Reitwein combines the wooded Reitwein Promontory with a striking church and a rich local history. Panoramic views, hiking trails and cycling options complement the historical sites. This makes it easy to give your trip a focus of its own: landscape, culture or outdoor activities.
Wooded slopes, the Oderbruch and trails
Reitwein lies at the foot of the wooded Reitwein Promontory, a ridge that extends into the Oderbruch. A detour to the promontory offers panoramic views across the Oder Valley and towards the StĂĽler Church. The hiking trails are considered well signposted; information boards and benches complement the visitor facilities.
Other local amenities include bicycle rental, bicycle parking and a bus service. If you need these options for your plans, check them before setting off, as visitor facilities may change. For cyclists, a 50-kilometre section of the Oder-Neiße Cycle Route from Frankfurt (Oder) to Küstrin-Kietz passes through Reitwein. The “Lebuser Land and Reitwein Promontory” e-bike tour also runs through the village. Before setting off, it is advisable to check the current route and conditions.
Church, crafts and history
The StĂĽler Church is a landmark of the southern Oderbruch. Its tall red-brick tower rises from the green hillside. Another local theme is Reitwein meadow pottery: its patterns are based on wild plants from Reitwein. The pottery can be viewed and purchased, so alongside the distinctive church building there is also a local craft connected with nature.
The estate owner Joachim Erdmann von Burgsdorff had Reitwein Castle built in the early 1670s. After the Battle of Kunersdorf in 1759, King Frederick II spent the first decisive days at the castle. A hornbeam hedge traces the outline of the building at its former site. Information boards tell visitors about Reitwein and the destroyed building. The construction period, the historical stay and the marked site offer different points of reference in the castle’s history.
Another historical site is the Diplomat’s Staircase: it was built in 1984 so that ambassadors from 40 diplomatic missions could climb the Oder dike. Earth bunkers and trenches remain at the summit of the Reitwein Promontory, which is a protected historic monument. Reitwein’s local history thus encompasses not only the castle but also other striking traces of the past.
More topics in the broader Märkisch-Oderland destination
The broader Märkisch-Oderland destination offers more cultural and nature-related themes to explore. The Brecht-Weigel House in Buckow has been a museum since 1977. Its year-round programme includes readings, concerts, talks, discussions, films, exhibitions and special guided tours; individual offerings may vary. For hikes in Märkische Schweiz, options include the 17-kilometre Natura Trail and the certified Märkische Schweiz Nature Park Route, which is just under 21 kilometres long. Thus, alongside Reitwein’s local character, Märkisch-Oderland offers distinctive regional cultural and hiking highlights.
Discover more destinations: Oberbarnim, Bad Freienwalde, Vierlinden, Zeschdorf, Zechin, Buchholz, Strausberg, Fichtenhöhe
Back to the broader travel overview: Märkisch-Oderland.
