Discover Kloster Lehnin

Kloster Lehnin offers a clear thematic contrast for trip planning: the history of the monastery complex sits alongside Klostersee and the paths through the countryside. The monastery was founded in 1180 as the first Cistercian foundation in the Margraviate of Brandenburg. It served as the house monastery and burial place of the Ascanian and Hohenzollern dynasties. The monastic tradition and the history of these two ruling houses are therefore among the defining themes of the town.

Monastery Complex and Architectural History

A concrete way to explore the architectural history is the Church of St. Mary at Lehnin Monastery. It is considered an outstanding example of early North German brick architecture. The building illustrates the transition from a Romanesque east end to an early Gothic west end: the east end comprises the choir, choir house and one nave bay; the west end is in the early Gothic style. This makes not only its classification as a brick building interesting, but also the distinct designs of the two parts of the building. The church is also a venue for concerts in the Lehnin Summer Music series. If you are planning to attend a concert, check the current programme.

Museum in the Monastery

The Museum in the Monastery is housed in the Baroque administrative building on the former farmyard of the monastery complex. Its permanent exhibition explores life and work in the monastery complex through the centuries, from the medieval Cistercian monastery to the work of a diaconal organisation today. The exhibition therefore presents both the former monastic world and a contemporary aspect of work in the area. If the museum is part of your plans, check current access arrangements before your visit; these may change during construction work.

Klostersee, Floodplain Landscape and Lido

Klostersee broadens the view from the buildings to the surrounding landscape. It stretches from Lehnin in the south to the village of Nahmitz in the north, covers 38 hectares and is about four metres deep. Via the Emster, it connects to the Netzener See and then to the Rietzer See.

The Klosterauenpark lies on the lakeshore opposite the sculpture park on Klostersee. A winding path gives visitors access to the floodplain landscape across around 3.5 hectares. The park offers its own perspective on the lakeside landscape, while its approximate area and path give a clearer sense of the place.

Lehnin Lido on Klostersee offers a climbing area, beach volleyball, table tennis, a playground, a water slide, a sandy beach, swimming and non-swimming areas, a jetty and lifeguard supervision. The facilities include activities on land as well as different areas in the water, along with opportunities to play and climb. Facilities may vary by season; check current operations before travelling.

Circular Route and Getting There

For a walk with a specified distance, consider the Klostersee circular route: it is 7.2 kilometres long and starts and ends at the market square by the Peace Oak in the Lehnin district, in front of the Kloster-Café. Having the same start and end point provides a clear reference for planning; the distance helps you assess the walk as a distinct part of your stay.

Bus routes 580, 550, 553 and 554 run to Lehnin bus station from Bad Belzig, Potsdam, Groß Kreutz and Brandenburg. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current routes and timetables with VBB before your journey, as bus services and times may change.

Discover more destinations: Caputh, Teltow, Radewege, Brück, Michendorf, Gräben, Roskow, Wilhelmshorst.

Back to the main travel overview: Potsdam-Mittelmark.