There are two things that separate Zeuthen from Berlin, forest and water. What does that mean to you? It means that from the crystal clear Zeuthener See lake you can see the big bright city of Berlin.
Zeuthener See isn’t only a boundary between this small town and one of the most visited cities in Germany. No, it’s a really popular recreational lake where Berliners (and everyone else) come to sunbathe, go sailing, canoeing, motorboating, and fishing. Did I miss anything?
Oh, for a piece of Zeuthen trivia, the Zeuthener See has been fished since the 7th century A.D. That means residents have been eating the Pike (and other fish varieties) for more than thirteen hundred years!
If throwing rods with worms into the water isn’t for you then go visit the gorgeous stone church in the village of Miersdorf built around the 14th or 15th century. I like old churches because they’re always filled with the most lovely artwork.
Nowhere near as old is the Protestant Church on Schillerstraße and Wilhelm-Guthke-Straße. It was built in 1913, but this church just looks so cool from the outside, imagine what’s on the inside!
When you want to be outside; but, don’t want to do the swimming thing try eating at one of the outside restaurants or cafes. Have a nice drink and watch the world go by. No drinking in Zeuthen’s Chinese Garden, though; but, carry a bottle (or two) while you’re out in the forest on the hiking trails.
Don’t leave town before you’ve gone and seen the Soviet Honor Cemetery, where more than 500 Soviet soldiers (POW’s and forced laborers, too) are buried. This part of Brandenburg was once part of Soviet occupied East Germany, which is why you’ll find a Soviet cemetery in these parts.
You can get to Zeuthen in less than 45 minutes from Berlin, yet you’ll feel like you’re an entire world away. As much as I love the bright lights big city chic of Berlin as much as the next guy, I’m glad Zeuthen is quite the opposite. :-)
