Bersteland: Freiwalde, the River and Village History

Freiwalde, a district of Bersteland, lies in the Baruth glacial valley between Kabel and Kaulschen Graben. The Berste flows through Freiwalde; it passes Reichwalde and continues towards Lübben and the Spree. The location and course of the river provide concrete reference points in the landscape: the glacial valley between the named ditches and the course of the Berste through several places.

Freiwalde: Settlement History and Architectural Styles

Archaeological investigations link Freiwalde’s settlement history to the Bronze Age. On the site of the former industrial area, 20 hectares are designated as an archaeological monument. The village’s history therefore reaches far back; the designated area is an important part of this historical picture.

The architectural styles also add distinctive features. A Sorbian-influenced half-timbered house with a covered gallery is preserved and visible at Hauptstraße 13. Freiwalde Church is a small, rectangular neo-Gothic brick church, consecrated in 1871. Those interested in architecture can explore different themes here: half-timbering with a covered gallery and a neo-Gothic brick building. Opportunities to visit the church may vary; check before planning a visit.

The Freiwalde Bauerstube at Am Sandberg 37 is considered to be about 500 years old and the oldest house in the village in its original form. Its stated age complements the archaeological link to the Bronze Age with a specific historic building. Together, these examples illustrate different periods—from early settlement history to the surviving houses and the church.

Dahme-Spreewald as a Wider Travel Destination

Beyond the local area, Dahme-Spreewald provides a wider setting for planning a trip. The Dahme Lakes area and the Spreewald together form the travel region in the district of Dahme-Spreewald. Cyclists can explore more than 1,000 kilometres of well-developed, fully signposted routes connecting landscapes and places to visit in the Spreewald and Dahme-Seenland. Check the conditions on a specific route before setting out.

Nature experiences also take many forms: Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park lies in the districts of Dahme-Spreewald and Oder-Spree and encompasses more than 100 lakes. The “Buchenhain” nature trail leads to a seven-metre-high observation tower with views of the surrounding area. The wider travel destination therefore offers both expansive landscapes and a named nature trail with a viewpoint as options to consider when planning further.

Culture and Regional Discoveries

History can also be explored in other places across Dahme-Spreewald. The Schlepzig Farming Museum is housed in a completely preserved ensemble of rural buildings dating from 1818; in an authentically furnished home, it depicts small-scale farming life. In Königs Wusterhausen, the Funkerberg Museum is located at the authentic site of Germany’s first radio broadcast: a Christmas concert was broadcast from there on 22 December 1920.

Mittenwalde adds local history and architecture to this selection. The Salzmarkt 5 Museum tells the town’s more than 700-year history in a restored half-timbered house. The tower of St. Moritz Church has viewing platforms at a height of about 50 metres; the climb involves around 200 steps. Königs Wusterhausen Palace can only be visited on a guided tour. Visitors learn about the life and royal living quarters of Frederick William I, as well as his era. Those wishing to include cultural sites in their trip can compare these different highlights as they continue planning.

Regional products associated with the Spreewald include Spreewald gherkins, horseradish, cold-pressed linseed oil and yeast pancakes. These specialities add a culinary perspective to the region; individual products and their availability may vary.

Discover More Travel Destinations

Discover more travel destinations: Märkische Heide, Königs Wusterhausen, Heidesee, Schwielochsee, Golßen, Straupitz, Schönefeld, Spreewaldheide.

Go to the regional travel overview: Dahme-Spreewald.