West of Berlin, the Brandenburg region of Havelland unfolds with its numerous lakes. The Havelland is not a place for loud sensations, but for quiet discoveries and deep relaxation. A journey here is a “journey into the blue” – in the truest sense of the word.
The Havelland is inextricably linked to the poet Theodor Fontane, who created a literary monument to the landscape in his “Wanderings through the Mark Brandenburg.” Nowhere is this more palpable than in the village of Ribbeck, where the legendary pear tree from his most famous poem stands. A visit to Ribbeck Castle and the charming village is like a journey into the past.
The district capital, Rathenow, is the cradle of Germany’s optical industry. The Optikpark creatively combines landscape gardening with optical phenomena and is a wonderful destination for the whole family. The legacy of optics can be discovered throughout the city.
The district’s greatest treasure is its nature. A large part of the Westhavelland Nature Park, Germany’s largest protected area, lies within its borders. The park’s most outstanding feature is its designation as Germany’s first Dark Sky Park (Sternenpark). Thanks to the extremely low light pollution, you can experience a breathtakingly clear view of the Milky Way and countless stars – a sight that is rare in Central Europe.
The Havel River is the lifeline of the district, creating a tranquil landscape of wetlands, old river arms, and meadows. This water-rich environment is ideal for paddling, boating, and fishing. The popular Havel Cycle Path (Havel-Radweg) also runs directly through the district, offering wonderful opportunities to explore the flat, expansive landscape by bike.
Holiday in the Havelland – Excursion tips
Ribbeck - where once stood the pear tree
Was Theodor Fontane aware that his pear tree had helped the small village of Ribbeck in Havelland to become incredibly famous?
Visit to the Döberitzer Heide - Sielmann Natural Landscape Döberitzer Heide
In Brandenburg, quite close to Berlin, lies the Döberitzer Heide. The entire area is about 5000 hectares. On about 3600 hectares, the former military training area Döberitz, is now a nature reserve. Most of the heathland lies in the Havelland district between Dallgow-Döberitz, Seeburg, Elstal and Priort. The southern area belongs to Potsdam.
By plane
Berlin-Brandenburg Airport is suitable for arriving by plane. From there you can reach Havelland very easily by regional train or via the Berliner Ring.
By train
The mainline station in Berlin-Spandau is the transfer point for regional trains to Havelland.
Not quite as often, long-distance trains also stop in Potsdam and Rathenow and offer the opportunity to discover Havelland by train from there.
By car
Havelland can be reached from the A 2, A24, A 10 and A 9 motorways. The federal roads B 102, B 188 and B 273 open up large areas of the region.
By bike
The R1 European Cycle Route and the D11 Germany Route run through southern Havelland. From Berlin, the Havel Cycle Path runs through the region.
On the way in...
On the way in...
By train
Regional trains serve most of the larger towns in Havelland.
By car
Many smaller towns are best reached by car, as they are often only very rarely served by local public transport buses.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from OpenStreetMap. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Facebook. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Instagram. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from X. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
