Marlow combines its medieval town church with surroundings that can be explored on foot, by bicycle and from the water on the Recknitz. This brings architectural history and the river landscape together as distinct areas of interest. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether you would rather spend your time exploring the historic details or discovering the surrounding area.

Valley, River and History

For centuries, the glacial valley near Marlow has formed a natural boundary between Mecklenburg and Western Pomerania. Marlow lies on its western slope, and the Recknitz flows through the valley. In the 12th and 13th centuries, an important trade route is said to have crossed the Recknitz near Marlow. Thus, the valley’s long-standing role as a boundary and a cautiously documented trade connection come together as distinct chapters in the landscape’s history. The glacial valley is therefore both a defining landform and a point of reference in regional history.

Town Church: Architectural History and Furnishings

Marlow Town Church was built in the 13th century and was probably completed and consecrated in 1244. The red-brick building stands on granite rock; its tower dates from the 15th century. Its furnishings include a tombstone dated 1229, considered one of the three oldest in the state and the best preserved. Its date adds a specific medieval object to the church’s architectural history. The organ also reflects several phases of development: its original substance dates from 1839; by 1993, it had been expanded to two manuals, a pedal and a total of 1,151 pipes. These tangible details span the medieval church and the later-expanded organ.

Waterside Rest Stop and Exploring

Marlow’s waterside rest stop lies between Marlow and Semlow, right by the Marlow Recknitz bridge. It welcomes visitors from April to October; check current operating conditions before your trip. Facilities include sanitary facilities, overnight camping options and parking spaces for cars. There are also launch sites for canoes, motorboats and fishing boats. The area around Marlow can be explored by bicycle, on foot and from the water on the Recknitz. On foot or by bicycle, you can explore on land, while the river adds a waterside perspective. This lets you tailor your exploration to your interests.

Vorpommern-Rügen as a Wider Regional Context

Vorpommern-Rügen provides a broader regional context than the local orientation in Marlow. The district is estimated to have around 60 museums. The Old Town of the Hanseatic city of Stralsund is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar”. On Rügen, the beech forests in Jasmund National Park are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe”. The Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula chain is also part of Vorpommern-Rügen district. These connections broaden the view of the region; the town church, glacial valley and Recknitz remain the local points of reference for Marlow.

Discover more destinations: Stralsund, Grimmen, Amt West-Rügen, Amt Mönchgut-Granitz, Amt Barth, Amt Darß/Fischland, Binz, Amt Nord-Rügen

Go to the wider travel overview: Vorpommern-Rügen.