Steinfeld

Could a village vanish? Almost. This is Steinfeld. Steinfeld was once a proud, independent municipality. It existed for centuries, nestled in the Rostock district of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Steinfeld’s story begins in 1334, marked by its first documented mention. The village thrived for hundreds of years. The small river Carbäk winds through Steinfeld and its surrounding areas, excluding the part of Öftenhäven. The Carbäk originates from a protected landscape to the east and ultimately merges with the Warnow River near the impressive Vorpommernbrücke. Steinfeld, Fienstorf, and Rothbeck all share this tranquil waterway. Life in Steinfeld flowed as steadily as the Carbäk. Until 2013. On January 1st, Steinfeld’s independent existence ended. It merged with the municipality of Broderstorf. This decision, while met with some resistance within the community, ultimately reshaped Steinfeld’s identity. This wasn’t a simple administrative change. For some residents, it felt like the erasure of their history, a near vanishing of their village. While Steinfeld may no longer be a separate entity on a map, its spirit persists. The heart of the village continues to beat in its people and its history. So as you stand here, remember that you’re not just in Broderstorf. You’re in Steinfeld, a village that refuses to disappear completely.