Bad Freienwalde (Oder) is close enough to Berlin that you’ll find many residents here trying to escape the chaos of city life. It’s more a laid-back atmosphere in the town that’s been considered a spa town since the 17th century.
Of course, a city that old is bound to have some great historical sightseeing, too. It doesn’t hurt that Bad Freienwalde’s countryside is just so gosh darn pretty.
For a bit of culture and history combined, make sure you see St. George’s Church. Well, it’s not really a church anymore; it’s now a concert hall. Oh, the acoustics are just unbelievable in this place!
If you want to visit a church that’s still a church, look no further than the City Parish Church of St. Nikolai, that looks like a beautiful blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It was built in the 13th century, after all.
Close to Bad Freienwalde’s church is the Oderland Museum. You’ll find many exhibits on the culture of the Oderland, as well as the history of this region of Brandenburg.
A visit, although a somber one, is worth it to the old Jewish Cemetery. Residents have dedicated a Memorial Stone in memory to those who died during the days of National Socialism.
Another culturally rich place to visit is the 18th century Schloss Freienwalde. Once just some prince’s summer residence (wow, some place!) it has wonderful artwork of the period and a tiny teahouse to stop for a spell. You don’t have to be royalty to enjoy the concerts, movie films, or any of the artistic pursuits that take place here.
If you do want to stay like royalty, then make reservations over at the nearby Schloss Reichenow. This place is more than beautiful. You’ll feel like a Duke or Duchess walking the halls of this grand estate and where every need, desire, or whim is catered.
This is a spa town, so relax, rejoice, and rewind with any number of spa treatments, including massages or a soak in the mineral springs (found way back in the 18th century).
If you can tear yourself away from the trappings of royalty and spa services, get out into the Brandenburg countryside. If you can climb the Oder Tower (oh, it’s high) — you’ll be more than rewarded with views of the Oder Valley and Poland. Look out for the “Emperor’s Oak,” an oak tree dedicated to the memory of Wilhelm I back in the 19th century.
Bad Freienwalde must have been something special to have a Prince visit time and time again. Berliners certainly know how wonderful it is, too. So, why not you?
