Discover Rauen
Accommodation in Rauen
Rauen combines a historic village character with destinations in the surrounding Rauen Hills. In Rauen itself, the fortified church, the village green and recurring events reflect the village’s history. In the hills, an observation tower, the Markgrafensteine boulders and several trails add to the picture. When planning your stay, you can choose between village history, an event date and activities in the surrounding area.
Village history and annual events
The fortified church, probably built in the 13th or 14th century, and the farmsteads around the village green shaped the village scene until the 18th century. The church and village green are therefore prominent landmarks in Rauen’s history. Since 1996, the municipality and local clubs have organized an annual Christmas market at the fortified church. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the date for the relevant year.
The Fontanelauf is also a tradition in Rauen and takes place annually on the third Sunday in April. The current schedule may vary, so check the event dates before travelling. Fontanelauf is also the name of a circular route around the Rauen Hills, which can be completed by running, hiking or Nordic walking. The event date and route description offer different points of reference for planning.
Rauen Hills: views, boulders and trails
The Markgrafensteine boulders in the Rauen Hills are the largest erratic boulders in the Mark Brandenburg region. An observation tower has stood there since September 2011; in fine weather, it offers views as far as Berlin. Brown coal was mined underground in the hills’ old tunnels. Information boards beside historic mining carts tell the story of this mining history. These places and themes give the surrounding area its own historical and landscape perspective.
There are two differently described hiking routes: a 17-kilometre route leads through the Rauen Hills and connects the Markgrafensteine, the Paulsborn spring and the Rauen Hills observation tower. The Rauen Hills circular trail is just under 16 kilometres long and also runs through the hills. The distances can help you choose how far to travel; trail conditions may change. The shorter distance does not make the routes interchangeable: the first description lists specific stops, while the second describes a route through the hills.
The Fontanelauf circular route is another way to experience the Rauen Hills by running, hiking or Nordic walking. When there is enough snow, you can also ski and toboggan in the hills. These winter activities are specifically dependent on sufficient snow. Which option is right for your trip therefore also depends on the season and local conditions.
More themes in the wider Oder-Spree destination
Beyond Rauen, the wider Oder-Spree destination offers other distinct themes. In Bad Saarow, the approximately 1.5-kilometre-long Lesser Promenade runs along the lakeshore from the spa gardens to Fontane Park. In Neuzelle, the five-hectare Baroque garden was restored according to original plans from the 1758 abbey atlas. Baroque pathways, water features and a terrace complex define the garden.
Oder-Spree also has a rich architectural history: the listed ensemble of Beeskow Castle brings together buildings dating from 1250 to 1550 and features a 30-metre-high keep with an observation platform. Another point of interest is Lake ScharmĂĽtzel, which covers around 1,200 hectares and is about 30 metres deep. These examples broaden the regional picture to include lakeside paths, garden art, architecture and bodies of water. They describe distinct themes within the wider destination, not features of Rauen.
Find hotels for your stay in Rauen
First consider whether you are most interested in the village’s historic character and annual events, or the trails and nature in the Rauen Hills. These priorities can help you focus your search on what you would like to do during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Madlitz-Wilmersdorf, Reichenwalde, Brieskow-Finkenheerd, Rietz-Neuendorf, FĂĽrstenwalde/Spree, Langewahl, Neuzelle, Tauche.
Go to the overview of the wider destination: Oder-Spree.
