Not far from the pulsating metropolis of Berlin lies a stretch of magical countryside which is a popular place to come for rest and recuperation - not only for Berliners: the Havelland. We start off in Havelberg, a little town often referred to as the gateway to the Havelland, where the Havel river joins the Elbe. The first thing to catch one's eye is the striking, fortified cathedral, which served as a Christian stronghold during the 12th century Christianisation of the region.
The little town is surrounded by the Westhavelland national park, the largest connected inland marshland in Central Europe; which is why low-impact ecotourism is practised here on the fluvial plains. Visitors with an interest in ornithology can go on a bird safari with knowledgeable local guides, to watch geese and herons. And those for whom the term flying conjures up images of aircraft rather than birds, can get their money's worth in Stolln. From 1892 onwards Otto Lilienthal undertook his legendary trial flights on a hill outside this little town. Today, the Otto Lilienthal Museum tells visitors of the life and achievements of the famous aviation pioneer. Aptly enough, the museum also houses a historic passenger aircraft, a Russian Ilyushin 62.
Tourist Information Havelland
Berliner Straoe 30
14712 Rathenow
Tel: 03385-551 36 70
Fax: 03385-551 300
Tourist Information Havelberg
Salzmarkt 1
39539 Havelberg
Tel: 039387-882 24
Naturparkverwaltung Westhavelland
Dorfstraoe 5
14715 Parey
Tel: 033872-74 30
Fax: 033872-74 312
Otto-Lilienthal-Museum
Gollenberg
14728 Stolln
Tel: 033875-32020
Fax: 033875-90 00 32
Antik-Hotel "The Cottage"
Dorfstraoe 15
14715 Semlin
Tel: 03385-53 00 53
Fax: 03385-53 00 53