© Florian Läufer

Woltersdorf

Smallest municipality in Germany with its own tram

small town neighborhood outside Berlin

For over 100 years, Woltersdorf has been a popular place for local recreation and a short break from hectic everyday life. The harmonious combination of nature and urban life creates an atmosphere of relaxation and comfort. The picturesque location between Klaksee and Flakensee combines the charming rows of shops, cafés and restaurants along the Woltersdorf lock with wonderful hiking trails and untouched nature.

66-Lakes Hiking Trail

tour recommendation

Experience the peace and quiet away from the city and follow the 66-lake hiking trail through a variety of idyllic landscapes, along countless lakes and nature shaped by the ice age. 

You have to see and experience this

in and around Woltersdorf

cycling and hiking tours 
in and around Woltersdorf

active in the area

Experience water

in and around Woltersdorf

Historic Woltersdorf Lock

water lock from the 19th century

The historic Woltersdorf lock, in operation since 1882 and manually operated, connects the Kalksee with the Flakensee. Every season enchants the surroundings with beautiful early bloomers, green nature, colorful foliage or a white layer of snow as well as still waters. 

Woltersdorf lock

Woltersdorf

© Steffen Lehmann, License: TMB photo archive

Flakensee and Kalksee

The City Between the Lakes

Kalksee (bathing lake)

Ruedersdorf near Berlin

© Florian Läufer, License: Seenland Oder-Spree

Flakensee (fishing lake)

Woltersdorf

© Ziesig, License: Seenland Oder-Spree

guest berths Woltersdorf

Here you can rest!

Historic Tram Woltersdorf

For ever in memories

Woltersdorf was almost the last municipality in Germany where the old Gotha trams from the GDR era still rolled through, but now they have served their purpose. The historic trams will run through the city for the last time on March 01, 2025. But if you can't say goodbye yet, you should go on a special trip to remember it. We have a recommendation for you:

If you're lucky, you'll catch one of the last remaining Gotha wagons, which continue to travel their familiar route through Woltersdorf on special occasions, such as the fire brigade festival or Woltersdorf Day. 

The journey starts at the Berlin Rahnsdorf S-Bahn station. From there, the tram takes you through the idyllic Rahnsdorf Forest to the famous Woltersdorf Lock. It's worth stopping here to watch the hustle and bustle at the historic single-chamber lock from 1882.

Not far away you will find the Love Spring - according to legend, couples who drink from the spring water will remain connected forever. A perfect place for a romantic break!

Right next door, you can go up to Kranichsberg. The climb may be steep, but at the top you will be rewarded with a spectacular view over Woltersdorf and all the way to Berlin. The observation tower also houses a small film museum, which is reminiscent of classics such as "The Indian Tomb", which were filmed in this region.

Even though the Gotha cars have now mostly been retired, Woltersdorf remains a worthwhile destination – with or without a historic tram.

© TMB photo archive / Steffen Lehmann

Cultural Events in Woltersdorf 

Museums, churches and more

A hundred years ago, the region around Woltersdorf was already a popular destination for city dwellers. And it has remained so to this day. 

One of the most important sights is the observation tower on Kranichsberg. At 25 meters high, it offers an impressive view over the beautiful landscape all the way to Berlin. In the tower you will find an exhibition on the topic of when Woltersdorf was still Hollywood...

Woltersdorf observation tower

Woltersdorf

© Florian Läufer, License: Seenland Oder-Spree eV

Wachtelturm Hennickendorf

Hennickendorf

© Municipality of Rüdersdorf near Berlin

Good to know

Facts about Woltersdorf

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer
  • Woltersdorf is the smallest German municipality with its own tram, tram line 87.
  • The tram line connects Woltersdorf with the Rahnsdorf S-Bahn station and was opened in 1913.
  • The Woltersdorf lock has enabled the transport of limestone from Rüdersdorf since the 16th century.
  • Limestone from Rüdersdorf was used for famous buildings such as the Brandenburg Gate and Sanssouci Palace.
  • Woltersdorf was an important place in German film history, with productions such as "The Mistress of the World" from 1919.
© TMB photo archive / Steffen Lehmann
  • The Kranichsberg is home to a 102-meter-high observation tower and a museum on Woltersdorf's film history.
  • The Love Spring on Kranichsberg was once a romantic meeting place, named after a poem by August Hannemann.
  • St. Michael's Church, built in neo-Gothic style, is a landmark of the city with a carved wooden crucifix from the Maria Laach monastery.
  • Woltersdorf was once a center of naturopathy, with the Woltersdorfer Schleuse spa house as an important sanatorium.
  • The city also houses the memorial to the fallen of the First World War, with a remarkable relief by the artist Fidus.

This is what your stay in Woltersdorf could look like!

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