Anyone approaching the Havelland town of Stölln will hardly believe their eyes: right in the middle of a field stands a massive airplane belonging to the GDR airline Interflug. The aircraft “Lady Agnes” is a tribute to German aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal and his wife.
And if, on your way home after seeing retro airplanes from the GDR and the Weimar Republic , you’re in the mood for more retro style, then be sure to stop by this music event!
The “Lady Agnes” Airplane: Otto Lilienthal’s Legacy on the Gollenberg near Stölln
Engineer Otto Lilienthal used the Gollenberg near Stölln starting in 1893–94 for his groundbreaking aerodynamic experiments. With his hang gliders, inspired by the flight of the stork, he made numerous flights from this hill. He proved that humans can conquer the skies.
His findings laid the scientific foundation for modern aviation and paved the way for pioneers like the Wright brothers. But his fascination with flying came at a high price: On August 9, 1896, Lilienthal crashed during a flight from a height of about 17 m and succumbed to his injuries the next day.
The spectacular landing of the Ilyushin Il-62
To honor Lilienthal’s legacy, an idea took shape in 1988 among GDR executives at the state-owned airline Interflug: a decommissioned commercial airliner was to be brought to Stölln as a gift. The choice fell on an Ilyushin Il-62 built in the Soviet Union in 1973, which had logged over 30,000 flight hours and 7,500 landings.
But because the aircraft could not possibly be transported overland, it had to land at the small glider airfield on the Gollenberg. On October 23, 1989, the legendary Interflug captain Heinz-Dieter Kallbach dared to do the impossible: Instead of landing on a standard concrete runway well over 2,000 meters long, he landed the 75-metric-ton jet on a bumpy dirt-and-grass runway less than 900 meters long! For the second time, aviation history was made.
The “Lady Agnes” today
The aircraft was christened “Lady Agnes” in honor of Lilienthal’s wife, Agnes Lilienthal (née Fischer) . At the very spot where Otto Lilienthal gave his life for the dream of human flight, the fruit of his labor was dedicated to his wife. It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude that the inventor was no longer able to convey to his wife.
The aircraft is now a protected historic monument on Brandenburg’s list of historic sites. The history of Interflug and early flight attempts comes to life in the cockpit and cabin, both of which have been preserved in their original condition. Couples can also exchange vows on board.
📍 Am Gollenberg 10, 14728 Gollenberg (Stölln)
📆 Tue–Sun, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (April–October)
⏳ Self-guided (approx. 1–2 hours)
💵 Adults €6, children (ages 6–14) €5.50
ℹ️ More info about Lady Agnes
