RATHENOW STOTAWDNT DOEFR O OPPTITCIKS RATHENOW TOWN OF OPTICS

Legend library, shopping centre church, chapel, cemetery stadium, sports facilities war-, natural-, memorial tennis courts town hall indoor swimming pool information, information pillar bathing area hospital/clinic, health centre sports hall, mini-golf course first-aid post, chemist bowling-, ninepins alley car park, multi-storey car park jetty, boat berth park and ride, coach park lighthouse, boat tour mobile home parking animal enclosure petrol station, taxi rank bank/cash machine, post office places of interest

Rathenow Baptist Church RATHENOW TOWN OF OPTICS

© ehs-Verlags GmbH, www.stadtplanverlag.de © ehs-Verlags GmbH, www.stadtplanverlag.de ...in the Havelland Kuhlhausen Großder- Dreetzer See schauM Strodehne Giesenhorst Linum Kremmen Oranienburg Stölln Brunne Schwante Lehnitz Motorway Garz M Schönholz- Betzin Staffelde Kamern Dechtow Flatow Bärenklau Germendorf Leegebruch Welcome to Rathenow! Neuwerder Friesack 96 Kleßen Vehlefanz Rhinow M 24 Groß Bundesstraße (A-road) Gülper Prietzen Jahnberge Warnau See M Kuhhorst Ziehten Birkenwerder Dear citizens, residents of the Havelland Schönholz Kleßener Vietznitz See Lobeofsund 10 Main road Gülpe Görne und visitors, Görner Warsow 273 Eichstädt Velten Hohen NATURPARK Karolienenhof Tietzow Wolsier WESTHAVELLAND See Neuen- Havelland cycle path Molkenberg Havel Elslaake Spaatz Börnicke Brädikow Königs- Marwitz dorf On the following pages we'll take you on a As good hosts, the State Horticultural Show Witzke Witzker 5 Paulinen- Ha horst Deutschhof Grünefeld vel Havel cycle path Schollene Parey 102 See 188 aue länd Ebereschenhof isch cultural and touristic landmark tour of our in 2006 and the Federal Garden Show in Haage er G Wassersuppe Landin Wagenitz r.-Ha Schollener See Hohen- uptk Kienberg town and the surrounding area. 2015, but also all the years between these nauen Hohennauener See anal Bötzow Train Ferchesar Bienenfarm Paaren Perwenitz Stolpe Grütz Semlin Kriele major events, allowed us to present our Ferchesarer Senzke M Hennings- See M Berger- Wansdorf Tourist Information We'd like to bring our country and its people region in all its beauty. We remain Selbelang damm Pausin dorf FROHNAU Stechow Kotzen Pessin Nauen Schön- M Büten- closer to you, point out places of interest, committed to that. Göttlin Retzow heide walde M Museum Rathenow Damme Liepe Ribbeck M inform you of interesting facts about the Steckels- Nenn- Möthlow Berge Lietzow KRÄMER FORST Falkensee dorf M hausen M Places of interest history of the region and its culture, and give Dear visitors, I hope that you will always Groß- Buckow Bredow Briese- Falken- wudicke lang hagener See you tips on leisure activities as well as hints have fond memories of our beautiful tourist Bamme Buschow Markee Tegeler Campsite W E S T H A V E L L A N D See TEGEL n a t u r p u r Buckow Klein Groß M Zeestow on hotels and restaurants. region and that you, dear fellow citizens, Gräningen Barnewitz Behnitz Behnitz Quer- Wernitz Bivouac site 188 Klein- mathen Schwane- Neurohr- Spree will always feel at home in our town. wudicke Böhne NATURPARK WESTHAVELLAND beck Mögelin beck HASEL- Wuster- HORST It's nice when you realise: even as a native Garlitz mark SPANDAU Boat tours Schmetzdorf Premnitz Niebede Hoppen- M there's always something new to discover. Mützlitz Gohlitz Tremmen Elstal Dallgow-Döberitz 5 Bützer M rade Priort Conservation area Döberitz Our motto for our visitors is: We're only M Buchow- Kartzow DÖBERITZER HEIDE Seeburg Berlin Vieritz Wachow Zollchow 102 Gorz Karpzow happy, when you are! Milow Marzahne Bagow Etzin Groß Golf Havel Falken- 115 rehde Satzkorn Fahrland Glienicke Großer GRUNE- Bollmanns- Ketzin WALD Pritzerber Hohen- Päwesin 10 2 Wannsee See ferchesar Butzow ruh Beetzsee Airfield / aviation Jerchel Paaren ZEHLEN- Pritzerbe Radewege Fahrlander Klitsche Ketzür Lünow DORF Bahnitz Paretz M Uetz See Lehnitz LICHTER- Youth hostel Kützkow Fohrde Trebelsee Neu See 1 FELDE Roskow Zachow 273 Fahrland Göttin- Mar- Sacrower Möthlitz Brielow Mötzow See Zabakuck Schlagenthin Nitzahn M see quardt Teltow Ferry Ronald Seeger Tieckow Weseram Demsin Beetzsee Havel Deetz Phöben Schlänitz- Potsdam Klein- see Babels- Mayor Knoblauch Brandenburg Klein Kreutz Schmergow Leest M machnow Havelland Brettin Briest berg Roßdorf M Grube Gördensee Töplitz Stahns- Plaue Schmerzke Gollwitz Götz Krielow Bensdorf Kem- Großer Golm dorf 1 nitz Zernsee Wust Jeserig Derwitz Großer Wendsee Plessower See © W&M Grafikatelier Breitling See Groß Wald- Drewitz Plauer See Glindow Werder Templiner Kade Schenken- Kreutz stadt Güterfelde Semliner Straße 82 Genthin Wusterwitz Rietz berg Bochow M M 1 See Gr. Wuster- Göttin Rietzer See Plessow 14712 Rathenow witzer See Mösersche See Content & Imprint Content / Imprint 1 The rough draft of this booklet was twice as Welcome long. We had to accept that it's impossible to fit the tourist offers of a whole region into a handy-sized brochure. 1 Content & imprint 37 The whole weekend Please consider the information available as a short teaser of what distinguishes the 2 The oldest tourist association 42 A relaxing week with the family „Westhavelländer” and what we're proud of. in the tourist region Havelland 51 I not only want to look around, but Well-produced and more extensive up-to-date 3 Ten years of the Optikpark also do something – leisure activities information can be found on the Internet on Rathenow www.rathenow.de as well as 55 Denominations www.tv-westhavelland.de. 4 History of the town of Rathenow 56 The Havel Since it's currently popular, we could have placed these eye-catching QR codes for fast access to appropriate websites in numerous 16 History of the optical industry 58 The nature park Westhavelland places in the brochure. But we didn't, because it doesn't serve clarity. Instead, just to show that 60 Havelland customs and recipes 22 Places of interest in Rathenow we can:

32 Rathenow's lovely 64 List of references neighbourhoods Inside back cover: 36 Now that I'm here … Map of the Havelland area what can I do? Issued by: Stadt Rathenow, Berliner Straße 15 Back cover: 14712 Rathenow 36 I'm only here today Map of Rathenow Tel. 03385 596 322 · www.rathenow.de Concept, Layout, Design: W&M Grafikatelier · 14712 Rathenow, Februar 2016 Cover photo: Am Alten Hafen, BUGA-Zweckverband The Westhavelland Tourist Association

Westhavelland, … who we are water – woods – lush fields, pure nature – guaranteed relaxation! The nature park in Westhavelland The association was founded in 1990 and is is the largest in the thus the oldest tourist association in the Havelland travel area. holiday destination Brandenburg. Our members are touristic service providers, backers from banks, commerce, the trades, Tourist-Information industry as well as private individuals and and Regional Market Hint! local authorities. Tourismusverein Westhavelland e. V. We are the organisers of the traditional Our aim is to contribute towards the Freier Hof 5 · 14712 Rathenow "Waldweihnacht" in Rathenow's town forest. development of the Westhavelland into a Tel. +49 (0)3385 51 49 91 On the 3rd weekend in Advent, Rathenow's jewel for eco-tourism. www.tv-westhavelland.de town forest is the setting for a peaceful Furthermore, we are an experienced and Christmas market in natural surroundings. friendly contact point for all citizens of the No more annoying tinkling of rides, but still Westhavelland and our visitors. Reisegebietsverband: fun for the whole family. Tourismusverband Havelland e. V. Since 2009 the Tourist Information Office of Theodor-Fontane-Straße 10, 14641 Nauen A nice tradition! - Just ask us! the Westhavelland Tourist Association has OT Ribbeck been certified with the red i-Marke from the Tel. +49 (0)33237 859030 German Tourist Association. www.havelland-tourismus.de We introduce 2 3 Optikpark Rathenow: 10th Anniversary in 2016

The Optikpark is an extremely positive the park season, there is, among other source of pride for the town of Rathenow things, an increase in boarding house guests. and the Westhavelland. The park is Retailers are observing more and more out- impressive in its standards and horticultural of-town customers. quality. The urban prime factor Optik is reflected throughout the park in a popular, With its programme of events, the diverse and informative manner. It wasn't Optikpark has acquired a high reputation without reason that the park was one of the among organisers, artists and the public. central BUGA sites in 2015. Its beaver There is also praise for the friendliness of the mascots, Opti, Havi and Flori became town personnel and the quality of park Optikpark Rathenow heralds for Rathenow. maintenance. Nature. Culture. Recreation. Since the State Horticultural Show in 2006, more than 1.1 million guests have taken a The educational project „Grünes Klassen- stroll in the park. zimmer“, recognised well beyond the 24th April – 3rd October 2016 borders of Rathenow, offers information on www.optikpark-rathenow.de Meanwhile, it has become an economic different themes to over 4400 children and factor with welcoming side-effects: During youngsters in more than 160 events.

The history of the town of Rathenow

Settlement in today's Havelland began During the course of the peaceful transition approx. 12.000 years ago. Around 3500 of rule from the Hevelli King Pribislaw- BCE settlers grew crops and kept livestock. Heinrich in Brandenburg to the Margrave Findings prove the manufacture of Albert the Bear in 1150, areas of Rathenow ceramics. In the Bronze Age (from 1700 were also likely to have been passed over to BCE) copper alloy was manufactured for the Germans. Being the only effective Havel weapons, jewellery and tools. There are crossing between Brandenburg and Havel- numerous findings of independent smelting berg, Rathenow gained regional impor- from the Iron Age (500 BCE). tance in the Havelland. A German castle was also built on the east bank of the Havel to At the time of the Roman Empire (new safeguard the Havel crossing which in the epoch) the Germanic Semnones settle in the meantime consisted of a multi-part bridge In its almost 800 year history, Havelland. In the course of mass migration system. Rathenow only too often starting in the year 357, they leave for the Besides the market settlement developed Western Roman Empire and the Slavs from under the protection of the castle, a large experienced altermations between the Hevelli tribe arriving from the east and Romanesque basilica modeled on the troubled and “untroubled” times. the south take up residence. Four Slavic monastery church in Jerichow arose around Robber baron feuds, sieges, castles sprang up within the boundaries of 1160 on the Kirchberg. wars but also natural disasters, Rathenow. industrial and political revolutions, Construction work was carried out on the Time and again it came to warlike Long Bridge in 1188 und 1194. These left behind their mark. confrontations, culminating in the so-called dendrochronological details are currently Wendish Crusade of 1147 and ending in the the oldest precise data of the town history of submission of the Slavic Hevelli. Rathenow. Town History 4 5

Rathenow. Thus Bürgerheide came to be ...interesting! Rathenow's present-day town forest.

In 1320 the lineage of the reigning Margraves of Brandenburg died out. These were difficult times for Rathenow. Economic development stagnated. Feuds in the Mark increased. In 1394 the Archbishop of Magdeburg used this in order to seize Rathenow with its important Havel crossing and gateway to the Mark. The town was „Ratenowe” was first mentioned by name In 1288 the Margraves granted Rathenow completely looted and the inhabitants in the year 1216 in a document from its own jurisdiction without the influence of mercilessly driven out of their homes. Two Siegfried II, Bishop of Brandenburg, as being the Margravian bailiff. years later in 1396, Emperor Wenzel forced a border town of his property. the Archbishop of Magdeburg to the Elevation to a town was effected in 1295 by restitution of the town. The returning In 1276 an agreement was reached Otto IV, Margrave of Brandenburg. Coupled inhabitants found only ruins. Extensive between the Margraves and the Archbishop with this, he bequeathed his castle to the construction work was needed in order to of Magdeburg regarding the boundary lines town for demolition, determining that the make the town habitable again. of the territory of Rathenow (“land over the bricks be used for the completion of the river Havel”). town wall. Even day parts of the wall can be A short time later the town fell into the seen are a reminder of this early period of hands of the notorious robber baron family In 1284 the residents were given permission history. Quitzow, whose power continued until to extend their houses into public street 1411. Emperor Sigismund issued an order spaces by way of cantilevered floors (over- In the year 1319 Markgrave Waldemar to Friedrich von Hohenzollern to put an end hanging upper floor) and balconies. gifted Hof Rodewalde, including the to the feuds. The power of the Quitzows transfer of all its lands, to the citizenry of and other robber barons was broken, not least with the help of the emerging bourge- In the 16th century, the Rathenow oisie. Land and town recovered slowly, craftsmen organised themselves into which was documented by the bestowal of professional associations, the Guilds. important privileges. In this century there were also, among other In 1446 the municipal council received the things, devastating fires and floods. In 1598 exclusive rights for the sale of salt, a signifi- and 1631, the plague and other diseases cant source of income. In the year 1536 the claimed many lives. The 30-year war left a Berliner Straße town introduced the „Deichselpfennig” - a terrible mark on Rathenow. Due to its tax on wagons and charged a bridge toll. favourable location on the river Havel, The importance of the river Havel grew with Rathenow was drawn into the turmoil of increasing trade. war and exposed to severe devastation by the armies of all the warring factions. There In 1512 economic development took its were enormous casualties amongst the course with two flour mills and a brick population. In the year 1648, Rathenow factory. had only about 40 inhabitants.

View of the old mill In 1540 Rathenow numbers about 2500 Between 1636 and 1646, a walk mill, a bark inhabitants. mill and a saw mill came into operation.

In 1561 the sovereign and the municipal By 1660 most of the war damage was council divided the lock duty. With this cleared and the number of inhabitants rose revenue a degree of prosperity gradually to 1141. developed in the town. Some of the proceeds were used for the conversion of In 1662 the ruined council brick factory was the church into a late-Gothic hall church rebuilt and began once again to manu- (1517-1562) and the construction of the facture bricks. Town wall town hall (1564). Town History 6 7 In the midst of reconstruction, Swedish for the increasing population. In 1740 troops, as allies of the French king Louis XIV Rathenow numbered about 3.830 inhabi- in dispute with the German Emperor, once tants. again occupied the towns of Havelberg, Brandenburg and Rathenow. The Elector During the reign of Frederick the Great Friedrich Wilhelm urgently marched (1740-1786) further architectural trends forward from the Rhine to the Mark were set. Among other things, the weavers' Brandenburg in order to liberate them from settlement arose in the period 1765-1767 the Swedes. In a surprise attack, the Swedes (currently Neufriedrichsdorfer Straße). The sojourning in the town were defeated by weavers worked in the textile factory, which the Great Elector's troops and driven out of occupied an important place in Rathenow the country during the subsequent Battle of till about 1800. The main task was the Fehrbellin (1675). After the expulsion of the production of fabric for the Prussian military. Monument to the Elector Swedes, the sovereign, Elector Friedrich After 1800 the workers largely moved to Wilhelm, left behind soldiers in the town. the optical industry.

In 1733 Rathenow was appointed to a In 1801 J.H.A. Duncker received the royal garrison town. An expansion of the town privilege to build an optical industry was necessary. institution. Further economic facilities in Rathenow at that time were the royal lime The baroque new town was built between works and the provisions office as well as 1733 and 1738. Furthermore, old thatched the city brickworks. roofs were replaced by tiled roofs. The open, dirty wells were replaced by pumps. In 1815 Rathenow became a principal district town. A new cemetery was built on the Weinberg District hall in Rathenow. The old cemetery near the St. Marien-Andreas Church wasn't sufficient The first Rathenow weekly newspaper In 1849 Prince Otto von Bismarck was „Rathenowsches gemeinnütziges Wochen- chosen by electors of the town as a delegate blatt für alle Stände” was published in the to the 2nd Prussian Parliament. He later year 1816. At that time there were about became one of the most important 4.000 people living in Rathenow, including personalities in German history. In 1875 the military. Bismarck was made an honorary citizen of Rathenow. In 1914 the Bismarck Tower was In 1817 the first steamboat sailed along the inaugurated in the Weinberg (vineyard) in river Havel through Rathenow. Later there his honor. was a regular service to Berlin and Hamburg. In 1851 the Zieten Hussars (3rd Branden- In 1820 the optical industry institute of burg Hussar Regiment) arrived in Rathenow. Eduard Duncker, manager and son of the They were later placed in the Zieten founder, relocated to the Berliner Straße 5. barracks. The optical company Schultze and Bartels was founded in the same year. It was In 1843, J.H.A Duncker, founder of the the second optical company in the town. optical industry in Rathenow, died. In 1866 the third of the large optical In 1845 the institute was taken over by Emil concerns, „Nitsche and Günther Optical Busch, nephew of Eduard and grandson of Works“ was established in the Berliner J.H.A Duncker. Straße. The town gasworks were built in the same year. A year later, the first steam engine in Rathe- now was installed on the Busch factory After German unification in 1871 Rathe- premises. The optical industry began to now recovered economically. This resulted development rapidly, helping Rathenow to in a rapid growth in the population. quickly gain an international reputation as Bismarck Tower the „Town of Optics”.

Town History 8 9 The railway line Berlin – Stendal - Hannover In 1902 a waterworks facility was built in was completed in the period 1867-1871. Rathenow and water pipes were laid in the This was an important factor for the town. economy of Rathenow. Furthermore, the main train station in Rathenow was In 1904 the Brandenburg urban railway completed. came into operation. Rathenow had electricity since the power station was now In 1883 the General Post Office was built in completed. The court house was also built in Rathenow. A sewage system was installed in 1904. At that point in time Rathenow the town in 1887. Rathenow got its own comprised of about 23.000 inhabitants. slaughterhouse in 1888 and the Engelhardt brewery started operating in 1892. The First World War, 1914 to 1918, disrupted the economic development of the Apollo Theater In 1901 the district-owned small train, town considerably. popularly known as „Stille Pauline“ came into service. Furthermore, the „Neue The northern and southern settlements were Schleuse“ (new lock) near Rathenow was built between 1919 and 1924. Both settle- built on Steckelsdorf land, which initially still ments continue to be extended through new belonged to Steckelsdorf. This settlement constructions up to the present day. first became independent in 1910 and was officially named „Neue Schleuse“. The Rathenow was an independent town from major shipping route between Berlin and 1925 until 1952. 25.000 residents Hamburg no longer passed through the meanwhile lived in Rathenow. Two years town lock. In the course of administrative later the number totaled about 27.700. reform in 1952 the „Neue Schleuse“ was assigned to the newly formed district of In 1928 new construction work began on Monument to the Hussars Rathenow and was re-named Rathenow- modern public housing in today's Friedrich- West. Ebert-Ring. These were modeled on the famous Bauhaus buildings in Dessau under and partially destroyed in the „Reichs- the direction of the architect Haesler. kristallnacht”.

In the year of the stock market crash in 1929 In 1939 Rathenow was an economically and the subsequent Great Depression, prosperous town housing 31.600 inhabitants Rathenow's industry was hit hard. This (without garrison). 2.655 dwellings with resulted in several thousand being 10.587 households were registered. temporarily unemployed. Economic Berliner Straße / corner of Fabrikenstraße recovery was helped by the build-up of During World War II, 1939 to 1945, soldiers arms. from the Rathenow garrison were deployed on all fronts. From 1936 to 1938 the optical company Emil Busch AG built large industrial plants in On 18th April 1944 a massive air raid was the Bergstraße and Fabrikenstraße (today carried out by American bombers on Wilhelm-Külz-Straße). Furthermore, the Rathenow. It killed more than 60 citizens. settlement for front-line soldiers (today's 2.200 people were homeless. Many houses Waldsiedlung) was created for victims of the were destroyed. From 25th April to 6th May Berliner Straße First World War. 1945 Rathenow was „defended”. Heavy fighting claimed many victims: over 400 In 1938/39 the Nordbahnhof (railway people died, the town's east-west axis was station) was completed. A branch of the almost completely destroyed, 90 % of the ARADO aircraft factory was built in town centre was reduced to rubble. 70 % of Heidefeld. Employees were given apart- Rathenow was totally destroyed. After the ments in the „ARADO BUILDINGS” (today war Rathenow belonged to the Soviet Heinrich-von-Rosenberg-Straße, Friedrich- occupied zone of Germany. Ebert-Ring and Dunckerplatz). The Second World War deeply affected the Steinstraße / corner of Kirchgang In 1938 the town's synagogue was looted town's economic life. The optical company Town History 10 11 Emil Busch AG was destroyed, the facilities of Schleusenbrücke. Reconstruction took shape the company Nitsche und Günther were in several stages until 1962. As part of these partially damaged. Cleanup work began in measures the Lutherplatz was designed, the both factories in October 1945. buildings in the Friesacker Straße, Goethe In 1972 the former PGH „Johann Heinrich Machinery and equipment were recovered Straße and Forststraße arose, the Berliner August Duncker”, the OBERKA KG and from the ruins. In the course of reparations Straße and the Schleusenplatz were Duchrow KG became the VEB Ophthalmic the remains of the factories were dismantled redeveloped and the school „Am Weinberg” Optics „Hermann Duncker”. It developed and removed. The optical firms were dispos- was completed. In 1958 the cultural centre into a branch of the state combine VEB Carl sessed because they had engaged in the was finished, the department store was built Zeiss Jena. Above all, spectacle frames, production of military equipment. and the dance café and shop blocks were spectacle lenses and optical instruments created. The residential area Rathenow-Ost were manufactured. The microscope In 1946 the factory „Rathenower Optische was built on the outskirts in 1968. programme was of great importance. In Werke m.b.H” was developed on the addition to the optical industry other grounds of the Emil Busch AG and the In 1958 the producers' cooperative of the businesses also developed. company Nitsche und Günther. Spectacle optical trade, „Johann Heinrich August frames, glasses and magnifying glasses were Duncker“, developed out of many private Building of the centre of town with the manufactured there. optical businesses and later the „OBERKA redesigning of the Märkischer Platz and the KG“ also came into existence. Only a few surrounding residential and commercial In 1948 the factory became the state- companies remained private property. buildings were finally completed in 1989. owned (VEB) Rathenower Optische Werke (in 1950 approx. 1960 employees). In 1962 the VEB Rathenower Optische However, the majority of the medium and Werke, the PGH Duncker, Ruhnke (under large enterprises, which previously The years 1948-1951 were marked by the the administration of the state), and the determined the town's economic structure, first stage of reconstruction. Based on the companies Gebrüder Nitschke KG and were not able to survive in a free-market Haesler buildings in the Fr.-Ebert-Ring, the Runge und Kaulfuß were the most economy. Many liquidations and privati- area around the former market (today's Platz important optical companies in the town. sations with drastic reductions in personnel der Jugend) was completely redesigned. At led to the loss of 5.000 jobs in the industry the same time buildings arose at the alone. In the years 1994 to 1996, there were new The former CIS estate „Heidefeld“ was medium-sized economic structures. In the prepared specifically for industrial field of industry, there were now 47 compa- conversion, so that local authorities would nies operating with approx. 2.200 emplo- have land reserves which were ready for yees. Based on the volume of optics / building on at their disposal even in the precision mechanics that were presented in medium and long-term. Rathenow up till 1989, the 22 companies with almost 900 employees currently Ongoing redevelopment work has been participating in this industry were rather taking place on the Kirchberg since 1997. modest. However, since almost all tradi- Restoration of the church tower of St. tional areas of business (spectacle lenses, Marien-Andreas Church, erection of the spectacle frames, special optical machinery, Kirchberg bridge and floating jetties at the tool manufacture) were carried on in at least Old Harbour (Alter Hafen) with supply and one company, the foundation was laid for disposal facilities, as well as redesigning of the continuity of the optical industry in the square at the Old Harbour, path Rathenow. development on the Weinberg and redevelopment of the Bismarck tower as a A significant upturn was registered in the lookout tower have created an interesting trade. Whereas at the end of 1991 only 236 touristic axis. Guests are guided through the companies existed, by May 1996, 290 town by a tourist orientation system. The companies with approx. 2370 employees trail around Lake Hohennauen-Ferchesar as had developed the trade into the mainstay well as the Havelland long-distance cycle of the economy in Rathenow. A positive path from Berlin-Spandau to Sachsen- development was recorded in the trade and Anhalt with further connection to the service sectors. Altmark circuit and the cycle path along the The development of the industrial area Elbe reveal the beauty of the region. Rathenow-Süd was completed in mid- 1994. In the meantime, 16 companies with In 1998 an important building project was 516 employees worked here. realized with the completion of the Town history 12 13 technology park Technologie- und Gründer- of the telecommunications infrastructure or zentrum (TGZ) in the southern industrial construction of a co-generation plant for estate Gewerbegebiet Süd. district heating and power generation are examples of how the infrastructural In 2001 Rathenow celebrated the jubilee conditions have been improved con- „Rathenow 2001 - 200 years of the Optical tinuously and Rathenow could become Industry in Germany“ with many guests. even more interesting for investors as an Rathenow won the bid to host the State industrial location. Garden Show in the year 2006. Restoration of the Bismarck Tower finished In 2001 the communities Böhne, Göttlin, in 2002. In addition, the pedestrian and Grütz, Semlin and Steckelsdorf were cyclists' bridge from the harbour to the incorporated administratively. Kirchberg was opened to the public as the „Kirchberg“ bridge. Apart from a few remaining areas, the industrial estate Rathenow-Süd „Grünauer In 2003 preparations began for the LAGA Fenn“ has a current capacity of 55 2006 (State Garden Show) in Rathenow. companies. In 2001 the new production Since then, numerous changes in the and logistics centre of the Fielmann AG, townscape are visible almost daily: For which is known under the name of the example, renovation of the side areas of the Rathenower Optische Werke (ROW) began Bahnhofstrasse, the redesign of the station operating on the industrial estate forecourt, redevelopment of the Old „Heidefeld“. Harbour and the southern slope and complete renovation of the sports complex In addition to providing affordable industrial on the Schwedendamm. space, great efforts were made by the end of 2004 to improve the infrastructure. New At the end of 2005, 26.985 inhabitants roads, reactivation of the industrial harbour lived in Rathenow. in the south of the town, complete renewal The State Garden Show in Rathenow in Up until 2015 this newly created area 2006 was a great success. The target was served as the Park & Ride car park and 350.000 visitors within 6 months. In the end currently as a car park for the Federal there were nearly 500.000 visitors. As luck Garden Show. Even in 2016 there are no would have it, there were 500.000 plants. objections to the commercialisation of the Feedback was overwhelmingly positive and site. Park & Ride remains. ending „in the black“ this major event also wasn't a financial flop. The LAGA mascots The most remarkable change concerns the Havi, Opti and Flori - three Havel beavers town centre. In the years 2011 – 2014, the which were immensely popular with young Berliner Straße and the Märkische Platz and old - became celebrities. It was a gain were symbolically turned upside down. It for the townscape and especially for the was a huge sandpit. In with modern people of Rathenow. We were and are very infrastructure and out with all the old cables. good hosts! The LAGA was also a success on As a neutral observer, one sometimes a purely touristic level: To date, the town is wondered: „Hmm, will they get it all back pleased about the growing numbers of together again?” They did! The reward is a overnight guests - above the level in the modern look, including roundabouts and year of the LAGA. quiescence in the fundaments for many decades. The townscape changed impressively in the years after 2006. Streets and squares were And the people of Rathenow endured renovated, new areas were created. About everything with interest and stoic 1.000 flats have been demolished since composure. Particularly for the central 2002. Urban redevelopment concept and retailers it was all about keeping their heads town centre Forum Rathenow 2020 - above water. The citizens stuck by them. designed by the citizens of Rathenow - were They just went shopping around the ever-present buzzwords. South of the construction sites. And beach volleyball on railway station there was vast industrial the sandy construction site of the wasteland (concrete factory). Märkischen Platz was part of it all too! Town History 14 15 At the end of 2008, the world's largest Meanwhile expansion of the LTE network is „Brachymedial” telescope from the also almost complete with 3G virtually Rathenow engineer Edwin Rolf moved into everywhere. its new home in the Optikpark in Rathenow. A logistical and technically complex The results of the preparatory measures for undertaking. the Federal Garden Show can be admired by all visitors to the newly designed Weinberg Since 2009 Rathenow is the town with the and the Optikpark. Highlights on the highest lighthouse in Brandenburg, placed Weinberg are the Bismarck Tower with the in the entrance area of the Optikpark. A outdoor terrace and the play area. A reminder of the specialist optical companies spectacular bridge over the Rathenow town in Rathenow, whose complicated lens canal serves like a clamp over to the systems have equipped over 100 light- Optikpark. houses world-wide. Rathenow has developed both substantially In the years 2009-2011, with a lot of time and self-assuredly. In 2016 the „grand and also financial effort, Deutsche Telekom dame” will celebrate her 800th birthday. connected Rathenow and its communities The town doesn't look its age. In fact, it to broadband. looks very good. Many times though throughout the centuries it was entirely In 2015 the town centre will once again get different, which accounts considerably – a VDSL expansion. Thanks to vectoring, up that is the tragedy of the story – for today's to 100 Mbit/s should be possible for almost modern appearance. all citizens.

Almost all major housing companies in Rathenow already offer modern glass fibre connections with TV, telephone and high- speed Internet in thousands of flats. The history of the optical industry The history of the optical industry in Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III for Germany is closely connected with the permission. history of the Duncker family from On 03.10.1801 he received the royal Rathenow. privilege to operate an optical industry Essentially, three members of this family, institution. His self-constructed multi- Johann Heinrich August Duncker, his son grinding machine was patented on the same Eduard Duncker and later his nephew Emil day. It provided evenly ground optical lenses Busch, marked the beginnings of the optical for magnifying glasses, microscopes and industry in Rathenow. spectacles. His first workers were disabled soldiers and orphans who thus earned their The founder of the optical tradition was the living. The production facilities were located preacher of the Sankt Marien-Andreas in the attic of his birthplace, the rectory at Church, J.H.A. Duncker (14.01.1767 – Kirchplatz 12. Duncker was supported by 14.06.1843). his partner and main funder, the Rathenow garnison and field preacher, Samuel During his theological studies in Halle, he Christoph Wagener. Duncker led the gained theoretical knowledge about optics technical production, Wagener was at the Franckesche Stiftungen (Foundation) responsible for sales. and became involved in glass grinding. After The company developed continuously until graduation, he took over a post at the the war 1806/1807. Branches were opened Rathenow – Town of Optics: church in Rathenow. Partly hobby, partly to in several German cities. The first catalogue supply him with a sideline, Duncker decided was published in 1803. After the econo- For over 200 years to put his acquired knowledge in the field of mically difficult years 1806 to 1815, the optics into practice. Since as a preacher, company enlarged so that new premises Rathenow has been the Duncker was not allowed to carry out a were rented in the so-called „preacher centre of optics in Germany. trade without due cause, he had to ask the widows' houses”, Kirchgang 4-5. History of Optics 16 17

... made in Rathenow J.H.A. Duncker - Curriculum Vitae

14th January 1767 Duncker's birth, grew up in humble circumstances

1786 - 1789 Theological studies in Halle

Since 1789 Full-time preacher in Rathenow J.H.A. Duncker E. Duncker E. Busch Marriage, started a family: 2 daughters and a son

In 1819, during a visit to his daughter extended and distribution expanded. On Since 1801 Jeanette and her husband, a businessman 10.04.1834, after several relocations, the Founding of an optical industry institution named Busch, in Berlin, Duncker became ill company found its final domicile in a corner with Samuel Christoph Wagener with nervous fever. The severe illness made house purchased in the Berliner Straße no. 5. Patent for the multi-grinding machine it impossible for him to continue running his business. The constant increase in production and the Since 1806 lack of space associated with it, led Eduard Expansion of the business and His son Eduard Duncker (1797 - 1878) Duncker to providing his workers with branches all over Germany took over the management of the optical machines in order for them to be able to institution in 1820. His particular skills were produce at home. „Wash house productions” 14th June 1843 in the commercial area. Under his developed, which were typical for Rathenow. Duncker died in Berlin management, the range of products was After 26 years of management, Eduard difference in focus). His success in this field Duncker handed over the optical industry- led to a significant upturn in the production institution on 1st April 1845 to his nephew of photographic lenses and cameras. Emil Busch (1820 - 1888), who had already been with the company since 1840. Under his guidance a medium-sized enterprise Busch's products enjoyed worldwide became a factory-like large concern. Among reputation and presented serious compe- his achievements were the introduction of tition to foreign suppliers. They were the steam engine in 1846 and the expansion characterised by reliable precision work, of manufacturing areas that were rare on reasonable prices and innovations. Among the German market. In 1854, the number of the spectacular innovations, was the first employees increased from 67 to 130. In the wide-angle lens „Pantoscop”, produced by same year, the company presented its Busch in 1865. optical products at the Great Exhibition in London. The optical industry institution had developed into a leading company well J.H.A. Duncker's multi-grinding machine Busch's successful company policy made it beyond the Germany borders. In 1872 it possible to invest in extensive expansion was transformed into a public limited and construction of the new plant in the company, the Emil Busch plc. Berliner Straße 5. In 1861 the company had a massive factory building and a huge newly constructed rear building at its disposal.

In 1852 Busch began to produce photo- graphic equipment. In the year 1857, he succeeded in establishing the conformity of focal points of light from different wave- Busch plc, Berliner Str. 5 lengths in lenses (compensation of the History of Optics 18 19 The increased demand for optical articles were impeded. Production was mainly for resulted in the founding of other compa- the needs of the army. In the postwar nies. These included: period, inflation led to extensive restrictions, layoffs and bankruptcies in the optical 1851: Kaufmann Schulze, industry. Nevertheless, in 1930 there were Buchbinder Bartels 200 enterprises in the town. 1857: Karl Ludwig Hauptner, Wilhelm Seeger, Christian Laake, August Picht During the Second World War, the two 1859: L. Friedrich, Gebrüder Picht, major enterprises in the town were Michaelis und Co. completely involved in the production of 1860: Carl Wusthoff, Fr. Wilhelm Mewes armaments. The civilian production was 1863: L. Friedrich Braeckow severely limited by administrative order. 1864: Hausner Even those sentenced to hard labour 1866: Nitsche & Günther worked in the optical industry.

In the year 1896 there were 163 optical Most of the town was destroyed during businesses in Rathenow. Even at that time heavy fighting in the last days of the war. Rathenow had acquired a reputation as the The optical company Emil Busch plc lay in Nitsche & Günther „Town of Optics”. The company „Nitsche & ruins and the factories of the company Günther” had developed into the second Nitsche & Günther were heavily damaged. largest and best-known company, especially Due to the war and postwar turmoil, the in the field of optical lenses. production and marketing mechanisms in the precision and optical industry in The First World War and the ensuing Rathenow collapsed. Enormous damage, economic crisis inhibited further develop- reparations and the lack of skilled personnel ment of the optical industry. Sales areas made a new beginning difficult. were lost, parts of the workforce were drafted and contacts to foreign partners Model of glasses from 1820 As in all areas of the optical industry in owned enterprise (VEB) and named after Rathenow, medium and large-sized enter- the labour leader Hermann Duncker. Six prises were expropriated, some companies years later, the VEB optometry Hermann left Rathenow. Duncker also became affiliated to the combine Carl-Zeiss-Jena. In March 1946 the „Rathenow Optical The VEB Rathenow Optical Works Works Ltd.” was founded out of the „Hermann Duncker” came into being in company Nitsche & Günther, which was 1980 through the merger of both large expropriated in November 1945. optical firms. Up until 1989, this company On 1st July 1948, this, together with the with approximately 4,420 employees was Emil Busch plc, became the state-owned the sole manufacturer of spectacles in the enterprise Rathenow Optical Works (VEB GDR. ROW). 1.856 workers were employed there by the end of 1950. In 1966 the company With the fall of the wall in 1989, the ROW was under the control of the combine Carl- broke away from the combine Carl Zeiss Zeiss-Jena. Jena. In July 1990, the state-owned enterprise In addition to these large firms, privately was transformed into a limited liability remaining companies were still able to company. A new concept was born. produce until 1958. The state-directed Advisors helped to try and improve economy of the GDR though demanded the opportunities on the market. concentration of all small businesses. In In 1991 the trust company decided to divide March 1958, initially 45 of the 72 remaining the company into three areas. Most of the optical firms merged to become PGH „J.H.A staff was dismissed and old production Duncker”. buildings demolished. In 1992, the ROW GmbH was privatised into a number of In 1972 the Cooperative for the Production individual businesses and the properties of Crafts (PGH) was classified as a state- were sold by the company. History of Optics 20 21 Of the individual businesses privatised in Another step forward is the establishment 1992 and companies that subsequently of the Competence Centre OPTICS established themselves in the years to RATHENOW. This is an interest group, follow, not all managed the leap onto the actively looking for further expansion and market economy. For economic reasons one the forming of Rathenow as an attractive company even moved its base abroad, optics' location. which was particularly bitter for Rathenow. Established at the beginning of 2008, the optics' network oabb - optic alliance berlin Being closely connected to the optical brandenburg e.V is based in the technology industry, the Brandenburg Guild of park Technologie- und Gründerzentrum Optometrists chose Rathenow as its Havelland. More than 40 partners cover all Production and logistics center ROW headquarters. the skills in the fields of eye care and ophthalmic technology. The network's Since June 1998, there is the Centre for companies employ approximately 1.800 Training and Technology in Ophthalmic people and focus on the development of Optics in the industrial park “Grünauer innovation and skills, market development, Fenn”. The centre is furnished with all the as well as industrial and location profiling. latest optical equipment from leading At the end of 2013, the networks photonic suppliers in the industry. This assumes an Brandenburg Berlin and OABB announce a optimal standard of industry-wide training future cooperation. for opticians and master craftsmen. Since 2008, cooperating partner, the Today 25 fine-mechanical and optical Brandenburg University of Applied businesses provide for the continued Sciences, offers a Bachelor's degree existence of Rathenow's reputation as a program (B.Eng.) in Microsystems and town of optics. Some companies are known Optical Technologies. worldwide. Development of market companies show that „Optics - made in The goal of establishing an optical institute Rathenow” are on the rise again. still remains. Centre for Training and Technology in Ophthalmic Optics Places of interest in Rathenow The historical old town Kirchplatz The historical centre of the town with the Reconstruction of the church tower from Kirchberg and St. Marien-Andreas Church is 1999 until 2001 was successfully completed situated on an island surrounded by four with the installation of the new bell cast in arms of the River Havel. In the 11th century Lauchhammer and the erection of the church the church was built as a timber construc- spire in a spectacular helicopter operation in tion, later as a Romanesque stone cruciform. the autumn of 2001. This was followed by the It burnt down completely during the last redesigning of the Kirchplatz. Many of the days of the war in 1945. Reconstruction of existing old buildings around the church have the choir began in the early '90s. Today, now been lovingly restored. Vacant lots were seven newly designed windows by the local closed. Even in the next few years the artist Gerhard Henschel adorn the restored Kirchplatz will be subject to ongoing changes choir of the church. – for the better.

From the vestiges of time past to remarkable modern times as witnesses of the eventful history of Rathenow.. St. Marien-Andreas church Windows in the choir Places of interest 22 23

The old sexton house, Kirchplatz 6, together ... always something to discover with the adjacent building at no. 5, is the oldest preserved ensemble of residential buildings in the town of Rathenow. Built in 1575/76 as typical regional half- timbered houses, eventful history since the 16th century is visible in them in many parts. After years of vacancy and extensive renovation work, the houses have been Contact person: verifiably served as a rectory since 1604, the used again since 1996 as residential and Förderkreis zum Wiederaufbau der St. current building was built in the early 20th commercial buildings and are today listed Marien-Andreas-Kirche in Rathenow e. V. century. buildings. Dr. Heinz-Walter Knackmuß Tel. +49 (0)3385 5200224, 0049 (0)152 29954166 Church opening hours: Tourist-Information Tel. +49 (0)3385 514991

Opposite the west door of the church is the birthplace of the preacher Johann Heinrich August Duncker, founder of the optical industry in Germany. He ran his first optical workshop here in 1800. Originally a single- storey timber-framed building, which Duncker's place of birth Sexton house The Optikpark and lighthouse Weinberg with the Bismarck tower Schwedendamm 1 Weinberg

The Optikpark measuring approx. 11 A mature park and forest landscape in an hectares is popular with Rathenow's citizens area of approximately 13 hectares offers and guests. Enclosed by the arms of the river room for peace and quiet, but also for Havel, the area - also popularly known as excitement and adventure, such as in the the Schwedendamm Island – lies in the heart spaciously laid-out play areas. On and off in of the town. In 2006, the park was already between, fascinating horticultural elements. the central backdrop for the State Garden What began so well in 2006 with the LAGA, Show in Rathenow. Comprehensive is now being continued after extensive construction work was carried out in renovations. Lighthouse preparation for the Federal Garden Show in 2015. On the crest of the Weinberg stands the Bismarck Tower, which was inaugurated on The motto of the Optikpark: nature- 24th June 1914, in honor of the Imperial culture-recreation. Coloured pyramids of Chancellor, Prince Otto von Bismarck. flowers, walk-in coloured spaces, play areas Bismarck's political career began in and idyllic rafting on the Havel - a feast for Rathenow. The tower, badly damaged in the the senses. last days of the war in 1945, has been in use again since 2003 after elaborate renovation. Since 2009 the tallest lighthouse in Historical monument renovations were last Brandenburg stands at the entrance to the carried out in 2011. An ascent of the tower Optikpark in Mühlenweiher. This is a offers an impressive panoramic view of the reminder of Rathenow's specialist optical Westhavelland. Marriages can take place in companies, with whose complicated lens the tower room too. Bismarck tower systems over 100 lighthouses have been Interesting information is provided on the equipped worldwide. website www.bismarcktuerme.de .

Places of interest 24 25

The Weinberg bridge The Weinberg cemetery From the Optikpark to the Weinberg Weinberg

In wide arches, the bridge swings over two The Weinberg cemetery in Rathenow is arms of the Havel and allows a broad view of one of the most scenic of its kind in the Havel landscape. In a slightly rising Germany. From 1759, even the gatehouse course, the demanding and visionary design at the entrance is a historical peculiarity. compensates for the difference in height Lavishly restored, today it can be used as between the banks of the Havel. „Haus der Stille", for communication but Highlight of the bridge are two arch bridges also as an exhibition venue. with an attached deck on the one side which expands towards the center of the arch, In this lovely cemetery with its rich stock of creating a lookout area with benches. The rare trees, interesting graves trace the The Weinberg bridge one-sided suspension cable allows unob- burial culture from the 18th century until structed views of treetops in the surroun- today. ding area of the bridge. The bridge is open for use all year round. A The names of important Rathenow competition among Rathenow's citizens personalities are being preserved for resulted in finding a name. The design of the posterity by loving maintenance of their bridge was a prizewinner of the 154th graves. The association Memento e.V. Schinkel competition of the Berlin Architects ensures preservation value just as recently and Engineers Association in the spring of the restoration of the tower of the Church 2009. The first delve of the spade took place of the Resurrection, which was destroyed in December 2012. Construction time was in the last days of the war. 22 months. Total length of the bridge is 348 m, Guided tours by appointment. clear height over the Havel ~ 10 m, Tel. +49 (0)3385 512390 Cemetery path with gatehouse clear height over Hellers Loch ~ 7 m. Monument to the Great Elector Lock attendant's lodge The lock spitters – not very fine Schleusenplatz Pleasure craft lock At the old harbour

The monument to the Elector is the most In the immediate vicinity of the monument In the 1920s and '30s, day labourers waited important baroque sandstone monument in to the Great Elector, the neo-Gothic style at the harbour in Rathenow in order to earn northern Germany. It was built between lock attendant's lodge stands resplendent in a few Marks unloading the barges mooring 1736 and 1738 by the sculptor Johann its former glory. Brandenburg's Water and there. The long hours of doing nothing were Georg Glume to commemorate the trium- Shipping Authority – a federal authority – spent chatting, with occasional spitting phant battle of the Great Elector against the once promised the town of Rathenow: „If competitions. They were popularly called Swedes. you bring the State Garden Show to „lock spitters”. The sculptural group was The Schleusenplatz, once used as a parade Rathenow, then we'll spruce up the lock created by the Rathenow sculptor Volker ground by the stationed military, is bordered attendant's lodge again.“ They didn't just Roth with financial support from several by baroque town houses built in 1735, the keep to their word! Since 2008, you can also initiatives in Rathenow. town lock and the lock attendant's lodge in „tie the knot” in the lock attendant's lodge. neo-Gothic style.

Monument to the Great Elector Lock attendant's lodge Lock spitters Places of interest 26 27

The Kirchberg bridge The town wall The „Alte Schmiede“ At the old harbour Burg-, Bader-, Steinstraße, Kirchgang, Museum restaurant with old town wall Schleusenkanal Since 2002, the pedestrian and cycle bridge A blacksmith actually worked in the old one again connects the Weinberg to the The town wall was built after 1295 from red smithy until the 1960s. The building was Kirchberg after 700 years or the present bricks typical of Rathenow. The old master extensively renovated and is now used as a area at the Old Harbour with the oldest mason's house at the corner of Ziegelstraße restaurant „Zur Alten Schmiede”. A variety district in Rathenow. and Am Schleusenkanal, is the last evidence of original forging tools are on show. of Rathenow's municipal brickworks from Until 1288 it was possible to get from the the 18th century. It is built directly into the The old town wall is a building component Kirchberg to the Weinberg through a valley. town wall. The Rote Rathaus in Berlin, the and was left in its original state. During This hollow was cut through by the citizens Dutch Quarter in Potsdam, the courthouse renovation of the old smithy, further in order to maintain permanent protection in Rathenow are testimonies to the former remnants of the town fortifications were of the town through the canal thus formed. brick making industry in Rathenow and the uncovered. These can also be viewed. brand „Rathenower”

Kirchberg bridge Town wall „Zur Alten Schmiede“ The Zieten Barracks Das „Kreishaus“ Der „Kaiserbahnhof“ Bahnhofstraße Berliner Straße at the main railway station

Rathenow has many centuries of tradition as The district hall in neo-Gothic style built by The original name was „Royal Pavilion”. a garrison town. This era just ended in 1994 Franz Schwechten from 1893 until 1895 is From 1913 the house served as a separate with the withdrawal of Russian troops. Of an eye-catcher in the town. reception building for the daughter of the various barrack complexes, the Zieten Emperor Wilhelm II, Victoria Luise and her Barracks are the best preserved. Built The bricks needed for the construction of husband, Ernst August Duke of Brunswick between 1887 and 1891 for the hussar the building were made in Rathenow's and Lüneburg, who was transferred as an regiment „von Zieten”, the police riding brickyards. After partial destruction of the officer to the hussar regiment in Rathenow school was stationed here after its building in 1945, the pediment on the south in1913. Both the architecture and the name relocation. Today, there are apartments façade was rebuilt in a simpler manner. The suggest the Norwegian-style imperial here. The stables and outbuildings were renovated gable of the east façade conveys seamen's station „Kongsnæs” built in mostly dismantled. an impression of the rich neo-Gothic forms. Potsdam from 1892-95 as role model.

Former Zieten Barracks „Kreishaus“ (Administrative district office) Kaiserbahnhof Places of interest 28 29

District court Historical pharmacy The Haesler buildings Bahnhofstraße Steinstraße 1 Friedrich-Ebert-Ring

The history of this listed building is closely Since 1901 in the Steinstraße 1, the The architect Otto Haesler, based in Celle linked to the history of Rathenow. As a historical pharmacy is at the moment the since 1906, received the contract from the consequence of the laws of justice from oldest still operating in Brandenburg Rathenow Municipal Building Association 1879, Rathenow became seat of the Royal Mittelmark. Here interested visitors get an for a project of 600 apartments in the Prussian District Court for which at the overview of the development of pharmacy Friedrich-Ebert-Ring in 1928. Strictly desig- beginning of the 20th century a new worthy since the 17th century through the lovingly ned according to the principles of the representative building made from restored pharmacy fittings from the „Bauhaus Dessau", only a part of the project Rathenow bricks was built and inaugurated Biedermeier period and the dispensary in could be realised due to the onset of the in 1905. Time and again the building turned Art Nouveau style. Great Depression. After 1945, Haesler led out to be too small for the growing industrial Contact person: the reconstruction of the ruined old town. town and was repeatedly enlarged and Herr Dr. H.H. Schultze, Up to 1951, more „Bauhaus Apartments" renovated true to style from 1935 to 1996. Tel. +49 (0)3385 - 57 36-0 were developed on the Platz der Jugend.

District court Historical pharmacy Haesler buildings (Fr.-Ebert-Ring) The Brachymedial telescope Optical monument Building with a history Optikpark Traffic roundabout Berliner Straße 15

The Rathenow telescope is the largest of its The optical landmark of the town of The merger with the companies Gebrüder kind worldwide. It is mounted without a Rathenow „Lichtbogen”, created and Picht and C.W. Muth led to the impressive dome and rotatable on two axes. It was designed in 2001 by the Rathenow artists development of Nitsche & Günther AG. The designed and built in the years 1949-1953 Michael Student and Gerhard Henschel, main entrance of the administrative building by the Rathenow engineer Edwin Rolf (1899 formerly stood on the Platz der Jugend and of the company built in approx.1912 was to 1991). The telescope is a technical has now found a new location in the centre designed in the style of the magnificent monument. It was completely restored of the traffic roundabout at the former main buildings in Berlin made of Sicilian sand- between 1994 and 1996 and now has a intersection. stone and crowned by a tympanum (gable) fantastic location in the Optikpark. resting on six columns. This was destroyed The sculpture represents the connection of in the Second World War. The building was Detailed information can be found on the the town to the optical industry and the reconstructed in 1996/97 and today serves Rathenow town website (www.rathenow.de). interaction of colour and light. as the townhall.

Brachymedial telescope „Lichtbogen“ Townhall Places of interest 30 31

The Cultural Centre Das Optik Industrie Museum Brickyard boy and the tree of life Märkischer Platz 3 Im Kulturzentrum · Märkischer Platz 3 Roundabout in front of the post office

The „Kreiskulturhaus“, opened on 7th Around 15.000 optical instruments, spec- 12 – 14 year-old boys toiled in the former October 1958, became a modern cultural tacles, scientific equipment and machines as town brickworks in the summer months. centre after 5 years of structural and well as a specialist library with some 10.000 They carried the soft clay bricks in wooden restoration work between 2000-2005. publications, which were amassed by the boxes from the moulding plant to the drying optical museum with the support of the chamber - a form in each hand and a third Today the event centre with auditorium, society „zur Förderung, Pflege und Erhal- on top of the head. In 1988 the Rathenow gallery, the „Blaue Saal” with clubrooms, tung der Optischen Tradition in Rathenow e. sculptor Karl Mertens dedicated a lasting the Optik Industrie Museum as well as the V.” as well as many companies, ophthalmic monument to the boys. restaurant „Harlekin” are together under opticians and collectors, are evidence of the one roof. impressive industrial history of Rathenow. A The „tree of life” is an interactive object of small part of this can be seen in the art in the form of a tree made of bricks with a museum's permanent optical exhibition. dedication from the sponsors.

Cultural Center with the Märkischer Platz Optik Industrie Museum Brickyard boy, tree of life Rathenow has lovely neighbourhoods

Since 1st January 2002 the former Göttlin communal authority communities Böhne, In 1373 Emperor Charles IV from the House of Göttlin, Grütz, Semlin and Steckelsdorf are Luxembourg acquired the Mark-Brandenburg. ...ideal for relaxing. districts of the town of Rathenow. Common After his death in 1378, it was taken over by his to all the districts is that active local mayors son Sigismund, the future German Emperor make sure that the „parts” belong to the and King of Hungary. The county of Jerichow The people of Göttlin are proud of their lively „whole”. And that's good! was already taken by the Archbishop of nursery school and active community. Here Magdeburg in 1354. Schollene Castle there's always something going on. All districts lie directly on the Havel or by a belonged at that time to the Lords of Rosen- Göttlin has a popular river bathing area lake. berg. Buckow Castle, located on the left bank including a neighbouring bivouac and resting For insiders: (V) DSL and LTE are well- of the Havel to protect Rathenow's larger sett- place for canoeists and cyclists. It's lovely here. expanded everywhere. lements, belonged to Hermann von Treskow, Remarkably, despite the large scale protected the founding father of the widely spread natural environment, the adjoining military Treskow clan in the nook of the Elbe and Havel. training area Klietz with more than 9.000 The villages Göttlin and Grütz belonged to hectares of exercise area, is one of the largest in neither of them. Probably both places could be Germany. Much of the area is forested. The regarded as free communities for a long time. open countryside is almost completely rated Göttlin is first just mentioned in the feudal regi- with the European classification for nature sters of the archbishops of Magdeburg 1381- conservancy. 82. Archaeological finds indicate a settlement The area has the third largest practice range since the Neolithic period (about 3000 to 1500 and the most modern target range in Germany. years BC). Its particular characteristics and its connection Located on the Havel, Göttlin offers welcome to the Havel and Elbe are unique and make it a relief from urban life. An ideal place to live and versatile exercise area for NATO allies from all Church in Göttlin relax. over Europe. Interesting neighbourhoods 32 33

Böhne Leaving Rathenow in the southwesterly Armand Leon Baron von Ardenne served as direction of Genthin, one arrives in Böhne riding master with the Zieten Hussars. In the after about 5 km. First mentioned in a eighth chapter of the novel however, Effi document in 1381, Böhne is now a quiet and says, that she was descended from that contemplative district of the town of Briest, „who carried out the raid of Rathenow. The nationally important river Rathenow on the day before the Battle of bike path „Havel cycle path” has a stop-off Fehrbellin”. It refers to that very Jakob point here. Strict European nature Friedrich von Briest (1631-1703). conservancy classifications apply for the Böhne is worth a stop for yet another entire area between Rathenow and Böhne. reason, then at this point, the river Elbe once Once here, one understands why. flowed into the Havel. No joke. Up until the Not especially worth seeing, but historically 12th century, the Elbe swung in a wide „Swedenhaus” significant is the Swedenhaus in Böhne. It easterly direction meeting the three main was built in 1661 by Jacob Friedrich von arms of the river Havel at Premnitz. The Elbe Briest, former district administrator of the cut-off to the north of Stendal and the Westhavelland. Frederick William, the Great construction of the eastern dyke of the Elbe Elector of Brandenburg, spent the night of 800 years ago allowed the current to ebb 14th to 15th June 1675 in this house before away. But it has not dried up yet. Water from the attack on Rathenow by the occupying the Elbe still flows through the Stremme and Swedes. The house is the last authentic place the Königsgraben into the Havel. in the region in connection with the victory over the Swedes in Brandenburg. If you follow the Havel cycle path towards The literary role model for Fontane's novel Rathenow, you reach the so-called „Effi Briest” was most probably Elisabeth „Burgwall”, the original settlement of Baroness von Ardenne, born Baroness and Rathenow, just before the underpass of the noble of Plotho. She lived with her family for Havel bridges in Rathenow. Some on-site Havel cycle path several years in Rathenow. Her husband, information boards explain the links. Grütz The needle weir in Grütz Grütz lies approximately 10 kilometers north- There is a special feature in the area of the www.steckelsdorf.de west of Rathenow's town centre, beyond Gött- Grützer lock - an intact needle weir. Needle www.campingplatz-rathenow.de lin and only accessible by car along one road. weirs are very rare in Germany. However, www.big-dd-ranch.de Nestled between landscaped and nature the nearest one is just a few kilometers conservation areas, Grütz is a worthwhile desti- down the river Havel at Garz. nation for nature lovers. Grütz is first mentioned Needle weirs follow a simple principle: The in the feudal registers of the archbishops of flow rate is regulated by so-called needles. Magdeburg from 1381. In these documents the These needles, several meters long, are now village name is written as „Grocz”. Worth made of aluminum, but up until a few years seeing in Grütz are the church with the newly ago were originally made of wood. designed village square and the needle weir. Both the long-distance cycle routes „Havel cycle You can reach the needle weir by taking the path” and the „Havelland cycle path”, as part marked exit on the combined Havelland of the „Hamburg-Berlin” long-distance cycle cycle path and Havel cycle path. Coming path with connection for example to the „Elbe from Grütz in the direction of Schollene, cycle path”, stop off at the popular bivouac and turn right in the direction of the Havel and Bivouac and rest area Grütz rest area Grütz - the most beautiful bivouac area you can admire the Grütz needle weir after far and wide. Here, cycling enthusiasts and about 2 km. paddlers can experience pure nature, chatting by the fire in the evenings and spending the Caution: Access to the needle weir night in tents. prohibited! Risk of fatal injury! The Havel flows through the Grützer lock on its way to the Elbe. The marina in the centre with Some details on the needle weir: small restaurants and holiday apartments, a UHW km 117.150 small communal jetty and a campsite on the Complete width 69.70 m outskirts of the district round off the amenities Width of the weir 61.05 m The needle weir offered. Weir gate with 472 needles Interesting neighbourhoods 34 35

Steckelsdorf Semlin www.semlin.de The neighbourhood of Steckelsdorf is Semlin is the „holiday mecca” of the town of A special feature is a sandstone sculpture synonymous with bathing in „Steggel”, a 4- Rathenow on the Hohennauen-Ferchesar commemorating Anna Ropien from Semlin. star campsite on the lake, horse riding and lake. A few years ago, the small resort with She was tried and burnt as a „Butterhexe” in the most delicious home-made ice cream far just 500 inhabitants had more beds than 1672 in Rathenow. It was the last burning of and wide. Justifiably, the two long-distance Rathenow. The charming resort with its a witch in the town. There were contro- cycle paths „Havel cycle path” and tranquil lakeside location in the idyllic versial discussions beforehand. The „Havelland cycle path” have a stop-off countryside is made for a relaxing holiday for sculpture now stands as a clear statement here. The campsite also offers pretty log the whole family. Sailing is a major sport against ignorance, superstition and lordly cabins for overnight stays. Everything is very here. No less important, rowing boats, arbitrariness. modern yet in tune with nature. canoes or pedal boats. The jetties for houseboats are modern, the bathing area Another person held in honor is the author Due to its location it's also enjoyable to live Bauerndeich is a popular destination and Axel Rudolph. Between 1933 and 1943, the here. Smart family housing estates have with a rental bike you can reach Rathenow in successful crime and adventure writer emerged. a leisurely half hour along a cycle path. The published more than 50 novels. In addition, long natural path around the lake (approx. screenplays for the UFA film industry, which An active heritage society looks after the 24 km) offers several stop-offs on the way. were filmed with international stars of the village's interests. There is a near-natural There is an experienced local nature reserve time. Today, the „“Pension am See” was the footpath around the lake, then a stop off at guide for an entertaining day trip by canoe. A villa in which Rudolph enjoyed being host to the campsite restaurant. In summer there's holiday and leisure centre offers fitness, the Berlin film and literary scene. It felt bathing here, in winter ice-skating. wellness and sauna facilities. The Golf Resort comfortable far from the hustle and bustle Semlin is one of the most beautiful golf of Berlin. A delicate balancing act between The Big DD Ranch has numerous offers on courses in Germany. the Berlin bohemian society and local Nazi everything to do with horses. Western A highlight is the annual summer festival in leaders, his free spirit proved to be his riding, but also classical or Spanish, as well Semlin on the last weekend of July. Just for downfall. He was denounced. He died as carriage and charabanc rides. If you want, form's sake: the place was first mentioned in under the guillotine in October 1944 in the you can spend your holidays here: ideal for a document in 1441. Worth seeing is the Brandenburg-Görden jail. „Wild West” fans. half-timbered church built in 1730. Now that I'm here … what can I do? I'm just here today… Your first port of call is the tourist infor- mation office which is open daily during the tourist season. Just walk in the direction of the Saint Marien-Andreas church with the golden cross widely visible in the distance. Collect some information leaflets and off you go! You can choose from a number of guided tours to get a first impression. We'll finish at this point and hope you had a Time: one hour lovely day.

Optikpark and Weinberg! Various impres- sions on the mind, time to unwind. The whole weekend… How's my time? 2-3 hours are up, lots of First of all: tourist info … You know! Sort out Online tips: walking, but very relaxing. accommodation, tips for restaurants, bars, www.rathenow.de special events? www.tv-westhavelland.de In case you want to do something for your Remember information leaflets! Can the education – the Optik Industrie Museum in www.optikpark-rathenow.de staff at the tourist information help me with the Rathenow Kulturzentrum (Märkischer any activities that I'm planning (bookings, www.havelland-tourismus.de Platz). Here there's an interesting crash reservations, …)? www.reiseland-brandenburg.de course regarding optics and Rathenow. Typically you've arrived by car / mobile www.buga-2015-havelregion.de home, train or by bike. By plane is also www.oimr.de Once again, 1-2 hours are up. There are possible, but we don't take ourselves that plenty of opportunities to stop for a break seriously. We offer suggestions, you decide along the way. according to your needs. Places of interest 36 37 ...the town has many facets

In addition to the huge range of museums in Berlin, there are points of interest in the immediate surroundings. Just ask at the tourist office, they will be happy to help With regard to hired mobility, everything is In the near vicinity there are also excellent you further. conceivable from pick-up service, taxi, car- opportunities for overnight stays in rental to bicycle hire (e-bikes are fun). absolute tranquility. The routes back to the Here are some tips for you: town are generally short and easily - Optik Industrie Museum Rathenow In Rathenow itself … you already know this accessible via consistent and well- - Naturpark-Besucherzentrum Milow from the tips on day trips. developed cycle paths. - Lilienthal-Centrum Stölln - Spielzeugmuseum Havelland, Kleßen In addition there are bathing possibilities - Kolonistenhof Großderschau here, boat or charter trips, fishing, canoe Hint: - Bienenmuseum Karls Erlebnishof hire, guided tours and the usual leisure By bike from Rathenow-West (starting at - N'Ostalgiemuseum Mötzow activities in a small district town with the roundabout) to Milow via Böhne and - Industriemuseum Brandenburg cinema, theatre, shopping facilities, ten-pin Bützer on the newly constructed cycle - „DDR-Museum“ Döberitz bowling… path. Then from there back to Rathenow via Premnitz (approx. 35 km). Everything is signposted. There are maps to assist you. NaturparkZentrum Milow „Sternenpark Westhavelland“ (approx. 10 km) (15-25 km)

Situated about 70 kilometres west of Berlin, Yes, we are the first Star Park in Germany. the Westhavelland Naturpark, founded in As we say locally: It's pitch-black here! 1998, is the largest conservation area in Westhavelland is one of the darkest places Brandenburg with an expanse of 1315 km². in Germany, comparable to Namibia. You've The district town of Rathenow is located never seen the Milky Way like this! centrally. The nature park encompasses the There are particularly good observation largest inland contiguous wetland area in opportunities in the approx. 40 km² central western Central Europe. zone between Gülpe and Nennhausen. The NaturparkZentrum in Milow provides an informative and descriptive insight. Here you can also observe the so-called NaturparkZentrum in Milow Events about everything to do with the airglow, the night sky light, a faint glow of nature park are also offered here regularly. higher layers of the atmosphere (iono- sphere), which is now usually outshone by There are excellent opportunities for an on- artificial stray light. site rest afterwards or in neighbouring Premnitz. Despite the relative proximity to the metropolis Berlin, nights in the Westhavel- land are so dark due to the sparse popu- lation, that the Milky Way with its NaturparkZentrum Westhavelland thousands and thousands of stars can be Stremmestraße 10 seen as a graphic image. 14715 Milower Land OT Milow Information available in the Tel. +49(0)3386 211227 NaturparkZentrum Beaver in the exhibition www.nabu-westhavelland.de Places of interest 38 39

Gülper See – a paradise for birds (approx. 22 km) Hint: That one goes stargazing in absolute You have never seen so many birds in the darkness - ideally moonless and cloudless - is flesh at once - a spectacle that you shouldn't understood. miss! You should also drive with proper lighting to the place. The Gülper See Nature Reserve in the small district of Rhinow is a unique paradise for But then: Please turn off „dim lights”! You birds. can even forget the flash of your mobile phone for capturing the enlightening Equipped with observation towers and a moment. It's pointless! Of course ... proper nature trail, it provides an opportunity to Gülper See photography with a tripod. experience one of the most important migration areas, resting sites and wintering To our knowledge red light is ok. Bright light grounds for waterfowl and waders in inland bothers everyone – in the end you too. Just Central Europe. take part in a guided stargazing walk! Spring and autumn here are the most Everything worth knowing can be read on spectacular times for bird watching. In the the association's website. autumn already more than 100.000 bean geese and white-fronted geese and over www.sternenpark-westhavelland.eu 3.000 cranes were counted here in one day.

www.nabu-westhavelland.de und www.birdinggermany.de/havel.htm

Star Park - „Sternenpark Westhavelland“ Birnbaum von Ribbeck – Fontane sends his regards (approx. 39 km) Children's farm „Marienhof“ (approx. 41 km) „Herr von Ribbeck auf Ribbeck im Havel- The simplest way is to sign up at the land” ...any questions? Such a poem can be information in Ribbeck Castle, pick up some Dear children, Fontane's pear tree in Ribbeck a blessing for a small community. information materials and advice, perhaps a - that was something for your parents. That But between us: many pupils hated the guided tour? surely brought back old memories of their poem during their time at school. Theodor own time at school, since they were forced to Fontane was born in Neuruppin on 30th Theodor-Fontane-Straße 10, 14641 Nauen learn that famous poem. December 1819. In his „Walks through the OT Ribbeck, Tel. +49(0)33237 8590-30 Now, however, off to the children's farm Mark Brandenburg” he described the www.ribbeck-havelland.de „Marienhof”. You and your parents can beauty of our local landscape. Through his reach it quite easily by hired bike. By car of poem, Ribbeck and his pears are still on And off to Ribbeck! course too. everyone's lips. You can visit the adjacent children's farm Marienhof 1, 14641 Nauen OT Ribbeck, „Marienhof” afterwards. Tel.: +49(0)33237 88891 www.marienhof-ribbeck.de

Church in Ribbeck Ribbeck Castle Children's farm Places of interest 40 41

Lilienthal Centre in Stölln and „Lady Agnes” (approx. 22 km) IL 62 in a meadow – amazing! Off to the IL 62 in the „open field” That's it: your weekend is over, went The exhibition in the „Alte Brennerei” afterwards. How did it get there? ... Have a much too fast and yet we hope you had revolves around everything to do with the look at the short film in the „Airport“! a good time. Of course there is still much aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal, who You'll be astonished. more to experience ... but: undertook his spectacular attempts to fly on the oldest airfield in the world in Stölln. Hint: Buy a combined ticket for the Hint: Don't keep „romping around”, During one of these experiments, he was exhibition and the plane. It saves money. but sometimes „take a relaxed view of grievously injured and died the next day. That things" - as we like to say here. was on 10th August 1896. The fascination for Otto-Lilienthal-Str. 50 The country and its people are made for flying still remains – as here in Stölln. 14728 Gollenberg OT Stölln it, nice to relax – just take it easy! The exhibition is informative and worth a Tel. +40(0)33875 90690 look. www.otto-lilienthal.de

Lilienthal Centre in Stölln „Lady Agnes” Raft ride in the Optikpark A relaxing week with the family … As an introduction, Ostrich farm in Großderschau – Kolonistenhof Großderschau the information already at eye level (approx. 24 km) (approx. 24 km) given under the category The gait, behavior and lives of these big The colonisation of a fascinating natural „The whole weekend …” beautiful animals are not just interesting for landscape in the 17th/18th centuries. In the applies here too. kids. At the ostrich farm you learn a lot, from colonist farm in Großderschau one follows in the breeding of ostriches through to the footsteps of the Prussian kings Frederick marketing. William I and Frederick II. The history and By the way, the thing with the eye level origin of the colonies in the Frederician era, Besides things worth seeing, in probably only applies to a few people. The life, customs and crafts, such as the art of Westhavelland there is a wide range of animals are up to 2.5 m tall. Whoever is on making butter are demonstrated in the leisure activities from A to Z including the lookout for fresh eggs for breakfast will museum and the outdoor area. The farm's fishing and camping, as well as bad make a find here. But you need a certain shop offers fresh regional products and fresh weather activities. Information is amount of time for the eggs which weigh up crusty bread from the clay oven during available on the websites mentioned as to 1.5 kg. Cooking time is 1 hour. But you're events. well as in the tourist information office. on holiday! Kleinderschauer Str. 1, 16845 Großderschau, Kleinderschauer Str.7, 16845 Großder- Tel. +49(0)33875 90810 schau, Tel. +49(0)33875 900110 www.grossderschau.de www.der-straussenhof.de

Maze in the Weinberg Sostrich farm Harvest festival at the Kolonistenhof Places of interest 42 43

Animal film school Harsch „Ritter Kahlbutz“ in Kampehl (approx. 36 km) Brandenburg state stud farm in Sieversdorf (28 km) Neustadt/Dosse (approx. 34 km) Germany's most famous mummy, the knight In the animal film school Harsch a variety of Christian Friedrich von Kahlbutz (1651- One of Germany's oldest stud farms with a lot of two- and four-legged animals are prepared 1702), also called Kalebuz, lies in the crypt of trappings. Every year in September the stallion for their roles before the film cameras. You Kampehl church in Neustadt. According to parades are an attraction at the stud farm. The can see the results of this work in many films, the legend, Kahlbutz, who was charged with choreography and high skill of the performers TV series, TV shows, commercials, music murder, vowed the following oath of excites audiences again and again. videos or in the animal film show in the purgation: „If I was the murderer, then so In addition, many horse riding, show jumping Filmpark Babelsberg. A trip to Sieversdorf is God's will, my dead body should never and driving tournaments in the Graf von an experience for the whole family. decay.” Many well-known scientists, Lindenau Hall as well as the Coach Museum including R. Virchow and F. Sauerbruch have enrich the range of events. since busied themselves with the pheno- Hauptstraße 2, 16845 Sieversdorf, menon. Interpretative attempts remain Hauptgestüt 10, 16845 Neustadt/Dosse Tel. +49(0)33970 50828 vague. Schulstr. 3, 16845 Neustadt/Dosse Tel. +49(0)33970 5029-0 www.filmtierschule-harsch.de OT Kampehl, Tel. +49(0)33970 13265 www.neustaedter-gestuete.de www.kalebuz.de

Animal film school Ritter Kahlbuz Graf-von-Lindenau-Halle Great Bustard protection project in Buckow (approx. 19 km) Kunsthof Gräningen (approx. 12 km) Karls Erlebnis-Dorf in Elstal near Berlin (approx. 59 km) The largest European research and breeding With the Kunsthof Gräningen, the artist and centre for Great Bustards, which together beekeeper Hans Zimmermann has no doubt A nice day trip for the whole family. The with the Kori Bustard in Africa belongs to the created a unique ensemble along the theme offer is huge and just right for young and heaviest flying birds on earth, is located in „art in the apiary”. old. Buckow near Nennhausen. In the mating season (early April - mid-May) these shy Probably the smallest church in the world The apiary museum, formerly located in animals can be watched from observation was also built by him and is inviting for rest Möthlow, is also now lovingly and inte- towers. and meditation. restingly integrated here. Reservations for guided tours in the mating season can be made on Am Wiesenweg 11, 14715 Gräningen Zur Döberitzer Heide 1, 14641 Wustermark Tel.+49(0)3386 211227, daily except Wed- Tel. +49(0)3385 513447 Tel. +49(0)33234 243030 nesdays. www.kunsthof-graeningen.de www.karls.de/berlin-freizeitpark- Buckower Dorfstr. 34, 14715 Nennhausen, kinder.html Tel. +49(0)33878 60194 www.grosstrappe.de

Courting Great Bustard Smallest church Karls Erlebnishof Places of interest 44 45

Apothecary garden in Milow (ap.11 km) Schollen (approx. 14 km) Frau Harke's path of legends The garden at the Anker pharmacy in Milow „Where dark woods of Brandenburg pine The path of legends „Frau Harke- is lovingly designed and rich in species. A trees cover acres and acres of land, where Sagenpfad” has its origin in the resort wide range of medicinal plants grow here moor brushes with heather, where the blue Kamern in the nook of the Elbe and Havel. on a reasonably-sized area. The plants and Havel rushes in numerous turns through lush Frau Harke is the patron saint and handed herbs are well described for the layman. meadows to its mergence with the Elbe, down from pre-Christian times as Frigga, Here you can learn about medicinal herbs, Freia, Frau Herke and Holle. So far, there are admire its flowers and features and indulge where the lake with its swarming gulls your senses. flashes like silver in the sun. Here lies 13 so-called milestones along the path of Schollene, in the nook of the Elbe and Havel legends. These are artistically designed rest Anker-Apotheke, Friedensstraße 105 south of Havelberg.” This is how the people stops („Edel-Knopelschenke”). Further 14715 Milower Land, OT Milow of Schollen describe their beautiful surroun- milestones will follow soon in the Bran- Tel. +49(0)3386 280380 dings. Interesting too is the unique medicinal denburg region with Brandenburg an der www.anker-apotheke-milow.de mud (Pelose) from Lake Schollen and a visit Havel as destination via Rathenow. to the museum barn. www.schollene-land.de www.tourismusverein-westhavelland.de

Apothecary garden Lake Schollen „Edel-Knopelschenke“ Lake Hohennauen – Ferchesar (approx. 7 km) Nennhausen Castle (approx. 14 km) The lake is not as long as its name, but there are several opportunities for stop-offs. The castle, (1737, private property) received beautiful! The Hohennauen-Ferchesar its neo-Gothic form around 1860. The public lakeland area is 10 km long, with links to the The Semlin Golf Resort is yet another park was created in Baroque style at the Havel and Lake Witzke. The villages Semlin, attraction. The days when high fences were beginning of the 18th century. The splendid Ferchesar, Wassersuppe and Hohennauen pulled up around golf courses in order to be view from the castle to the „Fouqué“ oak are located around the lake. The lake's kept to themselves were never an issue, at tree was a special experience. Unfortunately, tourist centre with camping sites and a least not in Semlin. Here there is always a this majestic tree toppled over in 2006 after whole range of accommodation offers has a very open atmosphere with trial offers for more than 450 years. Many decades will tradition reaching back to the last century. beginners. Even a popular hiking trail from pass until a new oak will gain a similar stately Around 1920, Ferchesar as „pearl of the Rathenow - the Ferchesar Way - runs right appearance. Havel country” was already a popular through the golf course, without any The poet Friedrich Baron de la Motte Fouque destination of the people of Berlin. perceptible disturbance to both sides. once lived and worked here from 1802- It is possible to cycle along the near-natural www.semlin.de und 1833. His poems and dramas originated path around the lake (about 24 km) and www.golfresort-semlin.de here.

Hohennauen Semlin Ferchesar Places of interest 46 47

Toy museum Bad weather activities – Rappelkiste in Kleßen (approx. 34 km) in Brandenburg/Wust (approx. 38 km) He has earned his place in literary history with two works; the literary fairy tale The exhibition in seven rooms of the old Playing with a roof over your head! The large „Undine” and the story „The Hangman”. village school shows outstanding examples indoor play area is also perfect as a venue for „Undine” is the epitome of the romantic of the German toy industry from the past boisterous children's birthday parties. literary fairy tale. two centuries. The town of Brandenburg an Fouqué's lively friendships with reputable der Havel was considered a „toy town”. An der Bundesstraße 1 poets and philosophers made Nennhausen a Many toys travelled from here to nurseries 14776 Brandenburg an der Havel famous meeting place for great personali- around the world. Really well made with Tel. +49(0)3381 890880 ties. Among others, Adalbert von Chamisso, attention to detail. www.indoorspielplatz-brb.de ETA Hoffmann, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Right next door is Castle Kleßen (privately Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff and Wilhelm owned). Freiherr von Humboldt belonged to his circle of friends. Schulweg 1, 14728 Kleßen Fouqué-Platz 4, 14715 Nennhausen Tel. +49(0)33235 29311 Tel. +49(0)33878 60505 www.spielzeugmuseum-havelland.de

Castle Nennhausen Toy museum in Kleßen Town forest and nature trail Water tower in Premnitz (approx. 8 km) Bockwindmühle Bamme (approx. 6 km) Once a donation from the Margrave of The landmark of 100 years of industrial One of the oldest windmills in the Havelland Brandenburg to the town of Rathenow, today history is really well preserved thanks to a region, probably dating back to 1334, was the town forest is a beauty spot and idyll for private initiative. The tower was built in severely damaged by the hurricane „Kyrill” ramblers and cyclists - the „green axis“ on the 1915-16 and served as a repository for in 2006. A foundation strives towards its eastern outskirts. Marked walking routes and an industrial water from the operational preservation and reconstruction. The signs interesting nature trail (starting point: Wald- facilities for the production of gunpowder are good and money is already flowing. The parkplatz Ferchesarer Weg) guide you in the and later major spun rayon and synthetic aim is to restore the mill to working order as right direction. There are marked running tracks fibres. An exhibition in its interior gives an a „show mill”. for sports lovers. The inter-regional Havelland insight into the interesting development of cycle path also runs through the forest and is the site. Visits are possible by appointment. great for in-line skaters. The informative Tel. +49 (0)3385 505319 foldable map „Walks through Rathenow's town Visits: Tel.+49(0)3386 27150 www.bockwindmuehle-bamme.de forest“, available at the Tourist Information Office, can provide you with assistance.

Forest lake in Rathenow'sRathenow's town forest Water tower in Premnitz Windmill Places of interest 48 49

Kaiser- und Hansestadt Tangermünde Hansestadt Havelberg Brandenburg an der Havel (approx. 31 km) (approx. 40 km) (approx. 31 km)

Tangermünde has preserved its medieval Havelberg celebrated its 1050th anniversary Brandenburg Cathedral is considered as the townscape up till the present day. The in 1998. Since 2008 Havelberg again bears cradle of the Mark. The town of Branden- ancient castle and the town which arose the name „Hanseatic Town” thus following burg an der Havel looks back on 1000 years under its safeguard about 800 years ago lie the tradition founded in 1358. In the Rostock of history. The historic Old Town, New Town on a plateau. It is towered over by St. register Havelberg is listed from the outset as and Cathedral Island with its outstanding Stephan's Church with its 87 metre high being a member of the Hanseatic League. monuments bear witness to turbulent north tower, around which many towers A guided walking tour through the historic national and local history. The independent and town houses are assembled. It is all old town, including a visit to the cathedral town is a modern urban centre in the enclosed by the town wall, the red brick of allows you to breathe the magnificent air of immediate vicinity and beautifully situated which is reflected in the waters of the Elbe. the past. on the waterfront. www.tangermuende.de www.stadt-brandenburg.de und www.havelberg.de www.stg-brandenburg.de

Tangermünde Havelberg Brandenburg an der Havel 50 More interesting places

Potsdam (approx. 80 km) Berlin (approx. 75 km) Too bad, but unfortunately The city of Potsdam is a UNESCO world The federal capital is one of the most the holiday week is now already over. heritage city, the city of palaces and gardens popular cities in the world, world city of And somehow you certainly can't help by the idyllic Havel lakes, a magnificent, culture, politics, media and science. A city feeling, that you still haven't seen historic city of culture, a centre of film, second to none. You should plan in advance everything. But that's no problem; just education and science, marked by more than what should be visited and in which order. extend or even better: 1000 years of history as royal seat and state With the sheer diversity of impressions, it capital. Sanssouci, Babelsberg Film Park, the can also be nice to end the day again in your Please come again! Biosphere … it's not possible in one day. peaceful retreat in our Westhavelland. The The city of Potsdam is one of the most livable train leaves every hour - less than an hour cities in Germany. travel time - Brandenburg-Berlin-Ticket! Good to know: By the way, the world clock at the „Alex” Our partner towns are Rendsburg and www.potsdam.de originates from Rathenow! Zlotow (Poland). www.berlin.de www.rendsburg.de and www.zlotow.pl

Potsdam Berlin Flori - Opti - Havi Leisure activities 51 I not only want to look around, At this point it doesn't make sense and but also do something we don't claim to want to present the … leisure activities entire leisure activities in Rathenow Angling and the surrounding area. Data simply Angling of non-predatory fish is possible for Ferchesar (Dranseschlucht) changes too fast. But we gladly give children and adults without a fishing Hohennauen (fish restaurant „Strandgut“) you suggestions here. Coupled with licence. Lake Steckelsdorf at Rathenow's campsite encouraging you to badger our tourist A fishing permit and fishing tax stamp are Lake Wolzen in Rathenow information with your questions, we required, which are widely available in pet can assure you: it won't be boring shops, fishing tackle stores as well as in Natural bathing areas on the Havel: here. tourist information offices. For angling It is essential to note that the Havel is a river predatory fish, a fishing licence is additio- with a considerable flow at times. Keep away More extensive and up-to-date nally required after completion of the from weirs or similar! information with contact details is fishing exam. The fishing licence is valid available on the Internet on the indefinitely. The bathing areas at the bivouac camps in website of the town of Rathenow and International guests need 3 documents for Göttlin and Grütz are good for practising. the Tourist Association Westhavelland fishing (non-predatory and predatory fish): Otherwise our river trail map from the tourist e.V. • filled out documentation booklet with information office will help you further. an adhesive fishing tax stamp www.rathenow.de und • fishing permit Swimming pools www.tv-westhavelland.de • passport / identity card Schwimmhalle Rathenow Naturbad Premnitz The following is a rough summary in Bathing and swimming Schwimm- und Erlebnisbad „Marienbad“ alphabetical order from A for Angling Natural bathing areas – all unguarded! Brandenburg to „V for Veranstaltungen” (events). It Lake Hohennauen-Ferchesar with Kristall Kur- & Gradiertherme Bad Wilsnack was not enough for „Z” unless bathing opportunities in „zelten” (tenting), but that operates Semlin (Bauerndeich) under camping with us. Let's go now! Boat hire & Passenger ship berths Camping & mobile homes Use the river trail map „Wasserwanderkarte Licence-free Campsite „Am Steggel“ **** Rathenow der Flusslandschaft Untere Havelniederung“, Boats with a length of less than 15 metres OT Steckelsdorf; which is available in all the tourist infor- and an engine power of up to 15 HP are Campsite „Seeblick“ mation offices. licence-free for persons 16 years and older. Seeblick OT Hohennauen; www.havel-fun.de Details are governed by the rental regulations Campsite „Buntspecht“ **** Stechow- for inland waterway transport and pleasure Ferchesar OT Ferchesar Houseboats craft. Info: www.elwis.de Havelland Hausboote in Göttlin Bivouac areas on the Havel Grütz, Göttlin, Mögelin and Gülpe Passenger ship berths Popular river trail rest areas MS „Sonnenschein“ and MS „Havelland“: Rathenow: Am Alten Hafen, Optikpark, Mobile home parking areas at the Haveltor-Kinos near the Optikpark Seesportclub Car park Baustraße with supply and waste Semlin: Gastanleger disposal, central location, free of charge Motor boats Grütz: MSW Havelboot Campsite in Steckelsdorf, good bus MSW Havelboot GmbH in Grütz connections, cycle path 20 minutes to the centre of Rathenow Canoe hire Ninepin & Tenpin bowling Rathenower Wassersportver. Kanu 1922 e.V. Waldschloss in Rathenow, Berliner Bicycle hire Sport Bölke Rathenow Straße/Fr.-Ebert-Ring (tenpin bowling, Operators: Optikpark Rathenow (April - Oktober) ninepin bowling); Wienmeister (e-bikes too), Berliner Str.; Restaurant „Fischerhütte“ (rowing boats, Launepark, Puschkinstraße (tenpin bow- Fahrradhaus Berger, Schleusenstraße / Am pedal-boats too) ling); Alten Hafen; Hotel „Sonn'Idyll“, Semliner MSW Havelboot GmbH in Grütz Superbowl in Premnitz, Bunsenstraße Straße (e-bikes too) (tenpin bowling) Information leaflet at the tourist information Leisure activities 52 53

Fitness & Wellness Children & youth Cinema This is a very broad concept. Here it includes: Children and youth club Haveltor–Kinos, Rathenow Family Fitness in Rathenow and Premnitz in the „Freizeithaus Mühle” – youth centre for www.haveltorkino.de (indoor area of the outdoor swimming pool); children and teenagers with multimedia centre, More cinemas in Brandenburg and Stendal Fitness-& Gesundheitsstudio Rausch Semlin; youth club, creativity room, hobby cooking, Golf Resort Semlin, Fitness- and Wellness games room (strategy games, card games and Crazy golf Club; board games like chess or Go), billiard, fitness, Pension „Tivoli“, www.tivoli-rathenow.de Fitness-& Gesundheitsstudio Rausch Semlin; sports programs and holiday camps. Golf Resort Semlin, Fitness- and Wellness Cycle tours Club; Evangelical youth church „Oase” See under Bicycle hire (e-bikes too) Sonn'Idyll, Saunalandschaft, Yogawelt, Meet people, listen and make music. Drum Rathenow; groups, rock bands, guitar lessons, talk about Marked hiking trails Neue Salz Schleuse, Rathenow-West; everything under the sun, evening meals, Numerous marked hiking trails lead you Schwimmhalle Rathenow with Sauna billiard, table tennis, games, discussions, through the Westhavelland Nature Park weekend activities, address problems, look for surrounding Rathenow. Maps are available Gliding and aerial tours answers, meditate … and all this not just for at the Tourist Information Office. church goers! Flugsportverein „Otto Lilienthal“ Stölln e.V. Luftsportclub Havelland e. V., Sonderlande- Route Tips platz Stechow on the B188 Archery Havel cycle path and Havelland cycle path with www.bogenfuechse-rathenow.de good opportunities for round day-trips Golf Junction signposting exists throughout the Youth work of the Diakonie in the Havel- Golf Resort Semlin, www.golfresort- Havelland. The cycle network is modernly land semlin.de signposted in accordance with the hbr Bran- www.facebook.com/streetworkrathenow 27-hole championship course, 9-hole short denburg. course for everyone (“trial golfers” are Circular trail round Lake Hohennauen-Ferche- Youth Club PreJu e.V. in Premnitz welcome), ****-Sporthotel. sar (approx. 24 km) www.preju.de Inline skaters: Havel bike path in the town forest and bike paths to Semlin and Steckelsdorf Nordic walking Some nice running routes around Lake River Trails The Finnish way of walking is trendy with us Hohennauen-Ferchesar for all levels are The area territory of the Havel between too. Endless forest paths, very seldom snow and described on the website of the 3-Seen-Lauf Brandenburg and Havelberg is called envious looks from the Forest Animal Guild. Semlin. „Flusslandschaft Untere Havelniederung”, a www.drei-seen-lauf.de unique natural landscape and ideal for Hiking trails through Rathenow's town canoeing and houseboat tourism. forest Dancing etc. www.flusslandschaft-untere-havelniederung.de For the best-marked hiking trails in Rathenow's „Studio B“- pub & cocktail bar The appropriate river trail map is available at huge town forest use the folding map „Wande- „Tanzcafé Angels“ - dance and cocktail the Tourist Information rungen durch den Rathenower Stadtforst” bar (Tourist Information). Especially recommended „Havelrestaurant Schwedendamm“ – Parking for mobile homes is the nature trail which starts and finishes at individual events such as Over 30s Night See under „Camping and mobile homes” the Waldparkplatz Ferchesarer Weg „Musikbrauerei Rathenow“ „Irish Pub & Grill“ in the Waldschloss Events Jogging and walking hints A calendar of events is available at the tourist Rathenow's town forest offers woodland paths The annual „Rathenower Musiknacht” in information in great profusion. Here everyone should be August is an event in the entire city with www.rathenow.de and able to find his favorite route. A running track is free shuttle bus and live music everywhere. www.havelland-tourismus.de already marked out. It is best to drive along Hints: some routes with a speedometer beforehand. Theatre Serenade under the starry sky This way you can quickly gather some kilometer Theatre in the Kulturzentrum Rathenow – 3 day town festival references in connection with distinctive www.kulturzentrumrathenow.de Sweden festival waypoints for your orientation. Those who Brandenburger Theater - 800 years of Rathenow “cannot see the wood for the trees” should, at www.brandenburgertheater.de Waldweihnacht least initially, stick to marked paths. Otherwise Theater der Altmark Stendal - Mühlenweihnacht we have to go looking for you. www.tda-stendal.com Denominations in Rathenow Leisure activities 54 55

Evangelical church Sankt Marien- The Hoffnungsgemeinde Elb-Havelwin- Andreas Rathenow kel includes: Kirchplatz 10 · 14712 Rathenow Evangelical church and community centre Parish of the Seventh Day Adventists Church office Tel. +49 (0)3385 512390 Göttlin · Göttliner Dorfstr. 10 · Tel. +49 (Advent parish): Including: (0)3385 510320 Community centre Fr.-Engels-Straße 26, The Sankt Marien-Andreas-Kirche on the Every second Sunday - 10 am church service 14712 Rathenow Altstadtinsel. Concerts, church festivals, Saturday 10 am church service special church services and exhibitions take Evangelical parish hall Neue Schleuse Tel. +49 (0)3381 211334 place here. Gebhardtstraße · Rathenow The Lutherkirche mit dem Lutherhaus Tel. +49 (0)3385 510320 Catholic parish: (community centre ) in the Every second Sunday - 10 am church service Church, parish hall and priest's office Jahnstraße 1 · 14712 Rathenow „Sankt Georg” Sunday 10 am church service Evangelical church Grütz and Steckelsdorf Friesacker Straße 3-5 · 14712 Rathenow The Gemeindehaus Süd Sunday 10 am, monthly church service Sunday 10.30 am, Tues 9 am, Small community centre in the Süd district Tel. +49 (0)3385 510320 Thurs 7 pm, Holy Mass, Felix-Dahn-Straße 1 · 14712 Rathenow Tel. +49 (0)3385 503405 Every second Sunday - 9 am church service The parish of Milow includes: Evangelical youth centre „Oase” Evangelical church Böhne Catholic curacy „Sankt Josef” Bergstraße 6 · 14712 Rathenow Horstenweg 15 · 14712 Rathenow open daily. Tel. +49 (0)3385 516006 Rathenow Baptist Church: Sunday 10.45 am, Holy Mass Village church Semlin Member of the Union of Evangelical Free Tel. +49 (0)3385 515361 Churches in Germany Regional church community: Community centre Berliner Straße 29 Bergstraße 6 (courtyard entrance) · 14712 14712 Rathenow, Tel. +49 (0)3385 These parishes of the town of Rathenow Rathenow · Sunday 5 pm church service 510145 · Sunday 10 am church service, are ecumenically connected in the Council Wednesday 6.30 pm Bible study Wednesday 2.30 pm Bible meeting, of Christian Churches (ACK). Tel. +49 (0)3385 5200839 Every second Friday 7 pm Friday club The Havel The river owes its name to a Slavic community, the Hevellers, who settled in this region and called it the “Hevel”. After centuries of linguistic development it became the “Havel”. With a length of 341 kilometres, the River Havel is the dominant river in Brandenburg (80% of Brandenburg drains into the Havel). Industrialisation in the 19th century made it an important transport route for inland waterway transport between Berlin and Hamburg. from use. The meadows and pastures are In the mid-19th century, the Havel was a the result of the centuries-old use by strongly meandering river with many larger humans and today take up about 3/4 of the and smaller tributaries. Havel lowlands. The people who settled on the banks of the Havel took advantage of the abundance of In the 12th century, construction of dikes fish, but were also exposed to the dangers began in order to protect the lowlands. Later emanating from it. Already in the 8th and weirs (1324) were also built in Brandenburg The Havel, 9th centuries, resident Slavs constructed and Rathenow. Together with the lifeline of the town numerous weirs here, which on the one backwater of the Elbe up to Rathenow, this and the entire Havelland, hand guaranteed successful fishing, but on led to long-lasting flooding of the lower encloses the town with its the other hand delayed the runoff of water. Havel plains. It wasn't until 1771/72 that In the Havel itself there are numerous the risk of flooding was reduced by the four river arms and islands to which cattle were previously construction of a separating dike between guarantees an outstanding ferried by boat in order to pasture, and the Elbe and the Havel subsequent to the backdrop for recreational use. which today are increasingly discharged old Jederitz dike at Sandau. TheWesthavelland 56 57

Restoration of the lower Havel (Article cont. on page 58) Lifeline of the West Havelland 90 kilometres of the lower Havel will be re- created close to nature. The 8.900-hectare core area between Gnevsdorf in Saxony- Anhalt and Pritzerbe in Brandenburg will be restored. Why? Since the late 19th century the Havel has been widened, deepened and straightened again and again for the use of shipping and agriculture. In the 20th century its meadow banks - previously a natural protection against flooding - were partly diked and then The development of the inland waterway In order to improve drainage capability, intensively used for agriculture. The ecologi- Berlin-Hamburg was spurred on after the accelerate flood discharge and dry up the cal damage of the expansion is felt by the war 1870/71 through its straightening, flooded Havel meadows, needle weirs and residents of the Elbe and Havel. The natural avulsion of meanders as well as the run-off capacity systems were constructed wetlands have suffered as an ecosystem on construction of locks and weirs. The in Bahnitz, Grütz and Garz. In Rathenow the the whole. comprehensive regulatory measures were „Archen” (Magazininsel) fulfilled this task, The task - reclaim nature! carried out in several phases from 1875 to probably the last of this size in a German Together with the federal government and 1901. The straightening shortened the river. the states of Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt, course of the river so severely that a steady the NABU will bring the disturbed water drainage of floodwater couldn't be effected. In future, the mill dam and the „Großen resources of the river back into balance. A In the summer months, there was an Archen” will regulate the water level of the natural paradise will be created, which should extreme low tide due to the lack of natural Lower Havel. The „Kleinen Archen” is no be exemplary for all German rivers. Thus, water retention of meanders and tributaries. longer needed. there will soon be sandbanks, islands and a The Westhavelland Naturpark natural riverside forest on the lower Havel. Approx. 70 km west of Berlin, the nature More than 1.100 protected and threatened park, opened in June 1998, lies in one of the species will find refuge here. Even formerly richest water regions in Germany and is displaced fish species can be resettled in the therefore particularly suitable for nature- natural course of the river - for example with friendly water tourism. With 1315 km2 it is that you can still experience its scenic appeal the aid of fish passes. The lower Havel will the largest inland contiguous wetland in today. return to a natural, intact and relaxing river Western Central Europe. The reclamation of the Rhin and Dosse area for humans and animals. territory prompted Frederick the Great to The surface shape of the nature park was exclaim: „This is contrary to my expecta- What will be done! marked by the Weichsel glacial age, which tions! It's beautiful! I must say that, to Dike sections will be dismantled thus gaining ended about 10.000 years ago. Mighty everyone who worked on it.” additional flooding area during flooding. glaciers and melted water streams shaped A new riverside forest will be planted which the landscape. End moraine tracts and With increasing land reclamation and a will naturally purify the river and serve as a glacial drifts, outwash plains and broad partially industrialised agriculture, the drainage area at high watermark. Stone fill glacial valleys remained. abundance of species and diversity of will be removed. Natural sandy beaches will In the deep layers, large moor and landscapes decreased. The adaptable and re-emerge. marshlands were formed, the Havelland sustainable cultivation of the nature park Artificially cut off backwaters and flood Luch, the Rhinluch and the Dossebruch. A should benefit the population as well as channels will be reconnected. Certain terrain special feature of the Westhavelland are the flora and fauna. Many threatened and elevations located on the banks of the river glacial drift plains and end moraine strongly endangered plant and animal will be removed. This enables a more „islands” - the so-called „Ländchen“. species find their habitat here. frequent and longer-lasting flooding of the meadows. 250 years ago, the people began to dry out The region is of international significance for It is Europe's largest river restoration the lowlands through dikes, pumping waders and waterfowl. Thousands of Nordic project! stations, dams, ditches and the relocation of geese and swans, cranes, ducks and sand- the estuary of the Havel. Parts of this unique pipers find indispensable resting places rich Source: NABU Naturschutzbund Germany landscape however have been preserved, so in water and food here in spring and The Westhavelland 58 59

Naturpark administration Pareyer Dorfstraße 5 Recreational area and 14715 Havelaue OT Parey Tel. +49 (0)33872 743-0 www.naturpark- natural habitat westhavelland.brandenburg.de Naturpark centre Milow Stremmestraße 10, 14715 Milower Land Tel. +49 (0)3386 211227

Nature rescue Westhavelland Tel. +49 (0)33872 70025 and +49 (0)3386 200419

autumn on their long migration routes. The variety of amphibians, fish, insects and magnificent ruff can be observed courting plants. during the spring. Like other meadow The largest nature park breeders which have become very rare in In addition to rafting and boating along the in Brandenburg is an Germany, e.g. the black-tailed godwit, Flusslandschaft Untere Havelniederung, the internationally significant common redshank, curlew, common snipe best way to access the nature park is by wetland and home and corncrake, in the nature park it is a cycling along the marked hiking trails or on breeding bird. Beavers and otters are horseback. to many endangered equally at home here just like a remarkable animals and plants. Havelland customs and recipes To our ancestors, many processes of nature Anyone who still did this should die. There were inexplicable and shrouded in legend. should be no turning of cartwheels and no They believed that the gods were res- whirring of spinning wheels. Whoever ponsible for forces of nature and human nevertheless used the spinning wheel destinies. Each region even had its own during the holy days would be overtaken by protective gods. The patron goddess of the illness and disaster. Havelland was „Frau Harke”. She was the It also means that the weather calendar for wife of the one-eyed Germanic god Wotan. the next year will be made during the As maternal earth goddess, she rewarded „twelve days”. The weather on the 12 holy the diligent and ruled strictly over the lazy. days was considered to be a forecast for the She was considered the protector of family 12 months of the coming year. happiness, animals and crops. Friday was a hallowed day for her. Many young couples There were also rules for the menu. No married on this day, in order to be bestowed lentils and peas should be eaten, otherwise with blessings and good fortune. there would be ulcers. Only what was fresh Strange customs and and green by nature should be prepared. In the period from Christmas to Epiphany, old superstitions have also known as the „Twelfth Day”, she Yule meals included a pig's head on the always shaped people's lives. moved about the country controlling the table. In addition there was lung sausage Many of them have already spinning rooms, because all the distaffs had with kale. Whoever doesn't eat kale, it was been forgotten. Others have been to be spun empty by the end of the year. If said, will run out of money in the coming passed down from generation that wasn't the case, the house faced „so year. A Havelland myth reports from a curly many little hairs, so many evil years”. kale thief. The man had no kale in his to generation and enjoy During this period it was particularly neces- garden. But since he didn't want to go even greater popularity today. sary to be alert. Except for children's diapers, without the lucky vegetables during the no laundry could be washed and hung up. festive season, he stole the kale. Country and people 60 61

...hmm delicious! Recipe for Havelland curly kale

750 g curly kale 500 g pork belly 1 finely diced onion 2 tablespoons of oatmeal Salt, pepper, caraway seed

The good Lord, however, had forbidden Some scales from the New Year's carp Clean the kale, blanch and chop finely. stealing. He put him on the moon as tucked into a purse should provide a Cook the pork belly in a litre of salted punishment. By full moon you can still windfall throughout the whole year. water, add kale and spices and cook. recognize the thief there today as he holds When cooked, add the oatmeal and boil the kale in his hands. Easter time is connected with the spring. An again. old rule in the Havelland says that For a more creamy texture, add a mixture The typical New Year's Eve's dinner in the something green must be eaten on Maundy of butter and flour. Havelland are potato and herring salad with Thursday. The colour green and fresh herbs sausages. However, carp is preferred as should give us strength. It is therefore evening and New Year's meal. It is common for boiled potatoes, fried eggs and frequently prepared as carp „blue”, but the spinach or green beans to be on the menu in true Havelland locals enjoy it in beer. There many homes on Maundy Thursday and are boiled potatoes with it. In former times it Good Friday. Jacket potatoes and gravy are was served with rice pudding. Fish in beer also popular. with rice pudding was a popular wedding dinner in the Havelland. Recipe for jacket potatoes and gravy Easter in numerous surrounding commu- On Ascension Day or “Father's Day” men nities includes a bonfire on Easter Sunday. make collective excursions by bike or with a They have their origin in the pre-Christian horse and cart. Mostly they go from one Boil the potatoes in salted water, peel and spring fires, to which a cleansing effect has restaurant to another. For some years now, keep warm. been attributed. They should protect not only the fathers are on the road, but the Fry the diced bacon in a pan until glazed. humans, livestock, farm and hallway from whole family. With “kith and kin” out into Lightly brown the flour in the fat and harm, illness, misfortune and evil. Today the countryside. quench with water. young and old meet in a sociable atmosphere at the bonfire on Easter A very old custom at Pentecost was to put Eat with pickled cucumbers and a raw Saturday. up a Pentecost tree. It was regarded as a vegetable salad. The tradition of Easter water should not be symbol of health, fertility and freedom. A forgotten. Originally it was drawn by girls birch served as the Pentecost tree. In the For more flavor, you can add a medium- from Rathenow from the Körgraben and villages it was decorated with colorful sized chopped onion to the pan. later from the Havel. The people of ribbons, wreaths or crowns. There was Rathenow believed in its healing power and dancing around the tree. It was guarded beautifying effect. There are various overnight so that it couldn't be stolen by the popular customs that have to do with the 1st boys from the neighbouring village. of May, Ascension and Pentecost. On Decoration of households with birch twigs Walpurgis Night, from 30th April to 1st was also widespread. They were attached to May, the scary winter ghosts are driven out doors, pictures, wall mirrors and on the front with a lot of noise, uproar and pranks. Out of house and courtyard doors. In the Mark of fear and in order to protect their animals Brandenburg, a ban on Maypole trees was against being enchanted by evil witches issued on 21st July, 1747 with the aim of who ride at this time to Blocksberg, local protecting the forest which was ruined at farmers used to mark the stall doors with the time. The birch twigs were depicted as three large crosses on the evening of 30th being harmful to people's health. Even in April. 1824, the Rathenow magistrate prohibited

Country and people 62 63 decorating with wild flowers. At present, the meat and sausage, there were exact recipes, Recipe for carp in beer custom is enjoying great popularity again. which of course were a secret. Tastings were rinsed down with one or more schnapps. 5 pounds of carp In the autumn Thanksgiving and the The neighbours got boiled belly of pork and 4 bottles of malt beer „Schlachtfest” contribute to rounding off sausage hotpot. Today house slaughterings 300 g onions the year. Since 1770 harvest festivals were have become rare. However, there are many 1.5L malt coffee celebrated as religious festivals. Parades butchers with slaughter houses. Whether 3 cloves were usually held which focused on the sausage or meat, everything is recom- 1 bay leaf harvest crown. It was bound with ears of mendable. There is a whole series of 250g butter corn and flowers. In the villages, it headed a delicious-sounding recipes from which any Vinegar, salt and sugar to taste procession to the church or to the manor chef can conjure up a very special menu. house. After the service there was a feast of Boil the spices in the liquids. fricassee at the farms. In addition, there Trim and clean the fish and cut into were various amusements such as Hint: handbreadth pieces. Simmer for about 10 „Hahnenreiten”. In the afternoon and Ask at the Tourist Information. They have minutes (until just cooked) then remove. evening there was dancing. In Rathenow several cookery books with typical Melt the butter in a pan, sauté with flour, the harvest crown was handed over at the Havelland recipes, e.g add to the sauce and return the fish pieces end of the procession through the city to the again. mayor and celebrated with music, beer, Havelländer Kochbuch (Havelland cookery Eat with boiled potatoes or rice pudding. brandy and cake in the evening. book) Birnen – meine Lieblingsrezepte (Pears – my Fish in beer with rice pudding was a „Schlacht” festivals resembled family favourite recipes) popular wedding dinner in Havelland. reunions. Nearly all the relatives were involved. Everyone had his task. Thus the carrying of water fell on the youngest member of the family and blood stirring on the oldest woman. For the preparation of 64 List of references

Much of the information in this brochure is Dipl. oec. Willi Osterburg · Vergangenheit, Research and contributions the result of Internet research from Gegenwart und Perspektive der Ratheno- Wolfram Bleis, numerous sources. We cannot guarantee wer Optischen Werke · Rathenower Hei- W & M Grafikatelier, either the accuracy or the completeness of matkalender 1960 Town of Rathenow cross references. We are of the opinion that this should not be overrated in a non- Jupp Pütz · Johann Heinrich August Dun- commercial information brochure. cker · Rathenower Heimatkalender 1967 Photos: We are also always open to suggestions for T. Lemke, W & M Grafikatelier, H. Mundt, improvement and corrections in the content Helmut Batzke · „Duncker” und die Ent- W. Bleis, MXM Design, K. Zander, so that we can consider these where wicklung der Brillenoptik in Rathenow · W. Ganzer, K. Rietschel, U. Nickel, appropriate in reprints. In this respect, the Rathenower Heimatkalender 1972 Ch. Pochotta, brochure stays „alive”. The section on J. Wassmann, Filmtierschule Harsch, „personalities” is missing in this issue, since Martin Sommerfeld · Die Entwicklung der H. Zimmermann, Karls Erlebnishof, other topics should also be given a platform. Optischen Industrie in Rathenow nach der Town of Tangermünde, Wende · Rathenower Heimatkalender 1999 Town of Brandenburg a. d. Havel, In addition, here is a list of printed refe- Town of Havelberg, rences: Dr. Karl Albrecht · Die Geschichte der Emil Andrea Damm / pixelio.de, Busch AG · Erfurt 1925 Holger Seeger / pixelio.de, Rudolf Guthjahr · Havelstadt Rathenow – Christiane Hergl / pixelio.de, Kleine Chronik · Rathenow 1991 Erika Guthjahr · Havelländers Jahreslauf BUGA-Zweckverband, Bräuche und Rezepte · Rathenow 1994 Optikpark Rathenow GmbH Kreisverwaltung Rathenow in Verbindung Private archives mit der Stadtverwaltung Rathenow · 775 Gabriele Matthies · Die Havel Town of Rathenow Jahre Rathenow · Berlin 1991 Eugen Gliege · Heimatsagen aus dem Havel- Thank you for the generous release of infor- Kreismuseum Rathenow - Fouqué · Rathe- land · 1999 mation and helpful support. now 1993 Ulla Röhle, Claudia Voigt · Aus dem Leben Historisch archäologisches Inventar für die und Schaffen des Ingenieurs und Amateur- Stadt Rathenow im Auftrag des Landesmu- astronomen Edwin Rolf · maschinenge- seums zur Früh- und Urgeschichte schriebenes MS · 1996 Token charge: 2,00 €