Schönefeld Between Village Churches and BER

Village Churches with Distinctive Features

The Protestant village church in Schönefeld is a late Romanesque fieldstone church dating from the mid-13th century. Its grounds also include a chapel with the grave of Karl Wrede, the estate owner at the time, and his wife. At the same time, the church is a centre for Sunday services, regular events and celebrations such as the summer festival and the Schönefeld Festival of Lights. In this way, the village’s architectural history is connected with its community life.

Fieldstone churches also shape the village landscapes in Selchow and Waßmannsdorf, but their architectural styles differ. The listed church in Selchow dates from the 14th century. Its features include a Baroque pulpit altar, an elaborately designed patron’s box and a late medieval wooden crucifix from the late 15th century. By contrast, the listed church in Waßmannsdorf is a rectangular Gothic fieldstone church dating from the mid-13th century. Its west tower was added later; it also has a Baroque altar. Anyone interested in architecture can compare the different forms and decorative details here.

In addition to the churchyard, the listed village church in Waltersdorf is accompanied by a fire-engine house, a tomb for Wilhelm Zacher and the remains of a fieldstone wall. Looking at these features broadens the focus from the church building to the wider ensemble.

Airport Architecture and Aviation

The BER Airport building combines Bauhaus architecture with works by international artists. The artworks are visible to passengers and visitors throughout the airport. The observation deck is on the roof of Terminal 1, between the two runways. If you plan to visit, check the current visitor regulations beforehand.

Another aviation highlight is the International Aerospace Exhibition. It has been held every two years in the Schönefeld district since 1992; the specific dates vary. So check the event schedule if you would like to plan your trip around the exhibition. This recurring event can thus be distinguished from the churches and airport architecture, which are permanent features.

Green Spaces and a Unique View of Departing Aircraft

Schönefeld also has protected green and recreational areas: the Torfbusch nature reserve is near Selchow, and the Flutgrabenaue is in Waltersdorf. Both are among the municipality’s green and recreational areas worthy of protection. Their different locations give you additional place names to consider when planning around your interests.

The Landebahn 3.0 café and beer garden offers a different perspective on the airport. It is located right behind one of BER’s runways, where guests can watch aircraft taking off from close up. This combines a place to stop for refreshments with a direct view of air traffic.

Getting Around and Choosing a Holiday Apartment

Schönefeld is connected to Berlin’s bus and S-Bahn networks, the A117 and A113 motorways, the B96 and B96a federal highways, and long-distance transport by train and plane. These transport links may be a factor when choosing a holiday apartment. The best connection for your trip depends on your specific destinations and dates; check the relevant timetables and services.

Discover more destinations: Krausnick-Groß Wasserburg, Märkische Heide, Zeuthen, Mittenwalde, Byhleguhre-Byhlen, Rietzneuendorf-Staakow, Lübben, Märkisch-Buchholz.

Back to the regional travel overview: Dahme-Spreewald.