Discover Rauen: fortified church, village history and the Rauener Berge
Accommodation in Rauen
Rauen combines village history with distinctive nearby attractions. In the village, the fortified church and farmsteads around the Anger tell of the past; in the Rauener Berge, viewpoints, erratic boulders and hiking trails offer different discoveries. You can plan your trip around whether you are especially interested in village history or would like to make time for excursions in the area.
Village history and a recurring tradition
The fortified church and farmsteads around the Anger shaped Rauen’s village landscape until the 18th century. The fortified church was probably built in the 13th or 14th century. A local tradition is tied to this historic site: since 1996, the municipality of Rauen and local associations have organized a Christmas market at the fortified church every year. It adds a seasonal highlight to the year and complements the church and Anger with a recurring event. If you would like to include the market in your travel plans, check the specific date.
Erratic boulders, views and mining history
The Rauener Berge are located near Rauen. The Markgrafensteine are among the largest erratic boulders in the Mark Brandenburg region. An observation tower has stood in the hills since September 2011; in fine weather, the view from there reaches as far as Berlin. The erratic boulders and the viewpoint offer different highlights: the former shape the landscape as distinctive natural landmarks, while the tower offers a panoramic view when weather permits.
The mining history of the Rauener Berge is another subject of interest. Brown coal was mined underground in the old tunnels. Information boards at historic mine carts tell this story and add another historical dimension to the landscape. Those interested in the development of a place and its surroundings will find a distinct perspective on the region’s past here, in addition to the village history.
Hiking and seasonal activities
Several routes explore the Rauener Berge in different ways. A 17-kilometre hiking route passes through the hills and links the Markgrafensteine, the Paulsborn spring and the Rauener Berge observation tower. The Rauener Berge circular trail is just under 16 kilometres long and also runs through the hills. When choosing a route, you can compare the listed destinations and distances.
The Fontanelauf circuit runs around the Rauener Berge and can be completed by running, hiking or Nordic walking. The Fontanelauf is a Rauen tradition and takes place every year on the third Sunday in April. For a specific trip, it is worth checking the date of the event. Winter activities depend on the weather: when there is enough snow, you can ski and toboggan in the Rauener Berge.
Other highlights in the wider Oder-Spree destination
The wider Oder-Spree destination offers other highlights to compare with Rauen’s village history and the trails in the Rauener Berge. Scharmützelsee covers about 1,200 hectares and is around 30 metres deep. Its clear water has visibility of up to four metres and draws anglers, divers, sailors and swimmers to the region. In Bad Saarow, the approximately 1.5-kilometre-long Lesser Promenade runs along the lakeshore from Kurpark to Fontanepark.
The five-hectare Baroque Garden of Neuzelle offers a different cultural highlight in the wider Oder-Spree destination. It was restored according to original plans in the 1758 abbey atlas and features Baroque avenues, water features and a terraced layout. Lakeshore, landscaped garden and village history appeal to different travel interests. If you are looking for accommodation in Rauen, the experiences you would like to focus on can help guide your trip planning.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: MĂĽnchehofe, Gosen-Neu Zittau, MĂĽllrose, Wulkow, Vogelsang, Wiesenau, Erkner, Wilmersdorf.
Back to the main travel overview: Oder-Spree.
