The village church in Alt Mahlisch and Niederjesar’s location give Fichtenhöhe two distinct focal points: the church dates from the mid-14th century, while Niederjesar sits on a rise at the edge of the Oderbruch and borders the Zeschdorf-Trepliner chain of lakes. The building’s history and the landscape can therefore be considered as separate local themes. The wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland offers additional cultural, nature and events-related themes.
The village church in Alt Mahlisch
The village church was built from dressed fieldstone, carefully laid in courses. Its long chancel is set well back, making it noticeably narrower than the nave. The connection between the building sections also offers a clue to the construction sequence: the limited bonding between the tower and the nave suggests that the tower was built first. Such a construction sequence would be rare in church architecture. The church thus offers distinct points of interest: its age, building material and chancel form, as well as a cautiously worded interpretation of the construction sequence.
Niederjesar and the landscape
Niederjesar sits on a rise at the edge of the Oderbruch and borders the Zeschdorf-Trepliner chain of lakes. Here, geographical connections shape how the village is understood; in Alt Mahlisch, by contrast, the focus is on the history of the village church. These two local points of interest therefore offer different ways to explore Fichtenhöhe: a specific church building and Niederjesar’s setting in the landscape.
Märkisch-Oderland: culture and regional themes
In the wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland, the cultural scene ranges from magnificent castles and manor houses to well-preserved half-timbered buildings in historic town centres and lively museums. In Buckow, the Brecht-Weigel-Haus has been a museum since 1977. As a literary museum, it hosts readings, concerts, talks, discussions, film screenings, exhibitions and special guided tours throughout the year; the individual events vary. Schloss Neuhardenberg is another cultural venue in the region. Its programme includes exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances and readings, and changes over time. In the Oderbruch, the old colonist village of Neulietzegöricke, a district of the municipality of Neulewin, is entirely protected as a historic monument.
Routes with different focuses
Märkisch-Oderland also offers various ways to explore nature and cycling. You can explore Märkische Schweiz on the 17 km Natura Trail and the certified Märkische Schweiz Nature Park Route, which is just under 21 km long. The Natura Trail is shorter; check local trail conditions before planning your trip. Cycling tours along the Oder-Neiße Cycle Route are also possible in Märkisch-Oderland. The Oderbruchbahn Cycle Path runs through the quiet landscape of the Oderbruch and is also a journey into the early 20th century and the history of rail travel. Its main route runs from Fürstenwalde/Spree or, alternatively, from Müncheberg to Wriezen. The Oderlandweg trail passes along shady forest paths, through sunlit deciduous forests and narrow valleys, and by small bodies of water.
An annual event
In the wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland, the mining town of Rüdersdorf bei Berlin has celebrated Bergfest every year on the first weekend of July since the revival of this mining tradition. The programme and specific dates vary from year to year. Check the latest event details before planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Zechin, Küstriner Vorland, Petershagen/Eggersdorf, Buchholz, Prötzel, Oderaue, Höhenland, Werder
View the wider travel overview: Märkisch-Oderland.
