Geltow combines the landscapes along the Havel and Schwielowsee with local history and traditional crafts. This offers several ways to plan your trip: birdwatching in the meadows, views of the Havelland landscape, or a visit to the handweaving workshop. Historic sites and a walk in and around Geltow round out these options, without requiring a fixed sightseeing itinerary.
Meadows, Shoreline and Havel Views
East of Am Wasser road are extensive meadows that locals call old Geltow’s “Geltow Siberia.” They offer opportunities to observe the area’s birdlife, although individual sightings cannot be guaranteed. The newly redesigned waterfront begins on Am Grashorn road. There are benches for resting and views of the Havelland landscape. The facilities may change over time.
Geltow nestles along the gently sloping shore where the Havel leaves Schwielowsee and flows north again. From Baumgarten Bridge, the view stretches across Schwielowsee and the Havel to the silhouette of the island town of Werder (Havel). This brings different natural features together: the meadows invite you to watch birds, while the waterways and Werder (Havel) take center stage from the bridge.
Local History on Foot and at Historic Sites
A walk in and around Geltow takes you to the Geltow Local History Museum, where the village’s 1,000-year history is presented. The museum also features a permanent exhibition about the lives and work of notable people from Geltow. Those mentioned include Baron Karl Harwig Gregor von Meusebach, Theodor Fontane and Förstemann. The exhibition content may change over time.
Buildings and monuments also tell the story of different eras. Geltow village church was built in the Neo-Gothic style and opened for use on December 22, 1887. Carl Tower stands at the highest point of Franzensberg. It was built as an observation tower in 1870 and named after Prince Carl, the brother of Emperor Wilhelm I. The tower is now privately owned; check access arrangements before visiting.
The “Ear of the World” was the site of an experimental station operated by Telefunken Berlin. The first radio connection with America was established from there between 1919 and 1930. The Schill memorial stone is dedicated to Major Ferdinand von Schill, initiator of the 1809 national uprising against Napoleonic foreign rule. Geltow has commemorated Schill’s legacy since the late 1980s. This makes it possible to explore historical themes on a trip without equating the sites or their stories.
The Geltow Local History Association offers a historical guided tour of Geltow once a month. Visitors and residents are welcome, and no registration is required. Check the specific date before you arrive.
Handweaving and Traditional Crafts
At the Henni Jaensch-Zeymer handweaving workshop, you can watch experts at work on historic looms and learn how the handloom works and how the weaving process is carried out. Before planning a visit, ask about current visiting arrangements. The workshop works with looms that are 200 to 300 years old and makes fabrics using traditional patterns. A small shop sells textiles and other handcrafted products, including HB ceramics and Lauchhammer cast iron art.
During group visits booked in advance, participants can try weaving themselves under guidance. This offer is available only as part of a group visit booked in advance. Since visiting arrangements can change, check in advance which explanations and group activities will be available on your chosen date.
The different options can help you decide: the meadows and shoreline offer nature watching and views, the local history museum and historic sites explore Geltow’s past, and the handweaving workshop showcases traditional crafts. Plan around what interests you most, and check the specific dates and visiting arrangements in advance.
Discover more destinations: Glindow, Rabenstein/Fläming, Beetzseeheide, Groß Kreutz, Wilhelmshorst, Schwielowsee, Klein Briesen, Bad Belzig
For the regional travel overview: Potsdam-Mittelmark.
