Culture and enjoymentFDZFischland/Darß-ZingstMonuments and sightsPOI base entry: CategoriesPOIsProduct linesRecknitz ValleyRibnitz-DamgartenTMVTourism association Vogelparkregion Recknitztal e.V.Western Pomeraniato-mv.de

Salt spray in Damgarten harbor - Old Salt Road

Salt spray in Damgarten harbor - Old Salt Road
Old Salt Road smuggling route As a navigable river, the Recknitz was of economic importance for many centuries: goods were transported up and down the river, especially salt from Bad Sülze. The sought-after raw material was loaded in sacks onto barge and shipped via Damgarten, Dändorf and Dierhagen to the Grand Ducal salt warehouse in Wismar. Salt was a coveted commodity and trade in it was highly regulated. This attracted many a smuggler, especially as the Recknitz was a border river. In the 17th century, an incident near Pantlitz led to entanglements between the ducal Mecklenburg government in Schwerin and the Pomeranian side. A manor owner living in Daskow suddenly demanded tolls for free passage. An armed conflict ensued and a salt barge was sunk. The wreck continued to obstruct shipping traffic on the Recknitz until the end of the 18th century. The replica of the salt barge is a reminder of the former salt route and the smuggling of the white gold. Did you know that ... ... you can smuggle again today - and without any danger? The eight vendors on the map below will tell you what they still have in common with salt. You will receive smuggled goods for your stop or purchase, which you can exchange for new goods at the next station. At the end, you will have a bag full of high-quality souvenirs! More info

Salt barge in Damgarten harbour - history of the Old Salt Route on the Baltic Sea

The replica of a historic salt barge in the port of Damgarten is an impressive testimony to the former salt route along the Recknitz. For many centuries, the river was an important trading artery in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Salt was shipped from Bad Sülze on flat barges, known as Prahmen, via Damgarten, Dändorf and Dierhagen to the Grand Ducal salt warehouse in Wismar on the Baltic Sea.

Smugglers, disputes and a sunken barge on the Recknitz

Salt was a coveted and strictly regulated commodity in the Middle Ages and early modern times. As the Recknitz also served as a border river between Mecklenburg and Pomerania, it offered ideal conditions for smuggling. In the 17th century, the situation came to a dramatic head: a manor owner from Daskow levied an unauthorized toll for free passage, which led to an armed conflict - and ultimately to the sinking of a salt barge. The wreck hindered shipping traffic on the Recknitz until the end of the 18th century.

Smuggling route today - a new experience of the Old Salt Road

The replica of the salt barge in Damgarten harbor invites you to explore this history in a lively way. If you want, you can even become a smuggler yourself along the Old Salt Road: Eight regional providers are part of a hands-on experience where visitors can obtain and swap smugglers' goods at various stations - at the end, a bag full of high-quality regional souvenirs awaits.