While we had to endure the cold in the capital for a long time, it finally seems to be time for higher temperatures and more sun. This also means beautiful trips outside the city that allow us to completely forget our everyday lives. Brandenburg has the right destination for every taste – from the oldest industrial site to one of the wildest natural areas in the state to the only untouched beech forest in the region. For nature enthusiasts, one place is a must-see: Fürstenberg/Havel, around 75 kilometers north of Berlin. The town is considered the gateway to the Mecklenburg Lake District and is officially nicknamed the “water town.”
Fürstenberg/Havel is best known for its extraordinary location. The town lies between several lakes, including Baalensee, Röblinsee, and Schwedtsee, while the Havel River flows through the town in several branches. The historic town center was built on an island between these bodies of water, hence the official nickname “water town.” Fürstenberg is located in the Neustrelitz Kleinseenland, a landscape characterized by lakes, forests, and canals. In addition to Baalensee, Röblinsee, and Schwedtsee, the most important bodies of water in the area include Stolpsee, Thymensee, and Großer Wentowsee. The region is one of the most water-rich landscapes in northern Germany and is part of the Upper Havel Waterway, which connects Berlin with the Mecklenburg Lake District. This makes the area particularly popular for canoeing and boating, sailing, fishing, cycling, and hiking.
Photo: @bogusiakasperska (Instagram)
Due to its location between Brandenburg, Mecklenburg, and Pomerania, Fürstenberg was long a border and trading town. The first documented mention of the town dates back to 1287 under the name “Vorstenberg.” In 1701, Fürstenberg became part of the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Important buildings in the town date from this period, including Fürstenberg Castle (1741–1752), a Baroque building that was constructed as a widow’s residence for a duchess. A dark chapter in the town’s history is the Ravensbrück concentration camp, which was built near Fürstenberg in 1939. Today, it is a memorial site.