Premnitz: Lake, Havel and urban culture

Premnitz combines a history shaped by clay mining with waterside paths and buildings from various centuries. Lake Premnitz, the Havel promenade and cultural activities give your stay a range of different highlights: from walks and nature watching to festivals and local history.

Lake Premnitz: From clay mining to a natural swimming spot

Lake Premnitz was formed in 1913, when a sudden influx of water brought clay mining to a halt in the then clay pit of the “Märkische Ziegelei und Tonwarenfabrik” (Märkische Brickworks and Clayware Factory). Its formation links today’s waterside landscape with the town’s industrial history. Premnitz residents still use the lake as a natural swimming spot. If you plan to swim, check the conditions locally.

A circular walking trail with seating has been created around the lake. This makes it easy to combine time by the water with a walk. Whether you would rather focus on exercise or take a break by the lake, the trail and natural swimming spot offer different ways to enjoy this waterside location.

Walks, sculptures and Premnitz’s architectural history

The Sculpture Trail is located in the centre of Premnitz. The Havel promenade also invites you to stroll, with its observation tower and sculpture trail; walks are also possible along the banks of the Havel. There are several ways to include the waterside paths and sculptures in your day’s plans.

The Alte Hauptstraße offers insights into the town’s architectural history: the Lucke-Hof and several 19th-century town houses have been preserved there. The Protestant church in Premnitz was built in 1858 in the Neo-Romanesque style. The stone arch bridge in Premnitz dates from 1918. These buildings offer different historical and architectural highlights to discover as you explore the town.

The Dachsberg Festival is also part of the annual calendar in Premnitz. This traditional local festival takes place every year on the last weekend in August around the Rondell on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates announced locally. The Premnitz Civic Association’s programme also includes the “Stunde der Musik” concerts and the “Premnitzer Literaturgespräche” literary talks; if you are interested, check the current programme listings.

Active pursuits and route choices

For a change of pace, Premnitz has a modern bowling centre. Check availability before planning a visit. Other activities mentioned for an entertaining stay include the “Band der Spiele” (Play Zone), a large water playground and an observation platform on the Havel. If you are making specific plans, check the current status of these facilities.

If you plan to cycle, note that the Havel Cycle Route no longer passes directly through Premnitz. As routes can change, check the route details for your trip. Walks along the Havel promenade and the riverbank are separate options for enjoying your stay in Premnitz.

More nature and cycling experiences in the Havelland

The Havelland also offers its own opportunities for nature watching and cycling trips. On the southern shore of Lake Gülper in the Havelland, a roughly 1.5-kilometre nature trail with illustrated information panels invites visitors to watch birds. During spring and autumn migration, up to 100,000 geese and hundreds of cranes gather there, along with numerous wading birds, ducks and great egrets. The trail and seasonal birdwatching offer a different focus from the walking routes in Premnitz.

For longer cycling trips, the Havelland Cycle Route runs through the Havelländisches Luch via Nauen, Ribbeck and Rathenow to the Westhavelland Nature and Star Park. It is mostly paved, flat and pleasant to ride. The Havelland’s numbered route signage makes it possible to plan your own cycling routes.

Premnitz as a starting point for finding accommodation

If your main interests are Lake Premnitz, the paths along the Havel, the sculptures and the town’s architectural history, focus your accommodation search on Premnitz. The Dachsberg Festival and events organised by the Civic Association add cultural highlights, and you can take their dates into account when planning. If cycling routes or birdwatching in the Havelland are the main focus of your trip, also consider the regional destinations mentioned here.

Discover more destinations: Ketzin, Börnicke, Kotzen, Friesack, Nennhausen, Kleßen-Görne, Falkensee, Milower Land

For the broader travel overview: Havelland.