Gollwitz: Castle History, Village Church and Cycling Routes

Gollwitz combines a peaceful, village-like residential character with a history that comes to life through its castle, church and manor park. Cycling routes and a circular path along the Emster also reveal different sides of the village.

Manor Park and Nature Around Gollwitz

Gollwitz Manor Park is a protected landscape monument covering around 3.5 hectares. It was probably laid out in the first half of the 18th century. Its approximate date is part of its history; its significance as a landscape monument contributes to the village’s cultural appeal, as do its historic buildings.

The waterscape also has a specific connection to Gollwitz: the Emster Canal flows into the Krumme Havel northwest of the village. The circular route of the “Krumme Havel & Gutshaus Gollwitz” tour follows the Emster and passes resting places for greylag geese and cranes. The birds can be observed there especially during the annual spring and autumn migrations. For nature enthusiasts, these two seasons provide a clearly specified guide for planning.

Castle and Village Church: Building History Across Different Periods

Gollwitz Castle is a former manor house with an agricultural annex. Its present-day appearance dates from the early 20th century, after a fire destroyed the earlier building. The castle, outbuildings and extensive park are of historic, urban-planning and artistic significance. Regular public events at the Gollwitz Castle meeting centre give the public an opportunity to visit the castle. If you are planning a visit for a specific date, check the event listings.

The village church was built from fieldstones in the Middle Ages and remodelled in 1750, when its west tower was added. Its bell was cast in Berlin as early as 1691. The church, the churchyard wall, a Baroque gravestone and the von Rochow family burial site are all listed as historic monuments. The church thus brings together medieval construction, an 18th-century remodelling and a dated artefact from the 17th century.

The castle and church therefore offer different historical perspectives: the castle’s present-day appearance dates from the early 20th century, while the church’s history reaches back to the Middle Ages. For planning your day, it is also important to distinguish between a protected historic building and an explicitly stated reason to visit: the castle can be visited during public events.

Cycling Routes for Different Itineraries

The Havel Cycle Route is a 261-kilometre long-distance cycling route. Its most recently completed section in Gollwitz is 1.5 kilometres long, was officially opened and made accessible to cyclists and skaters. This completed the connection to Potsdam-Mittelmark district. The figures provide two different scales for planning: the specifically measured section and the length of the entire long-distance route.

The Zauche Cycle Route starts in Gollwitz, near Brandenburg an der Havel. Its paved section from Gollwitz to Rietz follows the Emster Canal and offers good conditions for cyclists, roller-skaters and skaters. If you particularly value a paved section when choosing a route, this feature is explicitly noted for the route to Rietz.

The circular path along the Emster also has a different focus from the cycling routes: here, the waterside route and the resting places of migratory birds take centre stage. Spring and autumn are the specifically mentioned seasons for observing greylag geese and cranes. Depending on your interests, you can make a cycling trip or a walk with nature observation the focus, without conflating the different routes.

Consider the Village Character and How to Get There

Gollwitz is set in an appealing natural landscape, offers various opportunities for local recreation and is largely characterised by a peaceful, village-like residential atmosphere. If you are looking for accommodation in Gollwitz, this profile of the village may factor into your choice of where to stay. Also consider which activities you want to shape your day: the building history, cycling routes and seasonal nature observations offer different focal points.

Bus route W 540 runs from Brandenburg’s main railway station in the direction of Gollwitz. Check the current timetable before travelling if you plan to use the bus to get there. This will help you coordinate your trip to the sights and routes with the services running on your travel date.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Teltow, Rabenstein/Fläming, Wiesenburg/Mark, Bad Belzig, Groß Kreutz, Bensdorf, Beelitz, Wusterwitz.

Go to the main travel overview: Potsdam-Mittelmark.