Seeblick: Hohennauen Castle, Village Church and Lake Loop Trail

Several different travel interests come together in the Hohennauen district of Seeblick: castle and palace history, the features of a historic village church, a 23.2-kilometre lake loop trail and a designated bathing area on Lake Hohennauen. This makes it easy to decide early on whether architectural history, a longer route or swimming in the lake should take priority when planning a holiday together. This focus can also guide your search for accommodation in Seeblick.

The castle and village church tell different stories

Hohennauen Castle was first mentioned in 1386; its role in defending the Land of Rhinow to the south dates back to the late 12th century. After the Thirty Years’ War, the castle was completely derelict. Around 1700, a half-timbered palace was built on its foundations. Under Hans Ehrenreich von Bornstedt, the palace was extensively remodelled in 1778 and later partially plastered. In 1928, the building was significantly altered and acquired its central avant-corps. Its history thus spans a medieval castle, a half-timbered building and later structural changes.

Hohennauen Village Church is a point of interest in its own right. Its west tower, built of brick, dates back to the Romanesque predecessor church from the mid-13th century; as a defensive tower, it has loopholes. Inside the church, beneath the patron’s gallery, stands the magnificent sandstone sarcophagus of Katharina Hedwig von der Hagen, created around 1769 and decorated with coats of arms and inscriptions. Several 18th-century paintings also adorn the interior. Distinctive architectural details on the outside thus meet historic furnishings inside. If you would like to see the interior furnishings in person, check in advance whether a visit to the church is possible.

Lake loop trail and bathing area: two different ways to spend your time

The Hohennauener-Ferchesarer See lake loop trail is 23.2 kilometres long. It starts and ends at the village green in the Hohennauen district and leads out of the village over the canal bridge. Look for the trail marker: a red bar on a white background and the word “Seerundweg” (lake loop trail). With its specified length, the route offers a distinct, longer excursion; check local conditions before setting out.

The Hohennauen bathing area is on Lake Hohennauen and is a designated EU bathing site. Its bathing water quality is rated excellent and is checked regularly. As it can change, it is advisable to check the current conditions before swimming. Holiday plans can combine two different ideas here: a clearly defined loop route and time for swimming in the lake.

The wider Havelland region

The wider Havelland destination offers further nature-focused activities. On the southern shore of Lake Gülper, an approximately 1.5-kilometre nature trail with illustrated information boards invites visitors to watch birds. During spring and autumn migration, up to 100,000 geese and hundreds of cranes gather there; they are joined by numerous wading birds, ducks and great egrets. Those wishing to plan their stay around seasonal nature experiences will find a different focus here from Hohennauen’s castle and church history.

The Havelland region also offers a way to plan cycling trips: the junction-based signposting system lets you put together your own cycling routes. The Havelland Cycle Route runs through the Havelländisches Luch via Nauen, Ribbeck and Rathenow to the Westhavelland Nature and Star Park. It is mostly paved, flat and pleasant to ride. In this way, the specific route of the lake loop trail differs from the option of using the regional junction-based signposting system to put together your own cycling route.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Schönwalde-Glien, Kleßen-Görne, Brieselang, Rathenow, Märkisch Luch, Semlin, Wassersuppe, Wustermark.

Back to the main travel overview: Havelland.