Pure idyll, clear waters, forest and meadows – that doesn’t necessarily sound like Berlin, but that’s not what we mean. We’re talking about a little trip to the beautiful surroundings of Berlin – the small town of Strausberg in Brandenburg! It is located around 35 kilometers north-east of Berlin and is nicknamed the “green town by the lake”. So if you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the capital, this is the place for you. You can be there in just 20 minutes by regional train from Lichtenberg.
Pure nature in the “green city by the lake”
Strausberg is picturesquely situated directly on the Straussee, an ice-age channel lake with a water surface area of around 136 hectares. The town has developed around the elongated shore in narrow strips and is characterized by water. Many clear bodies of water have given the city its idyllic reputation and maritime atmosphere. You will find a total of 300 hectares of water around Strausberg.
In summer, the bathing lakes and historic outdoor pool are the perfect place to spend hot days, while in winter the Straussee lake is perfect for a walk. You can go rowing, fishing and diving there. And another unique highlight: the only trolley ferry in Europe operates here.
The surrounding area is ideal for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers. A network of hiking, cycling and riding trails stretches for miles through forests and past lakes. The landscape is varied, and the town itself knows how to take advantage of this: it provides a whole hiking calendar with lots of tips for beautiful routes.
Strausberg, the town with the bird
Anyone traveling to Strausberg cannot avoid one motif: the ostrich. Everywhere in the town you will find artistically designed models of the ostrich. Similar to the Berlin bear in the capital, this bird has a special place in the hearts of the locals – because it gives a glimpse into the town’s long history.
The reason for the name Strausberg was probably the lake, according to the town itself. Due to its elongated shape, it was called “Strutz”, which means “pod” in several Slavic languages. In Middle High German, however, “Struz” or “Strus” was used for the bird ostrich. When the former Slavic areas were conquered, the meaning of the name of the lake and the town also changed.
The town itself is also worth a visit. With only around 27,ooo inhabitants, there is comparatively little going on here, but don’t be fooled by the small numbers. The old town is particularly cozy with its cobblestones, colorful houses in the Fischerkiez district and cozy cafés. There is a local history museum, the city museum, the airfield museum and numerous monuments such as the “Red Sailor” commemorating the November Revolution. St. Mary’s Church from the 13th century is even one of the oldest fieldstone churches in Brandenburg.