© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer

Fürstenwalde

cathedral city with a long tradition 

Besides Brandenburg an der Havel and Havelberg, Fürstenwalde on the Spree is one of the three cathedral cities of the Mark Brandenburg region. The cathedral of St. Mary, visible from afar, draws people from all directions to the heart of the city.

Directly opposite is a real lighthouse, "brought home" from the Baltic Sea, a dovecote made of stove tiles, Stone Age boulders, a bishop's castle and a former factory, which is now a cultural site and houses the city library and museum.

This truly impressive area in the middle of the "green city on the Spree" bears witness to a diverse and interesting history. 

Your time out outside the gates of Berlin!

Fürstenwalde/Spree, the largest city in the Oder-Spree district, impressively combines historical heritage with modern life. The city impresses with cultural and architectural highlights and is embedded in a breathtaking natural landscape. Only a short train ride from Berlin, Fürstenwalde/Spree is always worth a visit! 

Find out more exciting things about the cathedral city on the Spree in our podcast or get inspired in the Seenland blog.

You have to see and experience this

in Fürstenwalde/Spree

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer
  • St. Mary's Cathedral: Built in the 15th century, St. Mary's Cathedral in Fürstenwalde, with its 68-meter-high tower, is a striking landmark visible from afar. Along with Brandenburg an der Havel and Havelberg, Fürstenwalde is one of the three cathedral cities of the Mark Brandenburg region.

  • Fürstenwalde City Museum: The Fürstenwalde City Museum brings the history and culture of the city to life. With around 50.000 objects from archaeology, art, crafts and industry, it presents exhibitions from the medieval founding of the city to its modern development.

  • Kulturfabrik: The Kulturfabrik, Fürstenwalde's socio-cultural center, is located in a former brewery complex on the ruins of the medieval bishop's castle. It houses the city library and workshops, and regularly hosts readings, theater performances, and music events.

  • Cycling towards Spree-Athens: The Spree Cycle Path, one of the most beautiful cycling routes in eastern Germany, leads through the Oder-Spree lake district to the outskirts of Berlin. On the 36-kilometer stage from Beeskow to Fürstenwalde, cyclists experience a picturesque tour along the Spree River, past historical sites and through diverse natural landscapes.

  • Brewing course in the vaulted cellar: In the historic town hall cellar of Fürstenwalde, you can learn the art of brewing beer from the local brewing enthusiasts. The course offers practical insights into the region's brewing history, and as a highlight, you'll take home a sample of the freshly brewed beer and spent-grain bread.

Stay and discover on site

in and around Fürstenwalde/Spree

Hiking tours in Fürstenwalde/Spree

explore the cathedral city on foot

Fürstenwalde and the surrounding area are ideal for exploring on foot, whether on a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike. The 10th stage of the 66-lakes hiking trail is particularly recommended, the longest hiking trail in Brandenburg at over 400 kilometers. 

This 26-kilometer-long stage leads from Hangelsberg via Fürstenwalde to Bad Saarow and impresses with varied landscapes and cultural highlights. The tour runs along the Spree through wide meadows, old oak groves and an idyllic riverside landscape. The highlight of the stage is the Rauener Mountains, which at a height of 150 meters offer a wide view over the Scharmützelsee and the impressive Markgrafensteine ​​- relics from the Ice Age and a popular excursion destination. 

 

26,00 km long

10th stage of the 66-Lakes hiking trail

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Angelika Laslo

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Cycling tours in Fürstenwalde/Spree

on a voyage of discovery

Discover Fürstenwalde and the surrounding area by bike. The city offers a variety of varied routes that are suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. Whether you cycle through the charming streets of the old town, ride along the Spree or explore the picturesque forests - every tour promises unique impressions!

 

Active experiences in Fürstenwalde/Spree

your adventure awaits

Fürstenwalde is the ideal place for active experiences. There are numerous activities here that are both fun and stimulate creativity. A special highlight is the Fürstenwalde local zoo, where around 330 animals can be admired.

The park is home to a variety of European species, such as bison, red deer, foxes and lynx, but also exotic species such as Bennett's wallabies and small-clawed otters. The birds of prey and owls are particularly impressive, including the majestic sea eagle and the eagle owl. For families, the local zoo also offers a petting zoo with sheep and goats, as well as a playground and a snack bar to relax in. The zoo school offers exciting programs to learn more about the animals and nature.

 

Fürstenwalde/Spree

Fürstenwalde Zoo

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer

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Late Riser Tours®

leave everyday life behind you

Only three to four hours long and easy to manage, a late riser canoe trip is perfect for anyone who just wants to go with the flow - whether a beginner or an experienced nature lover. Leave everyday life behind you and glide over the calm water while taking in the picturesque landscape around you.

A special tip: Experience the "Canoe Micro Adventure on the Spree" with two exciting tour options. Whether you are looking for relaxation or a little adventure - these tours offer you the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature to the fullest. 

 

Canoe micro-adventure on the Spree

Late Riser Tour®

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Christoph Creutzburg

Adventure & water parks in Fürstenwalde/Spree

Bathing fun for everyone

With the swimming and water paradise “Schwapp”, Fürstenwalde offers a unique experience that ensures unforgettable water fun and pure relaxation.

With over 270 meters of slides, including the Black Hole and the Master Blaster, as well as the 10 meter high Dragon Castle and the Action River, fun is guaranteed. On 1300 square meters of water surface you can relax in the whirlpool, enjoy the grotto waterfall and try out the play equipment. The sauna wellness oasis with six saunas, a natural swimming pond and a relaxation house ensure relaxation.

 

Fishing waters in and around Fürstenwalde/Spree

Holy salvation

Fürstenwalde/Spree lock

on the water to new destinations

Fürstenwalde/Spree

Fürstenwalde lock

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer

Experience culture

in and around Fürstenwalde/Spree

Castles, parks & gardens in Fürstenwalde/Spree

recreational areas in the cathedral city

There is hardly a better place for relaxing walks than a quiet park. The city park in Fürstenwalde and the Steinhöfel castle park are particularly idyllic retreats. 

The city park impresses with its green meadows and shady paths that invite you to linger. The Steinhöfel Castle Park, on the other hand, enchants with its historical charm and picturesque garden landscape. Both parks offer ideal places to escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy nature to the fullest.

 

Fürstenwalde/Spree

Fürstenwalde City Park

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer
Steinhofel

Steinhöfel Castle Park

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer

Museums in Fürstenwalde/Spree

immerse yourself in history

Museums offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history, culture and traditions of a region. They preserve valuable artifacts, tell exciting stories and enable visitors to learn more about the past and development of their surroundings. In Fürstenwalde, the City Museum and the Brewery Museum are particularly worth a visit.

The Fürstenwalde City Museum brings the city's history and culture to life. With around 50.000 objects from archaeology, folklore, art, crafts and industry, it offers exhibitions on various eras, from the city's founding in the Middle Ages to its modern development. 

The brewery museum offers exciting insights into Fürstenwalde's beer history. Among other things, it tells the story of the founder of the Japanese Sapporo brewery, who once learned to brew in Fürstenwalde.

 

Fürstenwalde/Spree

Fürstenwalde City Museum

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer
Fürstenwalde/Spree

brewery museum

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer

stages in Fürstenwalde/Spree

Stage clear for magical moments

Stages are places of creativity and lively expression, where stories are told, emotions are aroused and new perspectives are opened up. The Kulturfabrik in Fürstenwalde is an excellent place to go for anyone looking for a stage and theater experience.

The Kulturfabrik is located in a former brewery complex built on the ruins of the medieval bishop's castle and is the socio-cultural center of the city. Not only is the city library and artistic workshops housed here, but readings as well as theater and music events are also held regularly. 

 

Fürstenwalde/Spree

Kulturfabrik Fürstenwalde

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer

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Galleries & Studios in Fürstenwalde/Spree

Art to marvel at and discover

Crafts & Manufactories in Fürstenwalde/Spree

created by hand

Manufactories stand for quality, precision and tradition. In a time when individual production is becoming more and more important, they are true treasures of creativity and craftsmanship. In Fürstenwalde, the AYDUKI soap factory offers a very special insight into this world.

AYDUKI is a young family business from Fürstenwalde that specializes in the development, production and distribution of natural cosmetic products. The product range extends from handmade soaps and fizzy bath bombs to nourishing creams and fragrant candles. Whether for yourself or as a gift - everyone will find a little treat in AYDUKI's charming shop.

 

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Churches in Fürstenwalde/Spree

historical treasures to marvel at

Churches are more than just places of faith - they are living witnesses that reflect the history and cultural development of a region. In Fürstenwalde, St. Mary's Cathedral is a majestic monument that fascinates both believers and visitors with its impressive architecture and centuries-long history.

With its 68-meter-high tower, St. Mary's Cathedral is a striking landmark that can be seen from afar. In its current form, it was built as a three-aisled cathedral around the middle of the 15th century. Along with Brandenburg an der Havel and Havelberg, Fürstenwalde is one of the three cathedral cities in Brandenburg.

 

Fürstenwalde/Spree

St. Mary's Cathedral

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer

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Coworking in Fürstenwalde/Spree

working together and growing creatively

Coworking enables flexible working in a creative and collaborative environment. In Fürstenwalde, Spree-Hub Innovation GmbH offers a modern coworking space in the middle of the idyllic river landscape of the Spree. With comfortable furniture, flexible workstations and a respectful atmosphere, the space is accessible 24/7 via app.

Listen to our podcast

SeenlandPlausch

Fürstenwalder Rathausbräu
© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer

Our colleague Jennifer Ehm thought that there is not only a lot to see in the Oder-Spree Lake District, but also a lot to hear. 

So she grabbed her recording device and met interesting people on her forays through the Oder-Spree Lake District. The result is podcast episodes that provide insights into the work and voluntary commitment of many people in the Lake District. They report on tours and describe the beautiful and water-rich natural landscape of the Lake District.


#23 Exciting and curious things from Fürstenwalde/Spree [September 2024]

In Fürstenwalde on the Spree River, there are many highlights to discover within easy walking distance: the imposing cathedral with Brandenburg's largest organ, or the Spree promenade. At the Fürstenwalde Museum, I spoke with the director , Guido Strohfeldt , and learned that Fürstenwalde's navigational beacons are known throughout the world. A selfie with the lighthouse in front of it is a must during a visit. The impressive Brewery Museum is located in the historic vaulted cellar of the Old Town Hall . There , Bernd Norkeweit , chairman of the Brewery Friends Association, told me about the city's long brewing tradition and why Fürstenwalde beer is so well-known even in Japan.

Have a look at our Seenland blog

Here you will find exciting things to browse

Brewing course in the vaulted cellar: Visiting the Fürstenwalder brewing friends

In the historic town hall cellar of Fürstenwalde, interested parties can learn the art of brewing beer from the brewery friends, including practical steps such as milling malt and clarifying the wort, accompanied by historical stories and beer tastings.

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Evening atmosphere in Fürstenwalde with a view of the cathedral
© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer

Rich experiences in Fürstenwalde

Discover the historic cathedral of Fürstenwalde and immerse yourself in a world full of history and culture, from medieval night watchmen to the fascinating art of brewing. Be enchanted by the treasures of the city museum and experience how tradition and local craftsmanship remain alive.

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This is what your stay in and around Fürstenwalde/Spree could look like!

let yourself be inspired ...

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