Petzow between lakes and history

Petzow is located on a narrow strip of land between Schwielowsee and Glindower See. This setting shapes the surrounding landscape, complemented by a historic townscape with a park, a castle and several other buildings. Your trip can take in a variety of themes: local history in exhibitions, architecture in the manor park, regional agriculture and active recreation on the water. Which of these interests you focus on can also guide your choice of accommodation location.

Castle, park and architectural history

Petzow’s historic ensemble includes a village church, a castle, a historic manor complex and a park. The castle was built by Schinkel in 1825 and combines the Italian castellated style with the English Tudor style; the park was laid out by Lenné. The castle’s varied stylistic influences make its architecture a subject in its own right alongside the park design. Petzow Manor Park includes historic buildings such as the Schinkel Church, the washhouse, a fisherman’s hut and the Old Forge.

Two exhibitions in the washhouse

The Petzow washhouse has two exhibitions that offer different perspectives. One is devoted to the history of washing clothes, while the other explores Petzow’s local history, brickmaking and the manor-owning families. Together, they cover a specific everyday activity and a broader view of local history. If you are especially interested in everyday life and working history, the first topic offers a distinct perspective; the second focuses on a different subject.

Water, cycling and regional agriculture

At Glindower See in Petzow, kayak rentals offer opportunities for active recreation on the water. From the lake, you can also reach Schwielowsee, the Havel and other nearby bodies of water. This option is quite distinct from the cultural and historical themes of the park and washhouse, and can be included as a separate focus in your trip planning.

The 22-kilometre Panoramaweg Werderobst trail passes through the cultural landscape southwest of Werder and is ideal for cycling and hiking. Trail conditions may vary depending on the season, so check them for your travel dates. Another local feature is the sea buckthorn garden, with its own sea buckthorn cultivation and farm shop. If you would like to include regional agriculture among your interests, alongside architectural history and water, it offers another point of interest.

More things to explore in the wider destination of Werder (Havel)

The wider destination of Werder (Havel) offers additional cultural interests. The Bockwindmühle windmill on Mühlenberg tells the story of centuries of milling in Werder and shows inside how grain was once ground into flour. Since 2008, the Kunst-Geschoss city gallery has presented contemporary international, national and regional art across 230 square metres. Milling history and art are further points of interest alongside Petzow’s historic architecture and the exhibitions in the washhouse.

In August, the Mühlenfest is celebrated on Mühlenberg at the Bockwindmühle windmill, with Werder residents and visitors taking part. Check the dates in advance for your travel year. Werder’s Tourist Information Office is located in the former fruit-grower’s farmstead, Lindowsches Haus, at the foot of the vineyard known as “Werderaner Galgenberg”.

Choose a focus for your accommodation search

If members of your travel group have different interests, you can weigh these topics in advance and then choose where to search.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Borkheide, Brück, Beetzsee, Klein Briesen, Stahnsdorf, Geltow, Gollwitz, Glindow

Back to the broader travel guide: Potsdam-Mittelmark.