Geltow between the Havel, history and craftsmanship

Geltow lies where the Havel leaves Lake Schwielowsee and flows north again. From the shallow shore at Baumgarten Bridge, views extend across Lake Schwielowsee and the Havel to the silhouette of the island town of Werder (Havel). Anyone planning a trip combining a waterscape, local history and special craft experiences will find many different ways to shape their days in Geltow.

Shoreline, meadows and views

You can reach the newly redesigned waterfront area from Am Grashorn. Benches invite you to relax while views of the Havel landscape open up. The extensive meadows east of Am Wasser have a different character. Older residents of Geltow call this area “Geltow’s Siberia”; it offers opportunities to observe the local birdlife. Depending on your interests, you can combine a peaceful stay by the water with observations of nature.

Franzensberg is also one of the town’s distinctive landmarks. At its highest point stands the Carl Tower, named after Prince Carl, the brother of Emperor Wilhelm I. The observation tower was built in 1870 and is now privately owned.

Discovering Geltow’s history along its paths

A walk in and around Geltow leads to the Geltow Local History Room. The 1,000-year history of the town is presented there. The Local History Room also includes a permanent exhibition on the lives and work of notable Geltow personalities, including Baron Karl Harwig Gregor von Meusebach, Theodor Fontane and Förstemann. Another permanent exhibition is entitled “1,033 Years of Geltow.”

If you prefer to explore historical connections through the townscape, the Geltow Local History Association offers a historical guided tour of Geltow once a month. Guests and residents are welcome; registration is not required. The Schill Memorial Stone also commemorates Major Ferdinand von Schill as a memorial and monument of honour; he was the initiator of the 1809 attempt at a national uprising against Napoleonic foreign rule. Geltow has honoured Schill’s legacy since the late 1980s. The “Ear of the World,” in turn, points to the history of technology: this was the site of an experimental station operated by Telefunken Berlin, from which the first radio connection with America was established between 1919 and 1930.

Neo-Gothic architecture and traditional weaving

The village church is also part of Geltow’s cultural heritage. It was inaugurated on 22 December 1887 and built in the Neo-Gothic style. The Henni Jaensch-Zeymer hand-weaving workshop offers a vivid insight into a craft with a long tradition. Visitors can watch experts working at historic looms and have the operation of a hand loom and the weaving technique explained to them.

The weaving workshop works with looms that are 200 to 300 years old and produces fabrics based on traditional patterns. A small shop sells textiles and other handicraft products, including HB ceramics and Lauchhammer cast art. During visits by registered groups, participants can try weaving themselves under instruction. This adds an engaging practical experience to a stay in Geltow.

Which accommodation suits your stay

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Geltow, you can first consider which side of the town you want to shape your stay. For observing nature and enjoying peaceful moments, the meadows on Am Wasser provide a specific point of reference. Those interested in local history can plan a walk to the Local History Room, the historical exhibitions and the monthly guided tour. Views of the water, the village church, Carl Tower and the hand-weaving workshop offer different focal points for excursions and discoveries.

Choose your accommodation according to your preferred pace of travel and the topics you would like to explore more closely on site.

More destinations for your search

For further travel planning, you can also visit the pages for Beelitz, Werder an der Havel, Lake Havel, Potsdam, Borkheide, Lake Beetzsee, Radewege and Glindow.

To the overarching travel overview: Potsdam-Mittelmark.