Rhinow lies on the southern edge of the Rhinluch and at the foot of the Rhinow Hills, which rise to 110 metres. Two clear cultural and historical themes add to this: Otto Lilienthal’s stay in 1893 and the town church, with its medieval core and later furnishings. If you are considering a stay, you can take both the landscape and specific local history into account when making your decision.
Lilienthal’s History in Rhinow
Otto Lilienthal settled in Rhinow in 1893 to set up a workshop there for his gliders. A monument in Lilienthal Platz commemorates him and depicts the first controlled flight in history. Rhinow thus brings together a biographical episode and its public commemoration. For your travel planning, this highlights the clear distinction between Lilienthal’s historical stay and how he is represented in the townscape.
The Town Church: Building History and Visiting
The town church is in the centre of Rhinow. Its core is a Gothic fieldstone building dating from the 13th century. Inside, the wall paintings date from the 18th century; life-size figures of Peter and Paul flank the wooden pulpit altar from 1734. These features offer a clear comparison between different historical layers: the medieval core of the building, the wall paintings and the precisely dated altar. The town church can be visited by appointment. Arrange a time before your visit if you would like to see the interior furnishings.
More Places to Explore in the Havelland
The wider Havelland travel destination offers a distinctive natural highlight in Lake GĂĽlpe. On the southern shore, a roughly 1.5-kilometre-long educational trail with illustrated information boards invites visitors to observe birds. During spring and autumn migration, up to 100,000 geese and hundreds of cranes gather there; numerous waders, ducks and great egrets can also be seen. The time of year is a practical planning factor for nature watching: the large gatherings are linked to the spring and autumn migrations. If you are interested in bird migration, you can consider these seasons for your trip.
The Havelland also offers a convenient way to plan cycling trips. The numbered junction signposting lets you put together your own 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. You can therefore choose between birdwatching along the educational trail and a ride on the regional cycle route.
For another stop focused on Lilienthal, Stölln in the wider Havelland travel destination offers a distinct experience. The Lilienthal Centre Stölln features an exhibition about Lilienthal that is of national significance. The Lilienthal Trail connects the centre with the IL 62 “Lady Agnes” at the foot of the Gollenberg. In Stölln, the focus is on the exhibition and themed trail; Rhinow’s own connection remains Lilienthal’s stay in 1893 and the monument in Lilienthal Platz.
Discover more destinations: Rathenow, Milower Land, Premnitz, Börnicke, Ketzin, Gollenberg, Kotzen, Wustermark
View the broader travel overview: Havelland.
