Falkenberg/Elster brings railway history, village culture and nature trails together in one travel destination. The options range from a technical monument at the railway depot to the rectory and church in Schmerkendorf, as well as hiking and leisure activities at the Kiebitz near Falkenberg. You can tailor your stay to your interests, choosing between cultural history and time outdoors.
Railway history and landmarks in Schmerkendorf
The steam locomotive 52 5679 was installed as a technical monument at the Falkenberg railway depot in September 1989. The Förderverein Brandenburgisches Eisenbahnmuseum Falkenberg (Elster) (Brandenburg Railway Museum Falkenberg (Elster) Association) supports the establishment of a museum that is intended to showcase the railway history of the region and the Falkenberg/Elster railway junction. The monument and the association’s aim offer different insights into the subject: a locomotive on display and the planned presentation of regional railway history.
In Schmerkendorf, the listed rectory is a half-timbered house with an exhibition room on village, church and school history. The church in Schmerkendorf dates back to the 12th century. Beside the former village smithy stands an elm about 700 years old, which may be the oldest elm in the state of Brandenburg. Together, these places present a picture that includes architectural and local history as well as the railway.
Hiking and time at the Kiebitz
Schmerkendorf Forest Park has a nature and adventure trail connected to the region’s hiking network. The Kiebitz near Falkenberg/Elster has a water surface of 70 hectares and a 1.35-kilometre sandy beach. There is an escape maze beside the mini-golf course, and beachside dining is also available at the Kiebitz. If you are making specific plans, check which facilities are available.
The Kiebitz circular hiking trail is 4 km long. The nature and adventure trail in Schmerkendorf Forest Park is described differently: it is connected to the region’s hiking network. This gives you the choice of a marked circular hike with a specified length or a trail linked to the wider network.
A municipal tour description from 2013 listed recommended cycling routes from the Kiebitz to Herzberg (32 km), WahrenbrĂĽck/Rothstein (40 km), Belgern/MĂĽhlberg (60 km) and Doberlug/Kirchhain (58 km). It also named any location in Falkenberg as an alternative starting point. The information shows the different route lengths for planning a tour; check the current route before setting off.
Falkenberg/Elster Municipal Archive
At the Falkenberg/Elster Municipal Archive, you can consult archival materials but cannot borrow them. Use for academic, local-history and school purposes is free of charge. If you are planning a visit, confirm the opening hours in advance. The archive complements the historical sites you can see in person by offering the opportunity to consult archival materials for your own research.
Industrial history in the wider Elbe-Elster destination
In the wider Elbe-Elster destination, industrial and energy history offers another perspective alongside railway history. The Louise briquette factory in Domsdorf is the oldest preserved briquette factory in Europe; visitors can experience working historic machinery there and discover steam engines. The Plessa power station is one of Europe’s oldest lignite-fired power stations and has retained its original building fabric. Visitors can see authentic power station technology from the 1920s. The guided “Path of Coal” tour takes visitors through the outdoor bunker, boiler house, turbine hall, control room and transformer area. Check the conditions for the tour in advance.
Discover more destinations: Plessa, Röderland, Finsterwalde, Bad Liebenwerda, Herzberg, Fichtwald, Sallgast, Sonnewalde.
Go to the wider travel overview: Elbe-Elster.
