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Glasow (Graslow): Complete Guide to the Historic Vorpommern Municipality
Introduction
Many people are looking online for “graslow”, but the proper name is Glasow (Graslow), a small town in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Despite being very small, Glasow is important as a borderland community that was influenced not just by Germans, but by Poles, Swedes and Prussians. Today, Glasow is a tranquil rural village and a place where one can catch a glimpse of European history and cross-border cultures dating back a thousand years.
Where is Glasow (Graslow) at?
Glasow (Graslow) is located in Vorpommern-Greifswald district in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, northeast Germany. The municipality is part of the historic region of Pomerania, being located just a few kilometers from the Polish border at 53°22′N 14°16′E.
The village is part of the municipal association Löcknitz-Penkun and has the postal code 17322. The available data for 2023 shows that Glasow is one of the least populated municipalities, with around 150 inhabitants. The area is also characterized by high Polish population numbers: 18.1 % of the population in 2022 identified as Polish, as reported in the census.
A history of Glasow (Graslow) from Poland to Prussia
The story of Glasow began more than 800 years ago and has mirrored the political history of Central Europe over the centuries. The area was part of Poland in the 12th century. After the partition of Poland, it was part of the Duchy of Pomerania until 1637.
These are important historical eras:
- From 1648-1720, it was a part of Swedish Pomerania.
- 1720–1945: In Prussian Province of Pomerania.
- 1945–1952: Part of the state Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- 1952–1990: Part of Bezirk Neubrandenburg (East Germany)
- Since 1990: Went back to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State
This rich history is why Glasow is known in Polish as Głazów and why the Polish culture can still be seen today.
Glasow (Graslow) Government, Administration in 2026
In 2026, Reimund Sommer is elected as Mayor of Glasow (Graslow). With an area of 15.59 km² (6.02 square miles), the municipality has a low population density of about 9.6 residents per square kilometer.
Glasgow 2026 Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mayor | Reimund Sommer |
| Area | 15.59 km² |
| Elevation | 34 m (112 ft) |
| Population | Around 150 residents |
| Vehicle Registration | VG |
| Time Zone | CET (UTC+01:00), CEST (UTC+02:00) |
| Official Website | www.amt-loecknitz-penkun.de |
Glasow’s natural amenities and attractions
Glasow is mainly a residential rural community, and the Vorpommern region surrounding Glasow is a beautiful natural area with plenty of outdoor activities. A special feature related to the region is the magnificent Großer Glasow See in Schorssow, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
The main characteristics of Großer Glasow See are:
- Type: Freshwater lake
- Elevation: 58 metres (190 feet)
- Other nearby Villages: Bristow and Pampow
- Nearest Train Station: Teterow (approx. 4 km northwest)
The surrounding territory of the Pomeranian land is attractive for walking, fishing, cycling and rural tourism, particularly in spring and summer.
Are Glasow (Graslow) and Grabów or Garłów the same?
It is easy to confuse Glasow (Graslow), Grabów and Garłów.
Grabów
Grabów is a locality in the district of Ursynów in Warsaw, Poland, which is home to residential blocks and the Advanced Materials and Technologies Centre, the largest high-tech research centre in Poland.
Garłów
Garłów is a small village in the city of Rawa Mazowiecka in the Łódź Voivodeship, Poland, with about 82 inhabitants.
The names Glasow (Germany), Grabów (Warsaw), and Garłów (Łódź) are completely different places, in spite of the similarity in spelling in search results.
Living in Glasow (Graslow) and Visiting in 2026
Glasow (Graslow) 2026 is a serene rural area, with a sense of continuity from the past and a diverse culture. Polish people make up 18.1% of the village’s population, adding to the unique feel of the village that blends German with Polish traditions.
Glasow is accessible by the regional roads from Løcknitz and Penkun. The closest big city is Szczecin, Poland, about 30 kilometres east. The ideal time to stay is during the late spring and early fall when the lakes, country side and outdoor activities of the area are at their finest. There are no accommodations available in Glasow itself, however, there are available in surrounding towns.
Final Word
You may have looked up “graslow” or Glasow (Graslow), both spellings refer to this small municipality which has a fascinating history as a borderland town in Europe. Glasow 2026 is a history spanning centuries, from medieval Poland and the Duchy of Pomerania to times under Swedish, Prussian, East German and modern German rule, marked by cultural interactions and historical changes. The community is one of the most interesting small communities in Vorpommern-Greifswald, albeit with a population of around 150 residents, it is characterized by its heritage, location and its multicultural character.