Discover Berkenthin

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene, artworks along the canal and activities related to the Stecknitz offer several ways to explore Berkenthin. The themes range from medieval architectural history and art created by the community to seasonal activities and a 48-kilometre circular route.

Church of St. Mary Magdalene and Historic Ensemble

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene was built around 1250 in a transitional Romanesque-Gothic style. The single-nave brick building stands on a fieldstone base and has a recessed box-shaped chancel. Its date and architectural form combine several specific architectural features, rather than describing the church solely in terms of its age.

Its furnishings include medieval wall paintings, an acanthus Baroque altar, a pulpit, a baptismal angel, a statue of Mary Magdalene and a west gallery. Together with the canal, the lock, Kirchsteig Bridge, the vicarage and the Stecknitz boatmen’s burial ground, the church forms a coherent historic ensemble. Berkenthin’s history thus encompasses both the church building and other historic places and structures.

Art Along the Canal

The large Canal Herring is a work of art beside the lock. As the Canal Herring, it is also a landmark of Berkenthin and the logo of the Stecknitz region. The artwork therefore connects a public art installation with the identity of the town and a regional symbol.

The Bridge Monument has a different story of its creation: painter and sculptor Rolf Hackauf from Göldenitz created it in 1999 together with around 100 children and adults. The Canal Herring represents public art and the town’s landmark; the Bridge Monument’s history explicitly includes its collaborative creation.

Towpath and Salt Barge

The well-maintained path along the canal today was once a towpath. A towpath was used to pull boats from the shore. The history of Berkenthin therefore includes not only its buildings, but also the canal bank’s former use.

The Berkenthin salt barge is a reconstruction of a medieval salt barge without its own propulsion. It is towed from the shore using ropes. In this example, being pulled from land and using ropes are part of the description of the vessel.

Stecknitz Festival, Cultural Summer and Hike

The Stecknitz Festival takes place in the square right next to the lock. The festival features colourful market stalls, a food promenade, children’s attractions, entertainment and musical performances. If you would like to plan your visit around the festival, check the event date before travelling.

The Canal Cultural Summer programme includes “Plattdüütsch in de Kark”, exhibitions by the Monday Painters, open studios and a sculpture garden. Programme details may vary from year to year. Since 2014, the church support association has organised the one-day “Hike for the Soul” around Berkenthin at the beginning of October each year. Check the dates of the events and hike before travelling.

From May to September, you can follow in the footsteps of the Stecknitz boatmen and earn your “Towpath Certificate” on request. Check availability before your trip, as this activity is offered on request.

Stecknitz Tour and Bicycle Services

The 48-kilometre Stecknitz Tour circular route starts and ends at the car park by the Berkenthin municipal office, right by the canal bridge. It follows the Elbe-Lübeck Canal and continues into the hinterland to the west. If you plan to use the car park as your starting point, check the parking regulations before setting off.

The Berkenthin bicycle service station is at Am Schart 8a, by the pedestrian bridge over the canal. Minor bicycle repairs are available there at any time of day or night on a self-service basis. Check in advance whether the equipment you need is available.

Discover more destinations: Elmenhorst, Hollenbek, Klempau, Müssen, Krummesse, Nusse, Ziehten, Schönberg

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