Kruckow brings together the history of an old manor village and traces of the past from different periods. The village lies on the B110 and was first mentioned in 1249. There are several different points of interest to explore: the megalithic tomb near Marienfelde, architectural and church history in Schmarsow, and older traces of fortifications and paths through the countryside.
Megalithic tombs and historical traces
The megalithic tomb near Marienfelde lies right beside the B110. There is a car park where you can stop. Two other megalithic tombs near Kruckow are less well preserved. Their state of preservation distinguishes these sites; if you are interested in the region’s stone monuments, they offer a useful point of comparison, although not all the tombs look alike or are equally well preserved.
Other historic sites offer different points of interest: a stone murder cross stands at the exit towards Schmarsow. Tutow-Dorf has a historic rampart, and the ruins of Osten Castle are within the municipality of Kruckow. Together with the manor village’s first mention in 1249, these places reflect different aspects of the municipality’s history, from the village itself to former fortifications.
Schmarsow Castle and church
Schmarsow Castle was built around 1698/99 as a three-wing complex and remodeled in Baroque style in 1796. The remodeling therefore took place roughly a century after its construction. Today’s building is a two-storey stuccoed structure with a hipped roof. Its construction date, later remodeling, and simple description of the building’s form give you three different points of reference for understanding its architecture.
Schmarsow Church is believed to date from around 1400. It is a towerless brick hall church with a five-sided choir. Notable details inside include a single-manual organ and a colorful sandstone epitaph: the organ was built in 1886 and restored in 2020, while the epitaph was donated in 1625. The building thus brings together the church’s presumed date of origin and furnishings added later.
A key to Schmarsow Church is available in the village. As information about visitor access may change, check the current access arrangements before your visit.
Countryside, paths and accommodation
The landscape also provides its own points of reference: Kruckow lies on a plateau that slopes down towards the Tollense. The Tollense forms the municipality’s southern boundary; to the north, the Kuckucksgraben runs through a glacial meltwater valley. Several striking old trees remain in Kruckow’s former manor park. Paths through woods and meadows lead from Schmarsow Castle.
Schmarsow Castle offers holiday apartments in the west wing with views of the castle pond. If you would like to stay there, check current availability before your trip. The castle also holds cooking classes in its historic kitchen, using fresh local ingredients. Class availability may also change, so take this into account when planning.
Getting to Schmarsow
To reach Schmarsow Castle by car, take the route from the A20, exit 28 Jarmen, via the B110. Turn off at Kruckow; Schmarsow is about 3 km further on. The nearest railway stations to Schmarsow Castle are in Demmin and Sternfeld. Check connections and travel options before your trip so you can plan the most suitable route.
Discover more destinations: Bentzin, Völschow, Daberkow, Jarmen, Tutow, Alt Tellin
Back to the broader travel overview: Jarmen-Tutow Administrative District.
