Zehdenick dates back to the early part of the 13th century.
There are quite a few medieval buildings (yes, churches and castles!) to see but, it is a modern town with hourly train service to and from Berlin.
It also lies on the famous Berlin Copenhagen Cycle Track Route that stretches along for almost 900 km through Germany and Denmark, which is great if you’re looking to commune with nature!
Some of Zehdenick’s local neighborhoods are quite small but that doesn’t mean you won’t find something interesting hidden within. The best and first place to start out here is at the Renaissance style Badinger Castle, now housing an exhibit of the town’s local history and one of the town’s local meeting centers.
In the little hamlet of the Bergsdorf district (only 509 residents) there’s a former castle which is now the perfect backdrop for many concerts, theater performances, and book readings. There’s also a little museum here that explains this 13th century castle’s history. Fabulous, culture and history all under one roof!
In the neighborhood of Burgwall the oldest building is now a restaurant with rooms for overnight accommodation. Here’s your chance for sleeping in an old inn just filled with historicity.
There are plenty more old buildings in Zehdenick that allow for some great souvenir photos to take back home with you, like the old Elizabeth Mill, a late 17th century village church in Krewelin, and the ruins of the nearby Cistercian Monastery.
Even though Zehdenick’s history is long, you’ll find remnants of a more modern time. This town, too, wasn’t immune to the effects of World War 2 and a memorial is dedicated to the town’s resistance fighters and those who lost their lives in the struggle against fascism.
There’s also a stone memorial dedicated to Marianne Grunthal, a teacher from Zehdenick who was killed by the SS — only an hour before the American Troops arrived in town on May 2, 1945.
If you’re close to Berlin, jump on the train and come see this intriguing modern town. With Zehdenick’s history and all around good fun, you’ll be glad you did.
