Havelsee: Havel History, Reed Weaving and Nature Trails

Havelsee brings together Havel history, reed crafts and trails through varied landscapes. Pritzerbe’s landmarks include reed weaving, St. Mary’s Church and the technical monument of the Ilse-Lucie museum ship. There are also opportunities for tours on the water and trails through wet meadows, heathland and dry grassland.

Reed crafts and history in Pritzerbe

Pritzerbe’s reed-weaving workshop is considered the last of its kind in Germany. The museum about reed weaving in Pritzerbe presents themes related to the craft and local history. If you would like to do more than simply view reeds as part of the landscape, you can try weaving with them under expert guidance. If you plan to take part in this hands-on activity, check the latest arrangements in advance.

At the site of the reed-weaving workshop, a wooden reed experience trail leads into the reed zone and the grazing belt of the Untere Havel Süd Nature Reserve. Here, you can explore crafts and landscapes from different perspectives: by weaving with reeds and by looking out over the reed and grazing areas.

St. Mary’s also offers a glimpse into local history. The church was reconsecrated in 1783 after the earlier church was partially destroyed in the town fire of 1773. The organ in St. Mary’s dates from 1737 and was built by J. Wagner. The Ilse-Lucie museum ship is located in Pritzerbe harbour as a technical monument. The history of the church and technology thus add distinctive notes alongside the craft tradition.

The Havel, swimming spots and tours

The ferry connection between Pritzerbe on the east bank and Kützkow on the west bank of the Havel has existed since at least 1385. If you plan to take the ferry, check the timetable in advance. In Havelsee, outdoor activities include cycling, hiking, fishing and boating on the Havel. The Pritzerber See is also used for walking and cycling tours.

The swimming spot in Pritzerbe is right on the banks of the Havel; it has a sunbathing lawn and two benches. The swimming spot at Weißen See, by contrast, is in a forest between Hohenferchesar and Marzahne. It also serves as a rest stop on walks towards Seelensdorf or Marzahne. The two places to take a break therefore differ in their surroundings and purpose. If access or facilities are important to your plans, it is worth checking before your visit.

Trails and protected landscapes

The Pritzerber See is considered a remnant of a former loop of the Elbe. It is protected by the Untere Havel Süd Nature Reserve, the Westhavelland Landscape Protection Area, Westhavelland Nature Park, an FFH area and an SPA bird protection area. The lake’s protected status is therefore another defining aspect of the landscape, alongside the water itself.

The Marzahner Fenn and Dünenheide trail passes through wet meadows, heathland and dry grassland. Together with the walking and cycling tours around the Pritzerber See, it offers a range of nature experiences to consider when planning: a body of water as a tour destination and a trail that crosses different types of landscape.

Choose accommodation to suit your plans

The best location for your stay depends on which visits you want to prioritise. If you are mainly interested in the reed-weaving workshop, St. Mary’s, the museum ship or the ferry connection, focus your search on a location that suits your planned visits to Pritzerbe. If tours and landscapes are your priority, consider the Pritzerber See, the swimming spots and the Marzahner Fenn and Dünenheide trail. Compare the locations of specific options with your planned itinerary so you can strike the balance between culture, water and nature that you want for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Michendorf, Wiesenburg/Mark, Linthe, Bensdorf, Golm, Caputh, Teltow, Ziesar

For the full travel overview: Potsdam-Mittelmark.