Lietzen: Commandery and Hiking Trails

The Lietzen Commandery: The History of the Order on Site

The Lietzen Commandery was first documented in 1232; its protective walls have survived to this day. The medieval religious complex was built by members of the Knights Templar in the mid-13th century. In 1318, the complex and the Romanesque church passed into the possession of the Knights Hospitaller. The first written record, the construction of the complex and the later change of ownership between orders mark different points in its history.

Lietzen Nord Church is Romanesque and part of the commandery. Together with the preserved walls, it is a tangible point of reference for anyone interested in medieval architecture and the history of religious orders. Lietzen’s cultural and historical focus is therefore a clearly identifiable ensemble, not just a collection of individual sights.

A Hike with Two Different Impressions

The hike begins with a short circuit through the Lietzen Commandery. In the wider region, the route then runs first alongside Küchensee and then along Großer See through the forest. This sequence combines a walk through the complex with a longer stretch in nature. Check the current trail conditions before setting off.

When planning your day, you can treat the tour as an activity in its own right alongside the architectural history. Those mainly interested in the commandery have a different focus from those drawn by the forest section and the two lakes. This lets you shape your itinerary around your own interests without reducing the hike to just one of its sections.

More Experiences in the Broader Destination of Märkisch-Oderland

The broader destination of Märkisch-Oderland also offers distinct cultural and nature-focused experiences. In Buckow, the Brecht-Weigel House has been a museum since 1977. The literature museum hosts readings, concerts, talks, discussions, films, exhibitions and special guided tours throughout the year. Individual events vary; if you have a particular event in mind, it is worth checking the latest dates.

The Bergfest in the mining community of Rüdersdorf near Berlin offers a different cultural highlight. Since the mining tradition was revived, it has been celebrated every year on the first weekend in July. The programme and exact dates vary from year to year. A visit centred on an event is therefore different from exploring the history of the commandery in Lietzen.

For hikes in Märkische Schweiz, you can choose between the 17 km Natura Trail and the certified Märkische Schweiz Nature Park Route, which is just under 21 km long. These distances give you a concrete basis for comparing the route lengths. Check local conditions for these trails too before setting off.

The Sparkassen Ski Arena in Bad Freienwalde offers another activity that can be enjoyed across seasons: all the ski jumps can be used in summer and winter. Special mats and weather-independent inrun tracks make ski jumping possible year-round. Since access may vary depending on operations, check the current access arrangements before visiting.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Own Interests

When looking for a holiday apartment in Lietzen, consider whether the commandery and the hike described here are the focus you want, or whether you would also like to include other experiences in the broader destination of Märkisch-Oderland. Lietzen offers a clear connection to the history of religious orders; the museums, routes and events mentioned offer other cultural and active experiences in the region. Base your choice on the itinerary you have in mind for your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Buchholz, Wilkendorf, Lebus, Vierlinden, Falkenberg, Zechin, Wulkow Bei Booßen, Oderaue.

Back to the broader travel overview: Märkisch-Oderland.