At Premnitz Lake, an unusual origin story meets a circular walking trail with places to sit; along the Havel, the promenade and riverside paths invite you to stroll. There are also sculptures and historic buildings. Premnitz thus offers concrete ways to enjoy a stay combining water, activity and local history.
Premnitz Lake and paths by the water
Premnitz Lake was formed in 1913, when a sudden inrush of water brought clay mining to a halt in the former clay pit of the “Märkische Ziegelei und Tonwarenfabrik” (Märkische Brickworks and Pottery Factory). The lake also tells the story of the site’s former use. A circular walking trail with places to sit was created around it—a way to walk around the lake on foot and plan breaks along the way.
Premnitz residents still use the lake as a natural bathing spot. If you would like to swim, check local conditions beforehand. The Havel’s riverbank is also inviting for walks. The Havel promenade offers an observation tower and a sculpture trail as additional landmarks for a walk through the town.
Sculptures and architectural history
The sculpture trail is in the centre of Premnitz. Along Alte HauptstraĂźe, Lucke-Hof and several 19th-century town houses have been preserved. Buildings like these give a walk through the town a historical perspective without requiring you to focus on any single theme.
The Protestant church and the stone arch bridge also reflect different periods of construction: the church was built in 1858 in the Romanesque Revival style, and the bridge in 1918. Together, these structures provide tangible stops for experiencing Premnitz not only as a destination by the water, but also through its history.
Events and leisure activities
The traditional Dachsberg Festival is held every year on the last weekend of August around the rotunda on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the dates for your travel year in advance. The Premnitz Civic Association also organises the “Stunde der Musik” (Hour of Music) concerts and the “Premnitzer Literaturgespräche” (Premnitz Literary Talks); you can check the latest dates before your stay.
For sports activities, Premnitz has a modern bowling centre. Check in advance whether it will be available during your visit. Other leisure facilities include the “Band der Spiele” (Play Trail), a large water playground and an observation platform on the Havel. Check the current condition of these facilities before visiting.
Cycling in the Havelland and Premnitz
When planning a cycling trip, it is worth distinguishing local routes from regional ones: the Havel Cycle Route no longer passes directly through Premnitz. As a route may change, check its current alignment before planning your ride. In the Havelland, the numbered junction system makes it possible to put together individual cycling routes.
The Havelland Cycle Route runs through the Havelländisches Luch via Nauen, Ribbeck and Rathenow to the Westhavelland Nature and Star Park. It is mostly paved, flat and pleasant to ride. This regional information describes the cycle route in the Havelland; it should not be confused with the route of the Havel Cycle Route through Premnitz.
The Havelland as a wider region
The Havelland also offers nature experiences of its own. On the south shore of Lake GĂĽlper, an educational trail about 1.5 kilometres long, with illustrated information panels, invites visitors to watch birds. During spring and autumn migration, up to 100,000 geese and hundreds of cranes gather there, along with numerous waders, ducks and great egrets. This offers a way to complement a stay in Premnitz with a distinct perspective on the landscape and birdlife of the Havelland.
Discover more destinations: Brieselang, Kleßen-Görne, Rhinow, Märkisch Luch, Schönwalde-Glien, Wassersuppe, Ketzin, Nauen.
For the broader travel overview: Havelland.
