Discover Ketzin an der Havel

There are different ways to discover Ketzin: explore its historic buildings and the history of the Old Town, or enjoy experiences on and along the Havel. You can tailor your stay to your interests, combining local history, active pursuits and time by the water.

Stories of the Old Town and regional history

The Old Town tour in Ketzin/Havel uses five blue steles to guide visitors to notable architecture and various historic buildings in the Old Town, while also sharing the town’s history. At the steles, children can scan QR codes to listen to audio stories about the individual buildings. These stories add a narrative dimension to the tour and its houses.

St. Peter’s Church is also part of Ketzin’s historical heritage: it dates back to the 12th century. The town museum opened in 1911 in the building that now houses the tourist information office. The small brick museum in the courtyard of the town hall offers insights into the region’s former brickmaking industry. Together, these historical perspectives range from the architecture of individual buildings to the industrial history of the surrounding area.

Walking between Ketzin and Paretz

Between the Old Town of Ketzin/Havel and Paretz is a signposted circular hiking trail about 8 km long. Along the way, you can explore sights and places of interest. Its approximate length and signposting give you a practical framework for planning your day without specifying a particular walking time.

Paretz is a district of Ketzin/Havel. An audio guide tells stories about new places and offers a fresh perspective on familiar ones; a visit to Paretz Palace is also recommended. You can plan the circular trail and the audio guide’s stories as different ways to explore places in and around Ketzin.

Experience the Havel: ferry, cycling and water

The “Charlotte” Havel ferry is a form of public transport and operates year-round to Schmergow and the blossom town of Werder (Havel). Cyclists can use it to reach the Havel Cycle Path on the opposite bank. If you are planning a crossing, check the timetable in advance, as schedules may change.

The public “Ketzin Havel Beach” bathing area on Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Weg invites visitors to swim and relax from May to September. It has a beach volleyball court and a playground. Canoe tours and a stand-up paddleboarding taster session are also available at Ketzin Havel Beach. From the Havel promenade, you can watch waterway travellers on the river. Canoeists can moor at the waterway rest area at the lido. As access and facilities may change, check the conditions before your trip.

Fishermen’s festival and fishing

The Ketzin Fishermen’s Festival features traditional attractions on and along the Havel, including fishing hauls, German cutter rowing championships and water-skiing demonstrations. If the festival is important to your trip, check the event dates before planning.

Fishing permits are available from the Ketzin/Havel tourist information office. No fishing examination is required to fish for coarse fish such as roach, silver bream or bream. Fishing regulations may change, so check the current requirements before fishing.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Ketzin, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your trip: for days centred on cultural history, consider the Old Town tour, St. Peter’s Church and the brick museum; for active pursuits, add the circular hiking trail and cycling access to the Havel Cycle Path. A day swimming at Havel Beach is possible from May to September.

Discover more destinations: Semlin, Nauen, Kleßen-Görne, Wustermark, Rathenow, Nennhausen, Märkisch Luch

View the main travel overview: Havelland.