Smugglers' barge in Marlow - history on the Baltic Sea

Smuggling on the Old Salt Road "There was always something going on at the border. There were people on both sides who wanted to buy up goods as cheaply as possible by bypassing customs. The Recknitz and Trebel rivers formed the customs and national borders between Old Mecklenburg and Swedish Western Pomerania. ... A lot of salt was smuggled along the border, which was strictly forbidden. Koch owned a barge, similar to a baking trough. It was so big that it could carry three men and two hundredweights of salt. The barge was hidden in the reeds. Koch used it to ferry the two smugglers across the water. When they reached the other side, they each earned a thaler. ... When Mecklenburg joined the customs union in 1868, the incentive to smuggle goods disappeared." from "Smuggling on the Sülze border" by Ernst Garduhn, published in the commemorative publication "700 years of Bad Sülze" Did you know that ... ... you can smuggle again today - without any danger? The eight vendors on the map opposite 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

Smugglers' barge in Marlow - salt smuggling along the Old Salt Road

The smugglers' barge in Marlow is a reminder of an eventful era on the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: salt smuggling along the Old Salt Road. The rivers Recknitz and Trebel once formed the customs and state borders between Old Mecklenburg and Swedish Western Pomerania - and where there were borders, there were also people who knew how to get around them. A simple barge, barely larger than a baking trough, carried three men and two hundredweights of salt across the water. The salt was in great demand, smuggling was strictly forbidden - and every successful crossing earned those involved a thaler.

Experience smuggling - the interactive salt route in the Baltic Sea region

When Mecklenburg joined the Customs Union in 1868, historical smuggling came to an end. Today, the topic can be experienced in a completely different way: Eight providers along the route still link their offerings to the topic of salt. Anyone who stops off at one of them or makes a purchase receives so-called smuggler's goods, which can be exchanged for new goods at the next stop. A bag full of regional souvenirs from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern awaits at the end of the tour.

Further sights in Marlow

Brewery "Zur alten Fassfabrik" & Marlower Brewery

📍 Marlow

Would you like to try our own Marlow beer? Or refined meat and fish dishes or burgers? Our brewery right next to the Recknitz Valley Hotel Marlow is open for you every day. The brewery "Zur alten Fassfabrik" is not only a name that ties in with old traditions and Marlow's history, but has also become a piece of enjoyment in the region. From 1891 to 1948, the old barrel factory and the sawmill of the merchant Carl Kossow and his partner, the master cooper Levermann, were located on the neighboring property. At that time, production consisted mainly of barrels for butter and herrings. Today, barrels are still needed, but not made of wood and not for dairy products and fish, but for delicious beer. We brew 6 types of beer in our own brewery: Marlower Pils, Marlower Dunkel, Marlower Spezial, Marlower Bockbier, Marlower Hefeweizen and Marlower India Pale. All varieties are brewed by our brewer in accordance with the German Purity Law and tapped fresh from the tap or bottled exclusively in 0.5 liter bottles. The unfiltered beer is now known beyond the borders of Marlow and is an insider tip among beer connoisseurs. So take the opportunity to visit and see the high quality for yourself! Accompanied by a variety of small dishes from our own stone oven or directly from the grill - simply hearty and delicious!

Bakery Kröger- Country Bakery & Café Marlow

📍 Marlow

Country bakery with baking tradition The delicious rolls, breads and baked goods are produced in the 3rd generation without additives and finished products. There is also a selection of regional products and newspapers in the store. For a short break, you can also enjoy coffee, cake, sandwiches or a warm snack in the café. Opening hours: Mon. to Fri. 6.00 am - 6.00 pm Sun. 7.00 - 10.00 a.m. Sat. closed

Barrier-free fishing spot on the Recknitz

📍 Marlow

On the banks of the Recknitz river between Marlow and Semlow, anglers with disabilities can now catch fish without barriers. Anglers with rollators or in wheelchairs can reach the water's edge on a paved path. The accessible fishing spot is located in the idyllic Recknitz river basin, just behind Marlow on the L18 road to Semlow. It can be reached via a paved driveway from the road and leads into a small parking lot, sufficient for two cars. From there, people with disabilities can reach the water without barriers. As part of the construction work, the bank was secured and a platform made of natural water stones was erected. This is surrounded by a railing that protects against rolling away or slipping and is slightly lowered in the middle so that anglers can easily cast their rods while seated. A slide for fish leads from the water up to this raised platform so that our handicapped anglers can land their catch unhindered. This beautiful fishing spot can be used by everyone. However, those with physical disabilities have priority and must be given way immediately. The guests of this new fishing area can also be looked after at the adjacent water hiking rest area, where they receive help, advice and practical tips as well as fishing permits.

Events in Marlow

Event

04. April 2026, 08:00–16:00

Creative Saturday

📍 MV-Kunst Galerie am Mammutbaum

Painting ostrich eggs & lucky stones - fun for the whole family.

Event

11. April 2026, 15:30–15:30

Charity Gala

📍 Recknitztal-Hotel Marlow

for a summer camp for children from Ukraine. Celebrate with us an evening full of music, joy and good humor!

Event

24. April 2026, 14:00–09:50

Fishing license course April - Hall

📍 Anglerverein "An der Recknitz" Marlow e.V.

To acquire the M/V fishing license for life. Required from the age of 14. In Marlow, Saal and Daskow. Can be combined with a vacation stay in the Recknitz Valley. We will be happy to arrange suitable accommodation for you!

Accommodation auf Fischland-Darß-Zingst

Vacation apartments, hotels and more in the region

Ferienwohnung

AKZENT Hotel Residenz

📍 Graal-Müritz

Experience classic spa-style romance in one of the most traditional hotels in the Baltic Sea spa town of Graal-Müritz. With comfortable rooms, friendly service and excellent cuisine, we will pamper you in a cozy and stylish atmosphere.

Sonstige Unterkunft

ART. Quarter

📍 Starkow

Do you love long rides in the countryside, idyllic villages, art and culture? Then ART Quartier is the right place for you to enjoy your vacation in a private, informal atmosphere with child and horse.

Ferienhaus

Everything's fine - Karls Upcycling Hotel

📍 Rövershagen

Spend the night in one of our exceptionally furnished hotel rooms with upcycling charm directly at the adventure village, the cozy and lovingly furnished vacation homes in the middle of the countryside or in our unique ice hotel in the ice world.

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