Discover Himmelpfort: Water, Nature and Monastic History
Accommodation in Himmelpfort
Himmelpfort appeals to travelers who want to combine water, nature and culture in one stay. Four bodies of water surround the village, and Himmelpfort is located in the heart of the Uckermärkische Seen Nature Park. Other highlights include the Cistercian monastery, founded in 1299, the monastery herb garden and the Christmas room. When looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether water, cycling, nature or cultural visits will shape your trip.
Water, Cycle Route and Nature
Fishing, swimming and boating are possible on four lakes and on the Havel and Woblitz rivers. This lets you combine activities by the water with trips on the water and tailor your stay to your interests. Himmelpfort is also connected to the Berlin–Copenhagen long-distance cycle route. So, as well as water-based activities, cycling is another specific focus for your trip.
In the Kleine Schorfheide-Havel Natura 2000 site, parts of Himmelpfort/Bredereiche provide habitat for sandy heaths, silver grass communities and dry grassland at various stages of succession. These habitat types complement the focus on water and cycling with a distinct nature perspective. Himmelpfort Lock is a self-service lock that equalizes the water level with Lake Stolpsee. Since operating details may change, check them again before your visit.
Monastic History, Herbs and Craft Workshop
The Cistercian monastery in Himmelpfort was founded in 1299. At the monastery herb garden, you can see more than 250 medicinal, culinary and aromatic herbs. Paid guided tours of the garden are available for groups of four or more by prior arrangement. If you are planning a tour, bear in mind that you must book in advance and that the minimum group size is four. You can also visit the glass workshop at the Himmelpfort chocolate factory. This brings together the town’s history, a garden with a wide range of themes and another specific place to visit.
Christmas Room and Advent Market
The Christmas room is relevant beyond the Advent season: letters to Santa can be posted at any time of year in either of two mailboxes. The red mailbox is in front of the Christmas room; the wooden mailbox is on KlosterstraĂźe. Large Christmas markets are held in Himmelpfort on the square between the visitor center and the monastery church every Advent weekend. This makes year-round use of the mailboxes quite different from visiting the seasonal market. Market dates and programs vary, so check the details for the year in question.
Transport and Trip Planning
Bus routes 839 and 854 serve Himmelpfort; there is also a connection to the RE5 regional express train via FĂĽrstenberg/Havel station. Check the timetables for your specific travel date. You can take this information into account alongside your planned activities when choosing accommodation and planning your stay.
Another Water-Based Option in the Wider Destination of FĂĽrstenberg/Havel
In the wider destination of Fürstenberg/Havel, the Gänse, Priester and Schulhavel waterways are navigable throughout thanks to the fish canoe pass. An easy circular canoe trip around the old town of Fürstenberg/Havel is 2.3 kilometers long and takes about an hour. The route length and approximate duration help you estimate how much time this trip might take.
For the wider travel overview: FĂĽrstenberg/Havel.
