Four bodies of water surround Himmelpfort. The village is also home to the Cistercian monks’ monastery, founded in 1299, an herb garden, and opportunities for excursions on the water or by bike. When planning, it is worth considering your interests and dates separately: fishing, swimming and boating are possible on four lakes, as well as on the Havel and Woblitz rivers; culture enthusiasts can visit the Glass Manufactory at Himmelpfort Chocolaterie.
Water, Cycling and Nature
Fishing, swimming and boating are different ways to enjoy the water. Himmelpfort Lock is a self-service lock that equalizes the water level with Lake Stolpsee. As operating details may change, check the latest information before using it. Himmelpfort is connected to the Berlin–Copenhagen long-distance cycle route for bike tours.
The landscape can also be understood through its protected areas: Himmelpfort lies in the heart of Uckermärkische Seen Nature Park. In the Kleine Schorfheide-Havel Special Area of Conservation, parts of Himmelpfort/Bredereiche provide habitat for sandy heaths, silver grass communities and dry grasslands at various stages of succession. The broader place name Himmelpfort/Bredereiche is part of the description, as are the habitats mentioned.
Monastery History and Herb Garden
The Cistercian monks’ monastery in Himmelpfort was founded in 1299. Another place to visit is the monastery herb garden, where more than 250 medicinal, culinary and aromatic herbs can be seen. Paid guided tours are available for groups of four or more by prior arrangement. If you plan to take a tour, check the current booking terms in advance.
A visit to the Glass Manufactory at Himmelpfort Chocolaterie adds an insight into chocolate making to the cultural attractions. The monastery’s history, the herb garden and the manufactory offer different points of interest: you can explore history and plants, as well as visit a place connected with local craftsmanship.
Christmas Season and a Year-Round Option
In Himmelpfort, large Christmas markets are held on every Advent weekend in the square between the visitor center and the monastery church. The specific dates and program vary; check them if you would like to include the markets in your stay. Independently of the markets, letters to Santa can be dropped off at any time of year in either of two mailboxes: the red mailbox in front of the Christmas room and the wooden mailbox on KlosterstraĂźe.
Plan Your Journey
Bus routes 839 and 854 serve Himmelpfort. There is also a connection to regional express train RE5 via FĂĽrstenberg/Havel station. For your journey, you can check these bus services and the train connection separately; no timetable or connection-time information is provided here.
In the wider destination of FĂĽrstenberg/Havel
Fürstenberg/Havel has other distinct attractions. The Gänse, Priester and Schulhavel rivers are navigable along their entire length via the fish-canoe pass. An easy canoe loop around the old town of Fürstenberg/Havel is 2.3 kilometers long and takes about an hour. This is a specific time estimate for this loop in the wider destination, not for a tour in Himmelpfort. The fish-canoe pass itself is 50 meters long, is considered the largest in Brandenburg, and overcomes a height difference of 1.60 meters.
Fürstenberg/Havel also offers several places of interest for culture enthusiasts. The local history exhibition at Markt 5 uses audio documents, maps and objects to provide insights into the town’s history over the centuries. A replica of the Fürstenberg gold treasure is also on display there. The treasure was found in 2008 during construction work on Brandenburger Straße near the castle; it is the replica, not the original, that is on display.
The Old Castle was once a moated castle and is the oldest building in FĂĽrstenberg/Havel, with parts still preserved. The railway ferry was raised from the water in 2013 on behalf of the town and treated with corrosion protection. It has been on land ever since and can be viewed up close; check before your visit whether this situation has changed.
The Ravensbrück Memorial is an open educational site on the shore of Lake Schwedtsee, in the former village of Ravensbrück. Its permanent exhibition, “The Ravensbrück Women’s Concentration Camp – History and Remembrance,” examines the history and aftermath of the women’s concentration camp during the Nazi era. For current visitor arrangements, consult the memorial’s visitor information page. Guided city tours through historic streets and nature tours to the surrounding lakes and forests are offered in and around Fürstenberg/Havel; contact the Tourist Information Office for dates and bookings.
Go to the wider travel overview: FĂĽrstenberg/Havel.
