Retzow – Church and a Path Through the Village Center

Church, Bells and Grave Steles

Retzow Church is a brick building dating from around 1500. Inside are very old bells, including one from the Middle Ages. The building’s date and the history of its bells thus point to different historical periods.

At the entrance to the church grounds stand Neoclassical grave steles belonging to prominent noble families from the village. They add another piece of local history to the view of the church: alongside the brick building, the stone memorials and their connection to Retzow’s noble families catch the eye.

A Path Through the Green Village Center

A path leads from the village pond through Retzow’s green village center. Along the way, it passes another small pond and a circular area with seating. The route follows a clear sequence: from the water at the village pond through the village to an area with places to sit.

The church and village path appeal to different interests. Those interested in architectural history will find specific architectural and historical details at the church. The path draws attention to the village center and its small points of interest. Both can shape a stay in Retzow without the need for an extensive excursion itinerary.

The Havelland: Birdwatching and Cycling

The landscape around Lake Gülper See is another highlight of the Havelland. On its southern shore, an approximately 1.5-kilometer-long nature trail with illustrated information panels invites visitors to watch birds. The spring and autumn migrations are particularly impressive: up to 100,000 geese and hundreds of cranes gather there at these times. Numerous waders, ducks and grey herons can also be seen. This seasonal variation makes the timing of a nature outing an important part of planning.

In the Havelland, the cycling network’s junction signposting makes it possible to plan individual routes. The Havelland Cycle Route also runs through the Havelländisches Luch, via Nauen, Ribbeck and Rathenow, to the Westhavelland Nature and Star Park. The route is mostly paved, flat and pleasant to cycle. The two ways of navigating address different needs: the junction signposting lets you plan your own routes, while the Havelland Cycle Route offers a named route with a described course.

Culture and Activities in the Havelland

The Westhavelland Nature Park Center brings topics such as the lowland landscape, the renaturalization of the Lower Havel, Germany’s last great bustards and Germany’s first star park to life for visitors of all ages. Those particularly interested in a specific individual can visit the Lilienthal-Centrum Stölln, which houses an exhibition of national significance.

Museums also cover a variety of subjects. The Fontane Museum at Ribbeck Castle opened on May 1, 2019, and uses modern museum technology to present connections between Theodor Fontane, his century, Ribbeck and the castle’s architectural history. The Havelland Toy Museum in Kleßen displays toys from 150 years of childhood. The Colonists’ Church in Großderschau offers a historical perspective on the drainage works: it was built in 1785 by order of Frederick II to mark the completion of these works and is the only church the king had built for the colonists.

Other activities in the Havelland take you to the water or to Stölln. Discover the region by canoe on the Havel. In Stölln, the Lilienthal Trail connects the Lilienthal-Centrum with the IL 62 “Lady Agnes” at the foot of the Gollenberg. At Optikpark Rathenow, attractions include climbing towers, a barefoot path and a large inflatable jumping pillow; raft trips are also offered on a nearby old branch of the Havel. The Milow natural bathing area lies on the edge of the “Lower Havel South” nature reserve in the Westhavelland Nature and Star Park and has a wide sandy beach.

Choose Your Holiday Apartment Based on Your Destination

If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Retzow, its local features may be the deciding factor: the church, grave steles and path through the green village center. The other examples offer a broader view of the Havelland, ranging from birdwatching and cycling to museums and water-based activities. So first decide whether Retzow’s own village features should shape your stay, or whether you’d prefer to consider the Havelland as a wider travel destination.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Börnicke, Wassersuppe, Havelaue, Rathenow, Märkisch Luch, Stechow-Ferchesar, Gollenberg, Semlin

Go to the main travel overview: Havelland.