Discover Lietzen: the Commandery and a hike

Lietzen combines medieval religious order history with a hike that leads through the surrounding region, past lakes and through woodland. The historic focus is the Commandery; the hiking route adds a nature perspective to the history of the town. This distinction is helpful when planning your trip: the cultural heritage itself is in Lietzen, while other hiking, cultural and cycling themes belong to the wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland.

The Lietzen Commandery: religious order history and church

The Lietzen Commandery was first documented in 1232. Members of the Knights Templar built the medieval religious order complex in the mid-13th century; its protective walls have survived to this day. In 1318, the complex and the Romanesque church passed into the possession of the Knights Hospitaller.

Lietzen Nord Church is Romanesque and part of the Commandery. The term Romanesque classifies the church architecturally; at the same time, it is part of the history of the complex. Thus, the history of the religious orders and the church are clearly connected.

A hike between the Commandery, lakes and woodland

At the start of the hike, a short loop leads through the Lietzen Commandery. Farther along the regional route, the trail first follows Küchensee and then continues along Großer See through the woodland; the route runs between Lietzen Nord and Neuentempel. In this way, a short loop through the historic site meets a broader nature route. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

More nature and cultural attractions in Märkisch-Oderland

The wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland offers a different hiking focus in Märkische Schweiz. There, you can explore the 17 km Natura Trail and the certified Märkische Schweiz Nature Park Route, which is just under 21 km long. The distances provide a useful comparison when estimating the length of a regional tour; check trail conditions locally.

The Brecht-Weigel House in Buckow offers another cultural experience and has been a museum since 1977. The Brecht-Weigel House Literature Museum hosts readings, concerts, discussions, debates, films, exhibitions and special guided tours throughout the year. The individual offerings vary. The events and museum thus provide a regional cultural focus distinct from Lietzen’s medieval religious order history.

Cycling trips along the Oder-Neiße Cycle Route are also possible in Märkisch-Oderland. The main route of the Oderbruch Railway Cycle Route runs from Fürstenwalde/Spree or, alternatively, from Müncheberg to Wriezen. It passes through the quiet Oderbruch landscape and is also a journey into the early 20th century and the history of rail transport. The wider destination therefore offers a range of activities: hiking in Märkische Schweiz and cycling on a route with historical significance.

You can use these options to tailor your search to the kind of trip you are planning.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bad Freienwalde, Altlandsberg, Wulkow Bei Booßen, Rehfelde, Werder, Hennickendorf, Waldsieversdorf, Hönow

To the broader travel overview: Märkisch-Oderland.