Discover Reichenwalde: churches, lakes and dunes

Churches and architectural history in Reichenwalde and Dahmsdorf

The church in Reichenwalde is built of fieldstone and has a square defensive tower. Its materials and distinctive tower shape give the building a clear architectural character. For a stay that also includes an interest in historic buildings, this is a striking local point of reference.

Nearby in Dahmsdorf is St. Thomas Church, a fieldstone building dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. It is one of Brandenburg’s oldest places of worship. Its interior is simply designed and roughly plastered; three narrow lancet windows define the space. The tower’s history also makes the building special: during its restoration, the original tower was demolished and replaced with a half-timbered roof turret that has survived to this day.

Two different architectural forms are therefore in view: the church in Reichenwalde with its square defensive tower, and St. Thomas Church in Dahmsdorf with its preserved roof turret. Those interested in churches can look more closely at the materials, spatial effect and architectural history reflected in these features, rather than viewing the places merely as stops along the way.

Walking destinations, soccer golf and dunes

In Kolpin, a district of the municipality of Reichenwalde, there are opportunities to hike to the Kleine and Große Kolpiner See lakes. There is also a soccer golf course, considered a small attraction. This gives you a choice of different kinds of outings: a hike to two lakes or an activity at the soccer golf course. Which one suits your stay depends on how you would like to spend your free time.

The landscape around Dahmsdorf can also be explored as a subject in its own right. A six-metre-high dune lies west of the church. From Dahmsdorf, the distinctive dune ridge runs northwest to the Waltersberge hills near Storkow, where there is an open dune almost 33 metres high. The difference in height gives a vivid impression of the variety of dunes described here.

Below Dahmsdorf, a bathing spot on Lake Storkow lies on a wooded slope, with views towards Hubertushöhe. If you are planning a swimming stop here, it is best to check access in advance.

Oder-Spree: further perspectives on landscape and culture

The wider Oder-Spree destination also offers themes to consider when planning a holiday. Lake Scharmützel covers about 1,200 hectares and is around 30 metres deep. Its clear water, with visibility of up to four metres, draws anglers, divers, sailors and swimmers to the region. This offers a water-focused perspective on Oder-Spree, in addition to the excursion destinations in and around Reichenwalde.

The Baroque garden in Neuzelle offers a different cultural perspective: the five-hectare grounds were restored according to original plans from the 1758 abbey atlas. Baroque avenues, water features and a terraced layout define the garden. In Beeskow, meanwhile, the listed castle complex brings together buildings dating from 1250 to 1550; the 30-metre-high keep has an observation platform. Since the 1990s, the castle has also hosted theatre performances, concerts and festivals. If you have specific events in mind, it is advisable to check the dates before travelling.

These regional examples are quite different from the local churches, lakes and dunes around Reichenwalde. They can help you decide on the focus you want for a holiday in Oder-Spree, without presenting the individual places as a single excursion route.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Siehdichum, Rauen, Wilmersdorf, Friedland, Schlaubetal, Tauche, Vogelsang, Beeskow

Back to the main travel overview: Oder-Spree.