Ziesar can be explored through two main themes: medieval church and cultural history around the castle and town church, and trails through the landscape. The castle was a residence of the Brandenburg bishops; circular trails in the Nature Park and a cycle route complement the cultural experience with opportunities for hiking and cycling. When planning your visit, it helps to decide first whether the castle and art or the outdoor routes should take up more of your time.
Ziesar Castle and Medieval Art
Ziesar Castle was a residence of the Brandenburg bishops and is the only surviving testament to court culture in the late medieval Margraviate of Brandenburg. Since 2005, it has housed the Museum of Brandenburg Church and Cultural History of the Middle Ages. Its permanent exhibition is titled “Paths to the Heavenly City: Bishop, Faith and Rule 800–1550” and places the visit in a specific historical context.
The Jerusalem Room was built in the 1330s. Remnants of large-scale wall paintings from that period can be seen there, including a depiction of Christ in Majesty and a large-format map. The map has so far been interpreted as a depiction of the Heavenly Jerusalem. Thus, the room brings together its construction date, paintings and a cautiously worded interpretation of the imagery.
Ziesar’s keep stands 35 m high; 125 steps lead to the so-called Bishop’s Mitre, built in the Renaissance style after 1528. The keep offers views over the town and its surroundings. If you plan to visit the tower, check current access arrangements before your visit.
Town Church and Local History
The Church of the Holy Cross in Ziesar is a single-nave, late Romanesque church dating from the 13th century. It was built from fieldstones and has a distinctive rectangular west tower.
The Ziesar Local History Museum displays evidence of the town’s historical development across approximately 200 m². It is located on the former farmyard of the castle complex. It is open on the first Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; additional opening times can be arranged with the Cultural and Local History Association. Check opening hours before your visit.
Hiking Trails and Cycle Route
The two Nature Park circular trails have different focuses: Route 50 starts in Ziesar and covers 15 km through the area around the small market town; Route 51 starts and ends at the MĂĽhlentor and runs mostly along the former shore of the lake that once lay here. Along Route 51, alder carrs, willow thickets, reed beds, wet meadows with rare plants and dry embankments alternate.
For public transport to Circular Route 51, you can use the RE 1 to Wusterwitz and then take a bus to Ziesar; check connections before travelling. If you prefer to get around by bike, there is a dedicated route: a cycle path newly built on the former railway line connects Ziesar with the pottery town of Görzke.
Discover more destinations: Schwielowsee, Niemegk, BrĂĽck, Wusterwitz, Wollin, Michendorf, Marquardt, Glindow.
For the full travel overview: Potsdam-Mittelmark.
