Prötzel: NVA Museum, castle and hotels

Prötzel brings together two distinct cultural themes: in Harnekop, the NVA Museum focuses on the history of the National People’s Army and the Ministry for State Security of the GDR. Prötzel Castle serves as a venue for the International Komitas Festival. If you are looking for a hotel in Prötzel, you can use these interests as a starting point for planning your trip. Find more cultural and nature-related topics in the wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland.

NVA Museum Harnekop: an exhibition in a distinctive building

The NVA Museum Harnekop is located in Harnekop, a district of Prötzel. It is housed in the residential building of the former command bunker of the Minister of National Defence. The museum was founded in 2000. The exhibition includes radio technology, devices, weapons, equipment and furnishings belonging to the National People’s Army and the Ministry for State Security of the GDR. The exhibits date from various periods.

The objects are arranged thematically across 30 rooms. During guided tours, they are explained and, for the most part, demonstrated in working order. A visit to the museum therefore covers both technical and military objects and their context within the exhibition’s themes. If you are especially interested in radio technology, equipment or the history of the GDR, you can take these interests into account when planning your visit. Visits are possible by telephone appointment. Please arrange the details by phone before your visit.

Prötzel Castle and the Komitas Festival

Another cultural attraction in the area is Prötzel Castle: since 2011, it has served as a venue for the International Komitas Festival. The festival is dedicated to the Armenian composer Komitas Vardapet. Prötzel thus offers both a museum with a thematically arranged permanent exhibition and a castle hosting a specific cultural event, catering to different travel interests. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the dates for your travel period in advance.

More to explore in the wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland

The Brecht-Weigel House in Buckow is another museum attraction in the wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland. It has been a museum since 1977. The literature museum hosts readings, concerts, talks, discussions, films, exhibitions and special guided tours throughout the year; the individual offerings vary. If you are interested in literature and a changing programme of events, you will find a different cultural focus here than in the NVA Museum exhibition.

For nature lovers, Märkische Schweiz offers two routes of different lengths: the 17-kilometre Natura Trail and the certified Märkische Schweiz Nature Park Route, which is just under 21 kilometres long. The distances can help you gauge the scope of each planned excursion. Check route conditions locally. Both routes are part of the wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland and are not attractions in Prötzel.

The Oderbruchbahn Cycle Route is another distinct attraction there. Its main route runs from Fürstenwalde/Spree, or alternatively from Müncheberg, to Wriezen. It passes through the tranquil landscape of the Oderbruch and connects it with the early 20th century and the history of rail transport. Unlike the routes in Märkische Schweiz, this route focuses on cycling and has a historical connection.

If you are planning a visit to Harnekop, arrange your appointment by phone; if you are planning to attend the festival, check the dates. This way, you can match your hotel search to the theme that matters most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Falkenhagen, Rehfelde, Manschnow, Zeschdorf, Rüdersdorf Bei Berlin, Neuenhagen, Strausberg, Fichtenhöhe

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Märkisch-Oderland.