Barnekow’s local history spans a broad period: from its first documented mention in 1230, through the castle and estate, to changes in the townscape in the 20th century. The parish and a designated natural monument also add to this historical focus. Barnekow therefore offers several distinct topics to consider when planning your trip, each of which can be placed in its historical context.
Castle, Estate and Local History
From 1359 to around 1600, the Plessen knights were based at a castle in Barnekow. A double mound that can still be seen today represents what is believed to have been a twin castle. The knights’ history is associated with a specific period; by contrast, the identification of the mound as a twin castle remains explicitly a hypothesis.
In 1717, a farm known as “Außenland” was established in Barnekow. During the Thirty Years’ War, the village was repeatedly plundered; in March 1718, it was almost completely destroyed. Later chapters concern the estate: it belonged to the von Ladiges family from 1789 to 1864, and to the von Behr-Negendanck family from 1888 to 1945. These two periods of ownership are separated in time and do not describe a continuous succession of ownership by the two families.
Changes to the townscape can also be distinguished by their dates. The former manor house was demolished by explosives in 1989, and a green space was created on its site. The old forge had been demolished earlier, in 1987–1988. A building containing a restaurant was subsequently built on its site.
The Parish and Building History
Barnekow belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran parish of Gressow-Friedrichshagen, which includes the churches in Gressow and Friedrichshagen. One typical brick church in the parish, in its present form, dates to the mid-14th century. Furnishings from the 18th century and a Winzer organ are also described for one of the parish churches. The building history thus offers another historical perspective alongside the castle and estate ownership.
One brick church in the parish is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00, from Easter to Reformation Day. Check opening hours before your visit, as seasonal visitor arrangements may change.
Natural Monument and Cycling Route
An English oak in Barnekow was designated a natural monument by a district ordinance dated 5 May 2021. If you plan to visit the tree, check access to the site in advance.
A 5.8-kilometre cycle route connects Barnekow with Wismar. Before setting out, check the current completion status and conditions.
Northwest Mecklenburg in a Broader Context
Within the wider travel destination of Northwest Mecklenburg, the north encompasses the landscape area “Northwest Mecklenburg Hills with Wismar Bay,” while the south belongs to the “West Mecklenburg Lake District with Lake Schwerin.” The district’s landscape is characterised by terminal moraine ridges, gently undulating ground moraine plateaus, steep and flat coastal stretches, meltwater and drainage channels, and outwash plains. The two named landscape areas add distinct geographical features within the district.
Gadebusch Castle in Gadebusch is another example of regional architectural history. Built in 1573, the Renaissance castle is considered a rare example of Mecklenburg or North German Brick Gothic Renaissance architecture and features reliefs in the regional Johann Albrecht style. It complements Barnekow’s local history with a distinct architectural theme within the wider travel destination.
The “Radegast Valley” landscape conservation area is another regional highlight. It covers around 600 hectares between the southern edge of Rehna and Lake Neddersee near Gadebusch. The area includes the Radegast’s heavily meandering, natural course, as well as adjacent grassland, reed beds, wooded areas and swamp forests.
Discover more destinations: Ventschow, Lübow, Bad Kleinen, Bobitz, Groß Stieten, Metelsdorf, Hohen Viecheln
View the wider travel overview: Amt Dorf Mecklenburg-Bad Kleinen.
