Five blue information pillars give the Old Town tour in Ketzin/Havel a clear focus: they lead to notable architecture and historic buildings and convey the town’s history. Together with St. Peter’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century, they form a cultural highlight. Other themes to consider when planning your trip include a signposted circular hiking trail between the Old Town and Paretz, activities on the water and the “Charlotte” Havel ferry. Make your choice based on whether architectural history, exercise or activities on the Havel are your priority.

Old Town and local history

At the information pillars, children can scan QR codes to listen to audio stories about the individual buildings. This gives the Old Town tour a storytelling element alongside its historic buildings. The town museum opened in 1911 in the building that now houses the tourist information office. In the courtyard of the town hall, a small brick museum offers insights into the region’s former brickmaking industry. These themes offer different perspectives, from individual buildings and a town museum to regional industrial history.

A walk to Paretz

A signposted circular hiking trail of about eight kilometres runs between Ketzin’s Old Town and Paretz. Along the way, you can explore interesting sights and places. The approximate distance gives you a clear idea of what to expect when planning a walk. Paretz is a district of Ketzin/Havel. An audio guide there tells stories about new places and invites you to rediscover familiar ones; a visit to Paretz Palace is also recommended. The circular trail and audio guide offer different ways to explore: a marked route and stories about the places you visit. You can decide whether a hike or a storytelling perspective on Paretz is more important to your stay.

Swimming area and activities on the water

The public swimming area “Ketziner Havelstrand” on Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Weg is open for swimming and relaxation from May to September. It has a beach volleyball court and a playground. Canoe trips and a stand-up paddleboarding taster session are also available at Ketziner Havelstrand. From the Havel promenade, you can watch boats and other watercraft travelling along the Havel. This gives you a choice between getting out on the water yourself and watching from the shore. Canoeists can moor at a waterside rest stop at the lido.

By ferry and bicycle

The “Charlotte” Havel ferry is a public transport service that operates year-round to Schmergow and the flower town of Werder (Havel). For cyclists, it is also a way to reach the Havel cycle path on the opposite bank. Your destination after crossing and the point where the cycle path joins the other bank are two separate details to consider when planning. Check the timetable before you travel, as schedules may change.

Traditional fishermen’s festival

The Ketzin Fishermen’s Festival features traditional attractions on and along the Havel. These include fish hauls, German cutter rowing championships and waterskiing demonstrations. If your visit depends on the festival, check the event dates for your travel period.

Search for hotels in Ketzin

When searching for hotels in Ketzin, first decide whether historic sites, a hike or activities on the Havel will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Stechow-Ferchesar, Rhinow, Börnicke, Milower Land, Friesack, Retzow, Dallgow-Döberitz.

Go to the main travel overview: Havelland.