and several bridges connect the different banks with one another. Those wanting to discover the surroundings will find cycling and walking paths along the Elde that are also suitable for strollers.
An old network of water channels still runs through parts of the town center and recalls the time when several watermills operated here. Some of these channels still carry water and shape the townscape between the buildings.
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