Alt Bukow: Village Church and Circular Walking Routes

Village Church with Brick Architecture and Artworks

Alt Bukow Village Church is a single-nave brick church dating from the 15th century. Older building fabric was incorporated into its construction. Its square west tower is as wide as the nave. This combination of architectural form and tower proportions gives the church a distinctive architectural profile and makes it a special destination for travelers who appreciate historic village churches and brick architecture.

The furnishings also offer two distinct points of interest: the church has a chancel window by Lothar Mannewitz on the theme of “Resurrection.” The Friese organ underwent a major overhaul and partial restoration in 2000–2001. The church thus brings together an artwork with a religious theme and an instrument with its own restoration history. Those interested in church art can consider these elements alongside the church’s architectural history.

Two Circular Routes of Different Lengths

Circular Route 4 runs from Alt Bukow via Friedrichsdorf and Niendorf and back to Alt Bukow. It is 7.6 km long and takes about two hours on foot. As the shorter of the two routes described, it offers a specific option for anyone looking to include a walk of manageable length in their day’s plans. The stated walking time is approximate and refers to the route on foot.

Circular Route 5 runs from Alt Bukow via Lischow and Vogelsang and back to the starting point. At 11.4 km, it is longer; walking time is about three hours. When choosing between the two routes, you can use the distance and approximate walking time as a guide: Circular Route 4 is shorter, while Circular Route 5 takes more time. Both descriptions name the villages along the route and lead back to Alt Bukow.

Routes Through Tree-Lined Avenues and Fields

A section of the E9 Baltic Sea Coast Trail from Neuburg to Rerik runs between Neuburg and Alt Bukow. This section passes through shady tree-lined avenues between wide fields and along pleasant paths. Its description therefore differs from those of the two circular routes: it focuses mainly on the scenery along the section, while the circular routes are described in terms of distance, walking time, and the villages they pass through.

Alt Bukow is also part of the original Via Baltica pilgrimage route. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the Via Baltica passes through meadows and forests, by lakes and rivers, and past impressive brick monuments to medieval piety. The pilgrimage route thus combines scenic impressions and religious architecture across the wider travel region. Together with the village church, it offers a cultural and historical perspective on Alt Bukow and the Via Baltica, without conflating the pilgrimage route with the circular routes.

A Sculpture Opposite the Church

The Salzhaff Sculpture Trail also has a stop in Alt Bukow: “Woman with Flower” stands on the church community’s lawn, opposite the church and cemetery. Its location adds a distinct accent alongside the church’s historic architecture and furnishings. Those interested in public art can include the sculpture as another destination in Alt Bukow. Its name and position also make it a specific landmark in the village.

You can choose what to see based on your personal interests: a shorter or longer circular route, a section of the E9 Baltic Sea Coast Trail, the original Via Baltica pilgrimage route, or a combination of the village church and sculpture. The different route lengths and themes offer a variety of ways to discover Alt Bukow.

More destinations at the same level: Kirch Mulsow, Bastorf, Carinerland, Am Salzhaff, Biendorf and Bastorf.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Amt Neubukow-Salzhaff.