The year has barely begun and January in Berlin already has countless exciting highlights to offer. But there are also plenty of lesser-known treasures waiting to be discovered in the surrounding area. Escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and immerse yourself in another world, full of nature, history, myths and more. You don’t even have to travel far to do so: just one hour from Berlin stands one of Brandenburg’s most beautiful and best-preserved medieval castles. Majestically situated on the 153-meter-high Steilen Hagen, Rabenstein Castle in Hohen Fläming offers breathtaking panoramic views – and special attractions, from castle tours and castle festivals to its own falconry.
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First mentioned in 1251, Rabenstein Castle is one of the few almost completely preserved castles in the state of Brandenburg. The carefully restored high medieval castle complex impresses with a variety of historical buildings. These include the castle chapel, the imposing knights’ hall, and the typical torture chamber, which provides insights into times gone by. In the castle’s forecourt, there is also an old well, a barn, and the historic bakery. The gatehouse and the striking toilet turret on the north side of the complex are also particularly worth seeing. A real highlight is the 30-meter-high keep: from here, there is a fantastic view over the Hoher Fläming – a scenically and historically fascinating region of Brandenburg, also known as the castle triangle.
Rabenstein Castle brings history back to life
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The castle complex is not only beautiful to look at; it also offers numerous events and attractions that bring the Middle Ages back to life. In addition to entertaining castle tours, often accompanied by medieval music or drama, Rabenstein Castle regularly hosts knight’s dinners and festivals such as the Easter Spectacle or the historic castle festival “Rabensteiner Herbst” with a comprehensive program of music, dance, theater, and games. With the spear throwing activity, you can travel even further back in time and learn about Stone Age hunting techniques. A very special highlight, very close to the castle, is the falconry.
A flight back to the Middle Ages
Photo: Unsplash
At the Fläming Falconry, you can immerse yourself in the art of falconry with impressive flight demonstrations featuring various European birds of prey. In addition, nature education hikes through the Hoher Fläming Nature Park and informative lectures are offered. Falconry was already at its peak as a hunting art when Rabenstein Castle was built around 760 years ago. This era also saw the publication of the famous falconry treatise by the German Emperor Frederick II, “De arte venandi cum avibus” (“On the Art of Hunting with Birds”). A visit to the falconry center, either before or after your tour of the castle, is not to be missed.
No matter what time of year, a trip to Rabenstein Castle is always worthwhile. It is also the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and discover the hidden treasures and nature in the Berlin area.