About an hour from Berlin to Germany’s best-preserved medieval city wall: With 379 km², it is the largest city in the district and a state-approved thermal brine spa.

How about leaving the stress and hustle and bustle of the big city behind and escaping to a quiet little place nearby? Fortunately, there are more than enough of these in the Berlin area, because Brandenburg has natural gems to offer that you probably didn’t know about. From the oldest spa town in the state to a place surrounded by water that is known as the “Prussian jewel” – and the list goes on and on. But we are here to present you with a curated selection, and today we would like to introduce you to the medieval town of Templin in the district of Uckermark in northern Brandenburg. With around 16,000 inhabitants, it may be considered small, but it is the largest town in the district in terms of area and is also a state-recognized thermal brine spa.

The first documented mention dates back to 1270, when Templin was first mentioned in a document. In the Middle Ages, the town developed along important trade routes and was fortified with an imposing, almost completely preserved town wall. Templin is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Uckermark” – both because of its beautiful natural surroundings and its charming old town with its historical flair.

Its location makes Templin an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts: the town is surrounded by the expansive landscape of the Uckermark lakes – perfect for canoeing, boat hire, or relaxed swimming. Nearby is the large Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve with moors, extensive forests, and more than 240 lakes – ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and immersive nature experiences. Cycling tours, Nordic walking, long walks, and numerous leisure activities around the forest, water, and lake landscape also make the region particularly diverse.

Photo: Shutterstock

With its healing thermal brine spring, Templin was officially recognized as a state-approved thermal brine spa in 2000. The NaturThermeTemplin is a thermal, wellness, and adventure pool with thermal brine water, saunas, adventure pools, slides, and spacious wellness areas. It is a popular destination for families, couples, and anyone looking for relaxation or swimming fun in a natural environment.

The extensive thermal brine bathing area offers pleasantly warm brine water with temperatures of up to around 36 °C, which is beneficial for relaxation and well-being. A wave pool, current channels, and a grotto corridor provide variety, as do whirlpools and underwater massage stations. Two large slides, each around 100 meters long, offer additional fun for children and teenagers.

In addition, the facility has a clothing-optional sauna world with up to seven different saunas, including indoor areas and a spacious sauna garden. The offer is complemented by a therapy center with health-promoting treatments such as massages, exercise therapies, and treatments with healing thermal brine.