Kroppen combines a landscaped park with historic buildings. Its history spans from 1715 to the First World War; together, its various sites offer different perspectives on the community. If you are planning a stay, you can get to know Kroppen through its park design, architectural history and the routes described here.
Landscape Park and Nature
Kroppen Landscape Park is considered the cultural heart of the community and offers opportunities to unwind and enjoy nature. Features designed by Eduard Petzold are still visible: the undulating terrain and groups of trees create changing patterns of light and shade. The design can thus be understood through two specific features—the varied contours of the landscape and the grouping of the trees. The interplay of light and shade is part of the park’s character, not merely an abstract description of its style.
A lime tree avenue is also part of the park’s history: it was planted in 1922 along the western gate, in the direction of the mill. The woodland on the “Kroppen” estate provides another connection to nature. It covers just under 96 hectares and is located in Lusatia, on the border with Saxony.
The Kroppen nature reserve lies within the “Elsterniederung and Western Upper Lusatian Heath between Senftenberg and Ortrand” landscape protection area and includes a small section of the “Pulsnitz and Lowland Areas DE 4547-303” Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The natural side of Kroppen is represented both by its landscaped park and by the woodland and its protected-area setting.
Church and Historic Buildings
Kroppen’s Baroque church is considered one of the few new church buildings constructed in southern Brandenburg in the 18th century. It was built between 1718 and 1721. Renowned Dresden artists contributed to its interior. Notable works include an epitaph for the church’s builder, attributed to Johann Thomae, and a tall pulpit altar by Christian Näther. The construction period, interior and the names of these two artists offer different ways of exploring the church.
Kroppen Park is home to the Kellerhaus, built on Kellerberg in 1715 and preserved as a half-timbered house. Another structure is the octagonal pavilion on a slight rise beside the Pulsnitz. Russian prisoners of war built it during the First World War. The two buildings evoke different historical periods: the Kellerhaus recalls the early 18th century, while the pavilion dates from the First World War.
Routes through Kroppen
The 38-kilometre Ruhlander-Heide Tour passes through Kroppen; the Baroque church and landscape park are stops along the route. Hiking and cycling routes are also connected with Kroppen Castle Park, including a cycling loop between Kroppen and Ortrand. These route connections add another perspective to the town’s history: Kroppen is both a destination with historic sites of its own and a stop on a longer tour. When choosing, you can consider whether you would rather focus on the park and its buildings or follow one of the routes mentioned.
Discover more destinations: Ruhland, Schwarzbach, Hermsdorf, Calau, Gosda, Luckaitztal, Schwarzheide, Vetschau/Spreewald
See the main travel overview: Oberspreewald-Lausitz.
