Bad Freienwalde (Oder)

Architectural history and culture

Sights include Freienwalde Castle and its associated castle park. After being fully restored, the Bismarck Tower near Bad Freienwalde reopened to visitors in 1995. Neuenhagen Castle offers another historical perspective: the noble family von Uchtenhagen built it in 1575 as a so-called “fortified house.” This transitional form, which emerged in the 16th century, lies between a medieval noble castle and the later castle-like manor house. The term thus describes a distinct intermediate form in architectural history.

Two churches also represent different periods and functions. St. George’s Church in Bad Freienwalde was built in 1696 and has served as a concert hall since 1986. At the town church of St. Nicholas, the red Gothic brick walls partly rest on fieldstones from the predecessor building erected in the 13th century. If you are interested in churches and architectural history, you will find two different points of interest here: the church’s use as a concert hall and its visible connection to the older predecessor building.

Hiking and enjoying the water

The tower hiking trail near Bad Freienwalde is a twelve-kilometre section of the Oderland Trail, with a total elevation gain of 490 metres. It has been part of the trail since 2005. Along the Barnim Ridge, the hike connects four observation towers and several viewpoints. The towers and viewpoints provide several named destinations along the route; its length and elevation gain are useful details for planning your day.

Another kind of outing takes you to Lake Baa, which can be reached on foot via the Siebenhügelweg and Brunnentalweg trails. The lake lies close to Sonnenburg, a district of Freienwalde, covers about 3.5 hectares and is surrounded by woodland consisting mainly of beech and oak trees. Alongside the tower hike, you can therefore choose a lake in a woodland setting as a destination in its own right.

Spa park, moor and outdoor activities

The Kurfürstenquelle spring is at the edge of the spa park. The park is bordered by the spa treatment centre and Papenteich pond. The moor experience garden in the Mühlenfließ floodplain offers a different kind of experience: it has a Kneipp path where you can wade barefoot through cold water, as well as a mini barefoot trail. Children can also enjoy a barefoot visit to a water playground there. Cold water and exploring barefoot give these activities their own distinctive character.

Cycling and ski jumping are also possible themes for a stay. Various cycling routes cross in the spa town of Bad Freienwalde. Regular competitions, including ones with international participation, are held on the four ski jumps, K10, K20, K40 and K60. The leisure options thus bring together cycling routes and a clearly defined ski-jumping connection with the town’s cultural and scenic attractions.

More pages about nearby towns

Hohensaaten, Hoppegarten, Neutrebbin, Höhenland, Diedersdorf, Müncheberg, Strausberg and Reichenow-Möglin.

For the higher-level travel overview: Märkisch-Oderland.