Just a few steps out of the city—and the real adventures begin. From the world’s largest rose collection to one of Brandenburg’s oldest castles: The Berlin area offers the perfect destination for every taste, without the need for a long drive. Impressive nature, idyllic lake landscapes, and spectacular, centuries-old architecture await you at every turn. Still not had enough? Then our new tip is just what you need: The Stolper Tower, also known as the “Grützpott,” is one of Brandenburg’s most impressive medieval structures and also one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Uckermark.
It stands in the village of Stolpe near Angermünde, overlooking the Lower Oder Valley, and has shaped the region’s landscape for more than 800 years. With an outer diameter of 18 meters, the tower is considered to be probably the widest defensive tower in Germany. It reaches a height of around 25 meters, has a foundation about ten meters deep, and walls more than six meters thick at the base. The structure was built in the last third of the 12th century, making it one of the oldest surviving defensive towers in Brandenburg.
The tower was built as part of acastle complex to secure the Oder region. At that time, the area was under strong Danish influence, which is why historians assume that Danish master builders were involved in its construction. The complex servedto control important trade routes and protect the border. Even before the castle was built, a Slavic fortification from the 7th to 8th centuries stood on the same site.
The tower owes its unusual nickname “Grützpott” to a local legend. According to tradition, the castle was once besieged by farmers. When the defenders ran out of ammunition, they are said to have thrown hot gruel at the attackers. A blacksmith is said to have exclaimed, “We’ll soon break the Grützpott,” before the besiegers smashed the tower’s door. Since then, the tower has been popularly known as the “Grützpott.”
Today, visitors can once again tour the tower following a comprehensive renovation that was completed in 2008. Highlights include a modern spiral staircase, the former dungeon with the so-called “Angstloch” (fear hole), historic living quarters, an exhibition on the history of Stolpe, and the viewing platform on the roof. From there, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the Lower Oder Valley and the surrounding Uckermark landscape.
