Before 1407 Malkendorf belonged to the von Buchwaldt family. A stone on the village square reminds us of Malkendorf’s time as part of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck. This lasted until 1 April 1937. Then the Greater Hamburg Act incorporated Malkendorf into the larger community of Stockelsdorf. Malkendorf’s history is fascinating. It’s a story woven into the very fabric of this small village.
Think of the Malkendorf school. Its origins stretch back to the 17th century. However from 1923 children attended Horsdorf schools. Today they usually go to Bad Schwartau. Older Malkendorf residents still remember the old village school. They often use the word Schulhaus even though the building is now privately owned. Nothing reminds us of its former use as a school.
For decades storks were part of Malkendorf’s charm. Until the late 1980s they nested on the chimney of the old dairy. The chimney was unsafe. The storks were successfully relocated to the roof of the Utesch farm. Sadly the Malkendorf stork nest has been empty for years. Despite efforts storks haven’t returned.
Malkendorf is tiny. With around 130 inhabitants it’s the smallest village in Stockelsdorf. A playground and a small soccer field are centrally located. The community plans to build a combined fire station and community center. This will add to the charm of Malkendorf.
In 2022 Malkendorf had 99 residents. That’s a small community with a rich history. Malkendorf’s story is one of change resilience and enduring charm. A story worth remembering. A story worth sharing. It’s a place full of quiet moments and a hidden past.