Berkenthin: History and Culture Along the Canal

Berkenthin tells its story by the water: St. Mary Magdalene’s Church, the canal, the lock and the Kirchsteig Bridge form a cohesive historic ensemble. There are also works of art along the canal and routes that recall the waterway’s former use. Those who want to combine culture and activity will find a range of options here—from medieval architectural history to a longer circular route.

Church, Canal and Art

St. Mary Magdalene’s Church was built around 1250 in the transitional style between Romanesque and Gothic. The single-nave brick building stands on a fieldstone base and has a set-back rectangular chancel. The church’s features also include medieval wall paintings, an Akanthus 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 parsonage and the Stecknitz boatmen’s burial ground, it forms a cohesive historic ensemble.

Beside the lock, the large Canal Herring stands by the canal. It is a work of art, a landmark of Berkenthin and the logo of the Stecknitz region. The Bridge Monument also tells a story of collective creativity: painter and sculptor Rolf Hackauf from Göldenitz erected it in 1999 together with around 100 children and adults. In Berkenthin, architectural history and public art are not simply side by side; the creation of a monument is also part of the town’s history.

Routes and the Legacy of the Stecknitz Boatmen

The route along the canal is now well developed and was once a towpath. The 48-kilometre Stecknitz Tour is a longer circular route: it starts and ends in the car park by the Berkenthin municipal offices, right beside the canal bridge. It follows the Elbe-Lübeck Canal and continues into the idyllic countryside to the west. As parking arrangements may change, it is advisable to check them before travelling.

For minor bicycle repairs, there is a bike service station at Am Schart 8a in Berkenthin, by the footbridge over the canal. It allows you to make repairs yourself at any time of day; check in advance what equipment is available. The Berkenthin salt barge offers a different perspective on the waterway’s former use: this reconstructed medieval barge has no engine and is towed from the bank using ropes. Here, “towing” means pulling a boat from the shore.

From May to September, you can follow in the footsteps of the Stecknitz boatmen and earn the “Treidlerpatent” towpath certificate by prior arrangement. The activity is therefore limited to a particular season and requires an advance enquiry. Since 2014, the church support association has also offered a one-day “Walk for the Soul” around Berkenthin at the beginning of October each year. If you plan to take part in either activity, check the dates or availability before travelling.

Festivals and Culture Throughout the Year

The Stecknitz Festival features colourful market stalls, a food mile, children’s activities, entertainment and musical performances. It is held in the square right beside the lock. Activities for children are a specific part of the festival programme; for travel planning, it is worth checking the date of the event in question.

The Culture Summer Along the Canal adds “Plattdüütsch in de Kark” (Low German in the Church), exhibitions by the Monday Painters, open studios and a sculpture garden to the programme. Individual events may vary from year to year. Between the festival, art and the walk offered at the beginning of October, you can discover different aspects of Berkenthin’s cultural life.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Rondeshagen, Groß Grönau, Roseburg, Fredeburg, Hohenhorn, Salem, Güster, Mölln.

Back to the overarching travel guide: Duchy of Lauenburg.