Summer Vacations in Brandenburg: The 9 Most Mysterious Places for an Outing

When taking a vacation in Brandenburg, don't just have the magnificent Hohenzollern castles and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Potsdam on your itinerary. There's a lot to discover off the beaten path in this region.

Buildings left to decay, reclaimed by nature, places full of exciting or secret stories, and breathtaking waterways in the mist - let these legendary sights captivate you and plan your next trip to Brandenburg.

Undoubtedly the most famous abandoned place in Brandenburg: The once-largest sanatorium in Europe draws travelers from near and far. No wonder, with 60 buildings to marvel at scattered amidst a primeval forest, creating an almost ghostly impression.

The magic here is not only in the mysterious complex of the former tuberculosis hospital but also in the change of perspective: The area can be explored from a great height by those unafraid of heights. On the 700-meter-long treetop path 'Baum & Zeit,' you can not only enjoy the view over the complex but also learn about the site's fascinating history and the tree species found here.

For an adrenaline rush, there are height adventure elements like the Wobble Net or the Skyboa. If you want to see the buildings from the inside, you can join one of the many tours or photo tours - let yourself be guided through the Alpine House, the underground tunnels, or the surgery!

The sight of the gigantic broken chimneys gives an apocalyptic feel. Filmmakers have long recognized this, and the former Rüdersdorf chemical plant is frequently used as a backdrop.

Not only were scenes for Hollywood productions like 'Enemy at the Gates,' 'The Hunger Games,' and Quentin Tarantino's 'Inglorious Basterds' filmed here, but also scenes for the series 'Homeland' and the gripping Netflix production 'Dark' were shot at this former industrial site, unsurprisingly used as a nuclear power plant after a reactor accident.

Although you can't explore the mysterious site on your own, you can take advantage of the many offerings at the Rüdersdorf Museum Park. Historical tours, geocaching, fossil hunting, or even a torch hike are among the many options around the ruins.

Active guests can join a guided mountain bike or kayak tour. You can also learn about cement making in an exhibition.

For fans of abandoned places, an absolute highlight in Brandenburg can be found in the beautiful Uckermark: the Hohenlandin Ruin. The manor was built in the 1860s in Norman or Tudor style. Though it remained largely undamaged during World War II, it fell into increasing neglect starting in the 70s.

Good news for those who like to pilgrimage to deserted places, as it's now a real attraction for fans of abandoned places with its delicate terracotta figures on the balcony and towering tower, and it's legally and freely accessible. Be sure to stroll through the surrounding palace park, which was designed by the famous landscape artist Lenné in 1822, where a flock of sheep often acts as natural lawnmowers.

The nearby district of Niederlandin is also worth seeing, where you can find remnants of the local palace park, though there's no longer a manor house. Additionally, there's a mysterious neo-Gothic grotto to admire.

Especially for Berliners, these enchanted riparian forests are the perfect excursion destination, as they are quickly reachable by S-Bahn. Shortly after Birkenwerder station, you immerse yourself in another world, walking on wooden boardwalks above the water, from which dead wood protrudes, allowing a unique ecosystem to evolve.

So be a little patient and look around - where bubbles rise between deep green aquatic plants, you might spot pond or moor frogs. It's particularly mystical to hike here when a light fog drifts over the water's surface. Although you can't cruise around like in the channels of Spreewald by boat or kayak, the experience is much lonelier and therefore much more mysterious than the better-known Brandenburg water paradise.

Sturdy footwear is a must since some bridges leading from one bank to the other are partially submerged. Those exploring with kids can also visit the Mini Monkey climbing park.

This place was once completely off-limits to ordinary citizens as it was exclusively reserved for the political elite of the GDR. And as often happens when something is not accessible, over time, many legends and myths developed of golden faucets and luxury palaces.

Walter Ulbricht, Erich and Margot Honecker, Egon Krenz, and Erich Mielke are just some of the famous residents who lived here near Bernau throughout history. Since 2017, 23 of the site's buildings have been listed as historical monuments and are accessible to curious visitors.

Numerous info panels provide insight into life back then through historical photos and text. But where is the opulence long suspected here? Fantasy and reality diverge significantly in this mysterious relic of a vanished state. It's fascinating to see how rumors can become ingrained and take on a life of their own.

A total of 400 factory buildings belonged to the Royal Prussian Powder Factory, which employed thousands and was established in 1915. The Fireworks Laboratory is part of this massive production site. Where fuses and grenades were once made, the Red Army moved in after the end of World War II.

However, since 1993, the industrial buildings have not been used, leading to their progressive decay. Those wanting to get an overview of the former administrative building, the power plant, the boiler house, and many other buildings can take a self-guided tour along the Kirchmöser industrial trail.

The information panels along the two circuits provide fascinating background information for fans of abandoned places as well as history enthusiasts. By the way, the 60-meter-high water tower from 1916-the landmark of the place-is also part of the former powder factory. It can even be climbed upon request, offering a fantastic view.

Much like the gigantic complex in Beelitz, the huge lung sanatorium near Oranienburg was also no longer used as a hospital and was eventually left to itself. Although there have been plans for further use or renovation for years, you can still visit the abandoned place in its dilapidated state.

It is fenced off, but curious visitors can explore the expansive grounds for a fee and by prior appointment at their own risk several times a week. Its location right by Grabowsee makes a visit particularly rewarding, and you can walk around the lake on a nearly nine-kilometer-long trail.

The sanatorium was built in the late 19th century by the German Red Cross and has served as a film set multiple times, much like other mysterious places in Brandenburg. Scenes for 'Monuments Men' were shot here with big stars like Matt Damon, Bill Murray, and George Clooney.

Not in the mood for more abandoned places? Then lace up your hiking boots and take a trip to Nonnenfließ, where moss-covered trees accompany your hike along the watercourse that gives the area its name. Here, you're truly immersed in nature and can prepare for muddy stretches as well as climbing over tree trunks.

The true charm of the scenery unfolds especially if you set out not in perfect summer weather, but on a slightly foggy day or with light drizzle. The abundant moss glows in a particularly vibrant green. On the other hand, with no mist clouds, you might have more luck with wildlife sightings. Beavers often build their dams here, so perhaps pack a good pair of binoculars.

Hiking along the stream in the nature reserve along both banks to and from Eberswalde, you have nearly 19 kilometers of walking ahead of you. However, if you're less ambitious, you can, of course, opt for half.

Both during the German Empire and the Nazi era, the area south of Berlin was a dangerous restricted zone, as tanks and cannons were tested here. But not only that. As early as the 1930s, Wernher von Braun conducted research on rocket propulsion here.

In a small, bunker-like concrete structure, the foundation for space travel was laid. Today, surrounded by a pine forest, you can visit the exhibition at the Historical-Technical Museum, which provides insights into the army test facility's development starting from 1875, or explore the site on one of the regularly offered guided tours that are often booked well in advance.

You cannot visit on your own, as dangerous munitions could still be buried off the paths, and unstable underground structures pose additional threats - this means even the secured areas are accompanied by a slight chill.

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