Discover Zeesen: Lakeside spots and broadcasting history

Zeesen combines an interesting historical perspective with bodies of water regarded as places for recreation. Its history spans from an airship works to early radio broadcasts; Zeesener See and the Tonteiche ponds offer a different focus. You can shape your view of Zeesen according to whether you are more interested in technological history, its waterside spots, or both.

Radio and airship history

At the beginning of the 20th century, Zeesen was home to an airship works. Schütte-Lanz airships were built there, designed by Johann Schütte with streamlined forms. This is a distinct part of the town’s history and provides an early point of reference for exploring Zeesen’s technological history.

The history of broadcasting begins a few years later, with several specific milestones: construction of a large broadcasting station in Zeesen began in late 1926. Longwave transmitters went into operation in December 1927. On August 29, 1929, the first official German shortwave broadcast was transmitted from Zeesen. This sequence makes the story about more than a single broadcast date: it runs from the start of construction through commissioning to a notable broadcast. Anyone interested in media history will find several dates that make it possible to trace this development.

Zeesener See and the Tonteiche ponds

Zeesener See and the Tonteiche ponds in the Körbiskrug residential area are regarded as attractive recreational waters for local residents and day visitors. Alongside its historical themes, they give Zeesen a point of reference in the surrounding landscape. This contrast can help with planning your own trip: the dates in the historical record draw attention to broadcasting and aviation, while the named waters highlight the town’s recreational landscape. Both are part of Zeesen’s character, but appeal to different interests.

If you are considering Zeesen for its waters and the recreation they offer, the lake and the Tonteiche ponds can guide your choice. If you are primarily interested in history, the timeline of airship building and broadcasting offers specific points to explore.

Königs Wusterhausen: further perspectives

The wider destination of Königs Wusterhausen offers other cultural themes. Königs Wusterhausen Palace served as Frederick William I’s seat of government and was the meeting place of the legendary Tobacco Cabinet. The Dahmeland Museum presents a permanent exhibition on the history of the Dahme region and the town of Königs Wusterhausen, supplemented by changing special exhibitions. The regional context thus brings court history together with a broader account of the town and the surrounding area.

The Tiergarten offers yet another perspective. Established in 1725 as a game enclosure for the Soldier King, it is now a diverse mixed deciduous forest and nature reserve. The 7.5-kilometre Tiergarten circular trail starts and ends either at Königs Wusterhausen railway station or at the hiking car parks by the Tiergarten. The route also passes quiet stretches of the banks of the Staabe and Krimnicksee, as well as ten wooden sculptures that bring aspects of local history to life. At the orchard meadow are the stone circle “The Twelve Wise Ones,” a barefoot path, a balance beam and a rest area. The trail thus brings together nature, history and carefully designed features without requiring you to focus on just one theme.

Three museums in Königs Wusterhausen are within walking distance of the railway station; each tells the town’s history from a different perspective. The station is served by regional trains on the RE and RB lines, as well as by the S-Bahn. A museum visit thus adds another way to orient yourself in the town to the historical and landscape themes.

Choosing which themes will guide your accommodation search

When searching for accommodation, you can choose your starting point based on your interests: here, Zeesen represents the bodies of water mentioned above, along with the history of airship building and broadcasting. The wider destination of Königs Wusterhausen also offers the palace, museums and Tiergarten. Consider which of these you want to shape your stay, then compare the location of each accommodation option with your plans. This makes choosing accommodation part of a concrete decision about the themes you want to explore.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ziegenhals, Senzig.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Königs Wusterhausen.