· DE

Brandenburg

Brandenburg, Brandenburg, Germany

Escape the Bustle: Discover Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany Just a stone's throw from Berlin lies Brandenburg an der Havel, a city steeped in history and brimming with natural beauty. Forget the urban rush and lose yo…

#historic#cultural#scenic#rural#tourist destination

1/4

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Brandenburg.

Top Hotels in Brandenburg

Top Flights to Brandenburg

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Brandenburg.

Tours

Explore the Sanssouci Palace

Visit the grandeur of Sanssouci Palace, a historical masterpiece in Brandenburg.

Visit Babelsberg Film Studio

Discover Europe's largest film studio and explore its rich history in film production.

Explore Cecilienhof Palace

Visit Cecilienhof Palace, the site of the Potsdam Conference, with rich historical significance.

Visit the Brandenburg Gate in Potsdam

A neoclassical monument that resembles the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, steeped in history.

Shopping

Shopping in Potsdam's Dutch Quarter

Explore the unique boutiques and shops in Potsdam's historic Dutch Quarter.

Shopping at Stern Center Potsdam

A large shopping center offering a variety of shops and eateries, perfect for a day out.

Outdoor

Hiking in the Spreewald

Experience the natural beauty of the Spreewald with its vast network of canals and lush landscapes.

Climbing in the Märkische Schweiz

Challenge yourself with outdoor climbing activities in the Märkische Schweiz nature park.

Cycling through the Havelland

Experience a cycling adventure through the scenic Havelland countryside with marked cycling paths.

Paddle Boating on Lake Schwielowsee

Enjoy a relaxing paddle boating experience on the serene Lake Schwielowsee.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Brandenburg.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

2.5 million

Languages

German, German

Average weather

Brandenburg

Jan

3°-2°

Feb

4°-2°

Mar

9°1°

Apr

14°4°

May

19°9°

Jun

22°12°

Jul

24°14°

Aug

24°14°

Sep

19°11°

Oct

14°7°

Nov

8°3°

Dec

4°0°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Brandenburg.

What people love

Brandenburg, located in the state of Brandenburg in Germany, offers many unique and appealing aspects for travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Brandenburg:

Rich history: Brandenburg has a long and fascinating history, with many historical sites and landmarks to explore. The city of Brandenburg an der Havel, for example, is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming old town.
Natural beauty: Brandenburg is known for its picturesque landscapes, including forests, lakes, and rivers. The Spreewald biosphere reserve, a unique wetland area with a network of canals, is a popular destination for nature lovers.
Outdoor activities: The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, boating, and fishing. The many lakes in Brandenburg provide opportunities for water sports and relaxation by the water.
Cultural attractions: Brandenburg is home to a number of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. Visitors can learn about the region's history and culture through exhibitions and performances.
Proximity to Berlin: Brandenburg is located near the German capital of Berlin, making it easy to combine a visit to both destinations. Travelers can enjoy the vibrant city life of Berlin and then retreat to the tranquility of Brandenburg.

Overall, traveling to Brandenburg offers a mix of history, nature, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, making it a well-rounded destination for visitors to explore.

Enjoy your trip to Brandenburg!

What to know

Traveling to Brandenburg in Germany can be a rewarding experience, as it offers a rich historical and cultural backdrop. However, there are some potential downsides or cons to consider:

Weather: Brandenburg can have unpredictable weather, particularly outside of the summer months. Winters can be cold and damp, which might not be ideal for some travelers.
Limited Nightlife: Compared to larger cities like Berlin, Brandenburg might have limited options for nightlife and entertainment. This could be a downside for visitors looking for a vibrant nightlife scene.
Transportation: While Brandenburg is connected by public transportation, it might not be as frequent or as extensive as in major cities. This could make getting around less convenient, especially to more remote areas.
Language Barrier: Although many people in Germany speak English, in smaller towns and rural areas, language barriers might still exist, which could pose challenges for non-German speakers.
Tourist Infrastructure: Brandenburg, being less touristy than some other German destinations, might have less developed tourist infrastructure. This can affect the availability of tourist information centers, guided tours, and other services.
Limited Attractions: While Brandenburg has its own historical and cultural sites, it might not have as many attractions as larger cities, which could be a downside for tourists looking for a wide range of activities.
Economic Challenges: Some areas in Brandenburg have faced economic challenges, which might be reflected in the level of services or maintenance in certain parts of the region.

These are general considerations and may vary depending on personal preferences and travel expectations. It's always a good idea to research specific areas within Brandenburg to tailor your visit to your needs and interests.

Brandenburg an der Havel, commonly referred to simply as Brandenburg, is a city in the state of Brandenburg, Germany. It is located on the banks of the River Havel. Here is a detailed history of the city:

Early History

Founding and Early Settlement: Brandenburg was originally a Slavic settlement known as Brennabor. It became part of the Holy Roman Empire in the 10th century when the area was conquered by King Henry I of Germany.
Christianization: In 948, the Bishopric of Brandenburg was established as part of the Christianization efforts in the region. This marked the city's significance as a religious and cultural center.

Middle Ages

Ascendancy of the Margraviate: In 1157, Albert the Bear, a notable historical figure, captured Brandenburg and established the Margraviate of Brandenburg. This laid the foundation for what would later become the Kingdom of Prussia.
Medieval Prosperity: During the medieval period, Brandenburg was an important trading center and member of the Hanseatic League, which contributed to its prosperity.

Early Modern Period

Thirty Years' War: The city suffered considerable damage during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), a destructive conflict that affected much of Europe.
Integration into Prussia: Brandenburg became part of the Kingdom of Prussia in the 18th century, under the rule of the Hohenzollern dynasty.

19th and Early 20th Century

Industrialization: The city experienced significant industrial growth in the 19th century, particularly in steel production and engineering.
World War I and Aftermath: Brandenburg, like much of Germany, faced economic challenges following World War I.

World War II and Postwar Period

Nazi Era: During the Nazi regime, Brandenburg was the site of the Brandenburg Euthanasia Centre, where thousands of disabled individuals were killed as part of the T4 Euthanasia Program.
Destruction and Reconstruction: The city was heavily bombed during World War II, leading to significant destruction. After the war, it fell within the Soviet-occupied zone and became part of East Germany.

Modern Era

Reunification: Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification in 1990, Brandenburg became part of the reconstituted state of Brandenburg in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Current Status: Today, Brandenburg an der Havel is known for its historical architecture, beautiful waterways, and as a center of learning with institutions like the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences.

Notable Landmarks

Brandenburg Cathedral: Originally built in the Romanesque style, this cathedral is a significant landmark and a reminder of the city's medieval importance.
St. Gotthardt's Church: A beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
Plauer Torturm: A medieval city gate tower remaining from the old city fortifications.
Brandenburg Industrial Museum: Situated in a former steelworks, this museum highlights the city's industrial history.

Notable Historical Figures

Albert the Bear: The first Margrave of Brandenburg, who played a crucial role in the city's early development.
Otto I: Another important Margrave, who helped consolidate the region.

Brandenburg an der Havel's rich history reflects its transformation from a Slavic settlement to a significant part of German statehood, through periods of prosperity, conflict, and reconstruction.