There are three local hamlets that make up the town of Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf in Brandenburg today: Fredersdorf North, Fredersdorf South, and Vogelsdorf. It’s a town that’s only about 30 minutes east of the Berlin city center and for centuries had less than a thousand residents.
From the looks of it, you’d never guess this place was totally decimated by the Swedes back in the mid 1600’s.
Now ten times more populated than only 150 years ago, Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf is a lovely place to come for a day since there isn’t really enough in the area to warrant an overnight accommodation. But, if you choose to stay (like 13,000 people did), there are a few small guesthouses (like the Hotel Flora) that make a fine and comfortable place to stay.
But, with easy access to/from Berlin and the Polish border on public transportation (if driving — take Federal Highway (Bundesstraße) 1 or 5), making it easy enough to find your way here and make your way back in a single day.
Most of Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf’s visitors come to see the great 18th century architecture that’s prevalent throughout the two villages; including the fancy Schloss Fredersdorf, or the tiny village churches in both Fredersdorf and Vogelsdorf respectively.
One of the most notable and visited sites in town is the old Taubenturm or Pigeon Tower that’s now a small craft museum. For some reason or another, visitors to Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf also stop at the mausoleum of Heinrich Graf von Podewils (an 18th century count who lived in the area).
Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf isn’t all old 18th century relics and tombs. The cycle track of Fredersdorf is a really popular racetrack holding 3000 spectators for some 21st century racing.
Summer is a good time to visit here, because that’s when the annual Village Celebration is held. Who can resist a jolly good time of fun and food? :-)
