Havelsee: Craftsmanship, the Havel and History

When choosing a hotel in Havelsee, it is worth deciding first what you want to focus on during your trip. Pritzerbe offers several ways to explore craftsmanship and history; lakes, protected areas and trails are ideal for nature and outdoor activities. In Havelsee, possible activities include cycling, hiking, fishing and boating on the Havel.

Craftsmanship and History in Pritzerbe

Since at least 1385, the ferry has connected Pritzerbe on the east bank of the Havel with Kützkow on the west bank. If you plan to take the ferry, check the timetable in advance. The Pritzerbe Reed Weaving Workshop is considered the last of its kind in Germany. Visitors can weave with reeds there under expert guidance; if you are interested, check in advance what visiting options are available. The museum focuses on the craft and local history.

At the site, a wooden reed nature trail leads into the reed beds and willow belt of the Lower Havel South Nature Reserve. The museum ship Ilse-Lucie, a technical monument, is moored in Pritzerbe Harbour. The building history of St. Mary’s Church is tied to a specific historical turning point: after the town fire of 1773, which partly destroyed the previous church, it was reconsecrated in 1783. The organ dates from 1737 and was built by J. Wagner. The organ is therefore older than the reconsecration.

Lakes, Trails and Protected Areas

Lake Pritzerbe is considered a remnant meander of the former course of the Elbe. It is protected as part of the Lower Havel South Nature Reserve, the Westhavelland Landscape Protection Area and Westhavelland Nature Park, as well as an FFH site and an SPA bird protection area. The Marzahner Fenn and Dune Heath Trail leads through a different landscape of wet meadows, heathland and dry grassland. Hiking and cycling tours around Lake Pritzerbe are popular.

The two bathing areas differ in their surroundings. The bathing area in Pritzerbe is right on the banks of the Havel; its facilities include a sunbathing lawn and two benches. The bathing area at Weißen See is in the forest between Hohenferchesar and Marzahne and serves as a rest stop on hikes towards Seelensdorf or Marzahne. Check local access and facilities at Weißen See in advance; amenities at the bathing area in Pritzerbe may change.

Culture in the Wider Destination

The wider destination of Potsdam-Mittelmark offers other distinct cultural attractions. Eisenhardt Castle above Bad Belzig is considered a cultural landmark and gives visitors an immersive experience of the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages, Ziesar Castle was an important episcopal residence and impresses visitors with its well-preserved architecture. Reckahn Castle is dedicated to the life and work of the Prussian reformer Friedrich Eberhard von Rochow; the permanent exhibition “Reason for the People” has been on display there since 2001.

Discover more destinations: Potsdam, Marquardt, Caputh, Schwielowsee, Groß Briesen, Rabenstein/Fläming, Borkheide, Glindow

See the wider travel guide: Potsdam-Mittelmark.