Hiking routes and vacation sites in the river Havel country
West to Berlin and Potsdam region the river Havel land (Havelland, in German) is located. The river departs Berlin from its north-western corner and flows along 93 miles until it meets the river Elbe near Havelberg. The course of the river is characterized by lake chains, numerous river bends and islands. Click here to get a map of the region.
The Havelland is an ideal area for water sports, rod fishing, boat sailing and rowing, as well as winter sport activities. And it's a paradise for bike riders who enjoy a total length of 208 miles of trails, on the flat plains along the river.
On their way, the travelers will pass by a variety of lakes, forests and spectacular glacier moraines, living in harmony alongside the red-brick industrial buildings near the many canals linking the rivers Havel and Elbe. And the Prussian cultural landscapes are to be seen everywhere: palaces, parks and picturesque villages.
The 19th century German great poet Theodor Fontane who hiked a lot in Havelland, expressed in his writings much admiration to the region, its population in its history.
Among the prettiest places recommended to visit in the river Havel land is the Caputh Palace (Schloss Caputh) and the Hansa city of Brandenburg upon the Havel (Brandenburg an der Havel), with its beautiful medieval buildings alongside the Jugendstil houses, built in the late 19th and early 20th century. Another interesting place is the town of Rathenow, where the outstanding optics' industry of Germany was founded in 1801.
There are many cultural events in Havelland. Every year in late April, when the fruit trees bloom pink and white, the town of Werder upon the Havel celebrates the blossom in a grand festival. And there are numerous classical music and jazz concerts in villages, palaces and concert halls everywhere in Havelland during the whole year.
There are good hotels in the region. Click here to find and book a hotel in Brandenburg upon the Havel. Click here to find and book a hotel in Werder upon the Havel.
The Havelland country's bike route
The Havel bike route (Havelradweg) crosses the river basin (Havelradweg) through four of Germany's federal states: Brandenburg, Meckenburg-Vorpommern, Sachsen-Anhalt and Berlin. Bike riders may reach the river Elbe, or continue their ride on the European bike track 1. The way is clearly marked by dark blue signs on which a twisted azure ribbon and orange bicycle are painted, and the place's name is written in white letters.
