Discover Ketzin: Old Town, Havel and Paretz

Ketzin/Havel combines a vibrant history with experiences on the water and excursions in the surrounding area. You can discover historic buildings, visit a bathing area on the Havel, cross the river by ferry or explore a signposted circular hiking trail between the Old Town and Paretz. This makes Ketzin suitable for days away on which culture, activity and relaxing hours by the water can be given different levels of importance.

Old Town history and unusual discoveries

A good place to start is the Old Town tour in Ketzin/Havel. Five blue information pillars lead to noteworthy architecture and various historic monuments in the Old Town. At the same time, they convey the town’s history, allowing you to use the tour not only as a walk but also as a way to explore the historic aspects of the town. For children, the pillars feature QR codes with audio plays and stories about the individual buildings. This means the exploration can be enjoyed in different ways, without all family members having to share the same interest in historical explanations.

One of the prominent buildings is St. Petri Church, which dates back to the 12th century. The town museum was opened in the Tourist Information building in 1911. The small Brick Museum in the courtyard of the town hall offers another insight into the region’s past. It focuses on the region’s former brick industry. Anyone wishing to get to know Ketzin not only through its waterscape but also through its architectural and economic history will find several different starting points here.

Havel, ferry and routes for active days

The Havel also shapes the range of possible holiday experiences. The “Charlotte” Havel ferry is a form of public transport and operates year-round crossings to Schmergow and the flower town of Werder (Havel). Cyclists can use it to reach the Havel Cycle Route on the opposite bank of the Havel. The ferry connection can therefore be incorporated into a cycling excursion, without implying any specific route.

Those who prefer to travel on foot can choose the approximately 8 km long, signposted circular hiking trail between the Old Town of Ketzin/Havel and Paretz. Along the route, you can explore interesting sights and places. Paretz is a district of Ketzin/Havel. An audio guide there tells stories about new places and offers a fresh perspective on familiar ones; a visit to Paretz Palace is also recommended. The circular trail and the historical attractions in Paretz therefore appeal to different preferences: you can view the route as a hiking experience or place greater emphasis on its cultural aspects.

Water-based experiences and relaxing hours

Swimming and relaxing are possible from May to September at the public Ketzin Havel beach on Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Weg. There is also a beach volleyball court and a playground. At Ketzin Havel beach, you can go on canoe tours and take a trial stand-up paddling lesson. At the Havel promenade, you can also watch the activity of waterway hikers on the Havel. Canoeists can moor at the waterway hikers’ rest area at the lido.

The Ketzin Fishermen’s Festival also highlights the town’s connection to the Havel. Traditional attractions on and beside the water include fish hauls, German cutter rowing championships and water-skiing demonstrations. Anyone wishing to fish can obtain fishing permits from the Tourist Information office of the town of Ketzin/Havel. No fishing examination is required to fish for coarse fish such as roach, also known as rudd, white bream or bleak bream, and bream, also known as bronze bream.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ketzin, you can first consider which experiences should shape your days. Choose accommodation that suits your desired balance between exploring, being active and relaxing.

For other destinations on this navigation level, you can also view Retzow, Premnitz, Schönwalde-Glien, Nennhausen, Falkensee, Börnicke, and Dallgow-Döberitz.

To the higher-level travel overview: Havelland.