Discover Schönewalde

Schönewalde can be explored through its cultural attractions, cycle routes and landscapes. The Paltrock windmill in Schönewalde stands on the western edge of the town; the school museum displays teaching materials, school furniture, photo collections and other items from bygone times. Visiting arrangements differ: tours of the windmill are offered by telephone appointment, while visits to the school museum are possible by arrangement. Make arrangements for your preferred dates in advance.

Paltrock Windmill: History and Visits

The Paltrock windmill was moved to its present location in 1939. Its wood-fired oven is still in working order and is used to bake bread and cakes. If you would like to see a baking demonstration, check availability in advance, as it may vary. The traditional Mill Festival takes place at the windmill on Whit Monday. Check the date for your intended year of travel before planning your trip around it. This brings different aspects of the same place into focus: the history of the mill, baking and the festival.

Cycling and Water Attractions

The cycle routes in the town of Schönewalde connect to Fläming Skate. This provides a specific option if you want to include cycling in your travel plans. Brandiser See in Brandis was developed into a swimming lake in 2003. If you are planning a day of swimming there, check the latest information on its use. Another destination in the municipality is Natursee Bernsdorf, which was created by gravel extraction. The “Island of Recreation” on the lake lies directly on a new cycle path.

Other Places in the Municipality

Other places in the municipality also offer attractions with their own distinctive character. In Ahlsdorf, the 15-hectare Schlosspark contains rare trees and shrubs. On its southern side is a crypt belonging to the family of Georg von Siemens, which was restored in 1994/95. The castle is privately owned; the park grounds are considered open to visitors. Check access arrangements before visiting.

In Hohenkuhnsdorf stands a protected, 800-year-old small-leaved lime tree with a trunk circumference of 6.40 metres. In Grassau, bread and cakes are baked in the traditional oven for special occasions such as village festivals, or by request for family celebrations. You should enquire about and arrange such baking dates in advance. These examples range from natural and cultural heritage to a baking offer available for special occasions.

Industrial Heritage in the Wider Elbe-Elster Travel Region

The wider Elbe-Elster travel region has other distinct destinations connected with industrial history. The Louise briquette factory in Domsdorf is Europe’s oldest surviving briquette factory; visitors can experience working historic machinery and discover steam engines there. Plessa Power Station is one of Europe’s oldest lignite-fired power stations and retains its original building fabric. Visitors can see authentic power station technology from the 1920s there. The guided “Coal Route” tour passes through the outdoor bunkers, boiler house, turbine hall, control room and transformer area. Unlike the windmill and school museum in Schönewalde, these destinations focus on industrial and energy history.

Discover more travel destinations: Schönborn, Gröden, Röderland, Finsterwalde, Fichtwald, Doberlug-Kirchhain, Hohenleipisch.

Return to the main travel overview: Elbe-Elster.