Wittstock (Dosse) in Brandenburg is one of the most dazzling cities in all of Germany, besides that it’s also the fourth largest in all of Germany as far as the area size is concerned.
There’s so much to see and do in Wittstock, you may not know where to start. Thankfully, the town has planned out a few routes (both walking and cycling) depending on your preferences — be it historical, religious, or natural — to make it easier.
In fact, why not stay a while here and see it all?
One place to start is the Alte Bischofsburg, which once was a formidable castle (only the 32 meter high tower remains of the oldest part built in 1271). It’s now the Ostprignitzmuseum, a museum of regional history with a permanent exhibit dedicated to the Thirty Years’ War (as one of the bloodiest battles of the entire war took place here).
Another bloody war took place here some 300 years later. The Museum of the Death March (Museum des Todesmarsches im Wald) is dedicated to the thousands killed on one of the SS’s death marchs from the Ravensbrück and Saxonia Concentration Camps in April 1945.
There’s another castle to visit, Freyenstein Castle. Built in 1556 it’s now used for concerts, lectures, and readings. It’s new counterpart, Neues Schloss Freyenstein (built 1650 and was once a hotel from 1926-1945), is now a book market.
The Parish Church Marienkirche, built in the 13th century, has a beautiful sandstone Madonna and a tower that rises 68 meters into the heavens. Many more framework and historic churches can be found on the “Shower Brook” Route, the Bishop’s Route, and the Monastery Route.
If you head over to the former monastery (which is on the 48 km Monastery Route) there are weekly concerts held here from May to September (at 7pm). Better be prompt, this is Germany and things run on schedule! ;-)
You’ll also have a wonderful view of the forest from the Blumenthal Observation Tower (that stands some 48 meters high). Make certain to stop and see the Sweden Stone, an 80 ton stone left here from the last Ice Age.
On the Smuggler’s Route, cycle through the forest past lakes and meadows. Wonder if these smugglers ever stopped to smell the proverbial roses in this picturesque landscape?
With everything that is Wittstock you might not even dare ask, which three German cities are even bigger in size?
