Famed for its chateau once owned by Frederick the Great, Rheinsberg is a charming town in the Mecklenburg Lake District. It was the setting for Kurt Tucholsky’s illustrated book “Rheinsberg” and was home to the architectural painter, Eduard Gaertner, until his death in 1877.
Things to do in Rheinsberg
Overlooking the eastern shore of the Grienericksee is the Rheinsberg Palace, a monumental example of Frederician Rococo architecture that served as the inspiration for the Sanssouci Palace. Pick up an audio guide to explore the beautifully decorated rooms, which offer insight into life here for the Prussian king, Frederick William I in the 18th century. Live concerts and cultural events also regularly take place at the palace.
Adjacent sprawls the beautiful Schlosspark, a picturesque green space traversed by walking trails and offers magnificent views of the castle. Continue to the Rheinsberg Obelisk, which was constructed by Prince Heinrich of Prussia in honour of his brother and those who lost their lives fighting in the Seven Years’ War. Further north stands a crumbling ruin that enjoys one of the most photographed views of the Rheinsberg Palace.
Sprawling north of town is the Rheinsbergersee, a large recreational lake that forms part of the Mecklenburg Lake District. Alternatively, you can relax on the beaches of the Wittwesee or enjoy the serenity of the Großer Stechlinsee from one of its hiking trails. This picturesque lake lies within Stechlin-Ruppiner Land Nature Park, which is home to an endemic species of whitefish.
Getting around Rheinsberg
Rheinsberg is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Berlin and just under two hours from Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Regular trains connect to the Rheinsberg railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Rheinsberg is compact enough to explore on foot.