Rathenow combines a historic old town island with a distinctive history of optics and opportunities for cycling and hiking. When planning a stay, these highlights can be easily distinguished: the town’s history is reflected in its historic centre, its optical heritage in the museum and the history of its workshops, while cycling routes and the town forest offer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Historic Centre on the Old Town Island
Rathenow’s historic centre lies on an old town island surrounded by four arms of the Havel. It includes parts of the old town wall, Kirchberg and St. Mary’s and St. Andrew’s Church. The island’s location brings these features together in a clear geographical setting along the Havel. If you are primarily interested in the town’s history, the historic centre offers a tangible starting point.
Optical History and Landmarks
The Optik Industrie Museum Rathenow displays around 1,200 exhibits on the history of optics. A biographical complement is the birthplace of pastor Johann Heinrich August Duncker, opposite the church’s west portal: from 1800, he ran his first optical workshop there. The museum and the history of the workshop offer different perspectives on Rathenow’s optical heritage—one through the exhibition, the other through a specific person and the beginning of his work.
Alongside the church tower, the Bismarck Tower on Rathenow’s Weinberg is the town’s second landmark. It was inaugurated on 24 June 1914 in honour of former Reich Chancellor Prince Otto von Bismarck. The date and occasion give the tower a clear historical connection.
Bridges and Cycling Routes
Optikpark is located in the heart of Rathenow, on a side arm of the Havel. The 348 m-long Weinberg Bridge connects the park with the Weinberg. A footbridge and cycle bridge connects Kirchberg with the Weinberg; it was built in 2001–2002 and restores the connection after 700 years. The 348 m refers to the length of the Weinberg Bridge, while the 700 years refers to the restored connection between Kirchberg and the Weinberg.
The Havel Cycle Route runs along the river through Rathenow, as does the Havelland Cycle Route, part of the Hamburg–Berlin Cycle Route, as well as the 1,111 km Tour Brandenburg. The 1,111 km refers to the Tour Brandenburg as a whole, not to a section within Rathenow. In the wider Havelland travel region, the Havelland Cycle Route passes through the Havelländisches Luch via Nauen, Ribbeck and Rathenow to Westhavelland Nature and Star Park. In Havelland, the route is mostly paved, flat and pleasant to ride. The Havelland signposted junction network makes it possible to plan custom cycling routes.
Hiking Trails in the Town Forest
Rathenow’s town forest also offers another way to spend time outdoors. It has a signposted hiking trail network and a nature trail that starts and ends at the Ferchesarer Weg forest car park. For planning purposes, this provides both a trail network and a specific starting and finishing point for the nature trail.
Discover more destinations: GrĂĽtz, Falkensee, Nauen, Wassersuppe, Stechow-Ferchesar, Premnitz, Brieselang, Semlin.
View the overview of the wider travel region: Havelland.
