Rathenow: Old Town Island and Optical History

Rathenow offers several distinct themes to help you plan your trip: the Old Town Island, its optical history, and cycling and hiking options. If you are looking for a hotel in Rathenow, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Old Town Island and Historic Sites

Rathenow’s historic core lies on the Old Town Island, which is enclosed by four arms of the Havel. Points of interest there include sections of the old town wall, Kirchberg hill, and St. Mary’s and St. Andrew’s Church. The island setting and the named historic buildings are closely connected: the arms of the Havel enclose the core, while Kirchberg, the church, and the town wall bring its history to life. For anyone wishing to discover Rathenow through its historic character, this is a tangible place to start.

Cycle Routes and Bridges

Three named cycle routes pass through Rathenow: the Havel Cycle Route, the Havelland Cycle Route, which forms part of the Hamburg–Berlin Cycle Route, and the Tour Brandenburg. The Tour Brandenburg is listed as 1,111 kilometres long. These routes therefore have distinct names; the Havelland Cycle Route is also identified as part of the Hamburg–Berlin Cycle Route.

Two bridges also connect specific places. The 348-metre-long Weinberg Bridge connects Optikpark with Weinberg. A pedestrian and cycle bridge connects Kirchberg with Weinberg. It was built between 2001 and 2002, restoring the connection after 700 years. The bridges are described in terms of the places they link, while the cycle routes are identified by their names and route connections.

Optical History and Landmarks

The Rathenow Optical Industry Museum displays around 1,200 exhibits on the history of optics. Another historic connection to this subject is the birthplace of pastor Johann Heinrich August Duncker, opposite the church’s west portal: from 1800, Duncker operated his first optical workshop there. Rathenow’s optical history is thus reflected both in a museum collection and in the story of an early workshop.

The Bismarck Tower also stands on Rathenow’s Weinberg. Alongside the church tower, it is the city’s second landmark. The tower was inaugurated on June 24, 1914, in honour of former Chancellor of the German Empire Prince Otto von Bismarck. Its date and dedication place it within the city’s history, while its designation as a landmark describes its role in the cityscape.

Park and Municipal Forest

Optikpark is located in the centre of Rathenow, beside an arm of the Havel; the Weinberg Bridge connects it with Weinberg. For hikers, Rathenow Municipal Forest has a signposted network of trails. The nature trail starts and ends at the Ferchesarer Weg forest car park. The park, bridge, and forest trails represent different, specifically described aspects of the area: a location beside an arm of the Havel, a link between named places, and hiking routes with a designated starting and finishing point.

The Havelland Region

The Havelland also offers its own opportunities for observing nature. On the south shore of Lake Gülpe, an approximately 1.5-kilometre-long educational trail with illustrated information boards invites visitors to observe birds. During spring and autumn migration, up to 100,000 geese and hundreds of cranes gather there, along with numerous waders, ducks, and great egrets. The seasonal information helps put this regional nature experience into context.

Discover more destinations: Grütz, Märkisch Luch, Havelaue, Kleßen-Görne, Brieselang, Kotzen, Premnitz, Dallgow-Döberitz.

For the regional travel overview: Havelland.