You know, I think Brandenburg gets a raw deal, not getting the respect it deserves. Yes, Berlin lies right in the middle of it all, but that’s not technically Brandenburg. It’s places like Ketzin (Havel) that is the true face of Brandenburg.
Ketzin is located between Potsdam and Brandenburg an der Havel, along the Havel River, hence its name.
Along the water is the Havel Promenade, a great place to stroll along or take a bike ride. Ketzin’s Tourist Information Center is located nearby, so they’ll help you figure out where to go next.
I know… how ’bout to Paretz with its castle (so named Schloss Paretz), Schleuse (a sluice where boats come in & out), its Windmill, and Village Church.
Falkenrehde too has its own Village Church, and a Soviet Memorial from its days of Soviet occupation.
Tremmen is quite the active place; and you can’t miss its Church of St. Mary with its Onion-domed Baroque towers — although the building itself is a 15th century Gothic creation.
Ketzin itself has a Baroque church, St. Peter’s, built in 1758 — but the tower is much, much older, from around the year 1200, making it over 800 years old.
What’s even better is that Tremmen and Ketzin both have their own Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum). Only difference is Tremmen’s has a Museum Festival in August.
Don’t freak out if you can’t make this festival, plenty of other chances to party here. You’ve got a Pfingstfest in May, a Village Festival in June, a Summer Festival in July, and a 3 day Fisherman’s Festival where someone is crowned the Fishing Queen.
As cool as all this is, I think the Moonlight Canoe Tours top the cake. You just better make your reservations early, these awesome night adventures book up early. For those who rather be out in the daylight, take one of the Louise Culture Tours with your guide in period costume.
Fantastic, isn’t it? Now do you see why Brandenburg deserves a little more respect?
