Excursion from Berlin
Gothic brick and forest pug: This is “the birthplace of Mark Brandenburg”
November 23, 2025 – 09.00Reading time: 2 minutes
Brandenburg an der Havel shows its calm side in winter – and that’s what makes it so attractive. If you’re looking for water views and old town charm, you’ll find it here.
A winter day without the hustle and bustle awaits you just an hour west of Berlin: Brandenburg an der Havel is a charming tourist destination even in winter – with an old town, views of the Havel and plenty of space to breathe deeply.
There are three historic city centers in Brandenburg an der Havel – Neustadt, the Old Town and Cathedral Island, where the Mark of Brandenburg stands. The magnificent Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul stands there. More than 850 years old, it is one of the earliest monumental buildings in the brick Gothic style of Northern Europe.
While strolling through the old town, you can find several other well-preserved buildings from the brick Gothic period – including the Old Town Hall with a statue of Roland in the square. The stone gate tower is also worth seeing. This is part of a medieval fortress that once had ten gates. The remains of the city walls can still be seen. At lunchtime, there are small cafes around the Neustädtischer Markt or on the Millennium Bridge.
Brandenburg an der Havel also has a special “animal” feature to offer: Because the comedian Vicco von Bülow, better known as Loriot, was baptized here, there are bronze coyote pug statues throughout the city in his honor – based on Loriot’s credo: “Life without a pug is possible, but pointless.” One of them, for example, is at Kota Tua Market. Here you will find a map with all the forest pugs.
A detour leads to Grillendamm – a magnificent bald cypress avenue. In 1934 it was declared a natural monument. These more than 170-year-old trees shed their leaves in winter, leaving behind an almost surreal landscape of bare trunks and still water.
Brandenburg an der Havel can be reached in around 1 hour. RE1 regional express trains operate directly from Berlin Central Station. If you come by car, take A2 or B1.
