Ever wondered where the German optics industry has its origins? And even if not—we have exciting facts and a new destination for you. Admittedly, “optics industry” sounds pretty dry at first. But what awaits you here is anything but that—a surprisingly colorful, diverse, and playful place whose palette can easily rival the tulip shows and fields of flowers around Berlin. Optikpark Rathenow is located right on the Havel River and combines nature, design, and optical phenomena into an experiential space that is constantly changing—depending on light, perspective, and movement. It is precisely this space that is celebrating its seasonal opening today. Especially in spring and summer, the park shows itself from its most beautiful side: when the gardens are in full bloom, the light reflects on the water, and long, warm evenings unfold .
Rathenow is considered the cradle of the German optical industry: it was here in the 19th century that Johann Heinrich August Duncker began the industrial production of eyeglasses. To this day, this heritage shapes the city—visible, tangible, and interpreted in a surprisingly modern way.
“Open your eyes!” is the motto at Optikpark Rathenow, and here it’s far more than just a slogan. Stroll across curved walkways, drift along on a raft, or immerse yourself in mirror installations and plays of color that constantly reveal new perspectives: the park invites you to experience seeing in a whole new way. Pavilions, waterways, and artistic elements blend seamlessly together, creating an atmosphere that lies somewhere between a landscape park and a walk-through installation. Not a traditional park, then, but a place that deliberately plays with perception.
An architectural highlight is the Weinberg Bridge, an elegant pedestrian bridge leading up to the vineyard. Once you reach the top, the Bismarck Tower awaits you, one of Rathenow’s most famous landmarks. From here, a wide, tranquil view opens up over the city and the surrounding Havel landscape. It is precisely this change of perspective that makes the place so special: a moment in which nature, architecture, and vastness effortlessly merge.
Those who want to delve deeper should visit the Optik Industrie Museum Rathenow . Here, you can see how an entire industry emerged from glass, precision, and ideas. Around 15,000 exhibits trace the development from historical eyeglasses to modern high-tech instruments, bringing history to life in a surprisingly vivid way. A place that impressively demonstrates just how much innovation can shape an entire city.