The delightful location of Werder is ready to enchant not only its guests but, ever anew, its own citizens as well, and that in every season.No matter in which direction you walk through Werder, you will always end up along the water: four lakes, those of the Schwielowsee, Glindowsee, Großer Plessower See and Zernsee, as well as an artery of the Havel river surround the city. The name of the city - Werder - literally translated means "Land where the water flows around". The Havel island, the oldest part of the city, is situated in the middle of the Havel river.
You can reach Werder by car, train or on the waterways and will, in any case, experience a picturesque journey through the Havelland region. Numerous visitors since the 19th century have enjoyed the lookout from the gentle hills created during the ice-age with heights of up to 75 metres above mean sea level. From this vantage point the scenic vistas of forests, waters and of the widely renowned fruit plantations and gardens present themselves to view.The mild and sunny climate is also an incentive for the many strollers, bicyclists, water sportsmen and swimmers to come to Werder. Sometimes in winter naturally occurring areas of sufficiently thick ice provide skaters and ice sailors a special delight.
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Twin Cities and Towns of Werder upon Havel
Oppenheim on the Rhine (Germany) Hjorring (Denmark) Tczew (Poland) Birzai (Lithuania) Almdorf (Germany) Muan-Gun (Korea)
General map
You’ll find information on our wealth of sports and tourism activities under the TOURISM and CULTURE/SPORTS categories.
Within the scope of changes in the administrative structure of the State of Brandenburg in recent times some of the villages around Werder were incorporated in the city limits of the city of Werder upon Havel.In 1990, 10,300 people lived in the city of Werder upon Havel within an area of 26 sq. km. Because of a well organised building concept more than 4,000 people had moved to Werder by the year 2000.
Since the 26st of October 2003 the city of Werder upon Havel - together with its new town quarters - has grown to an area of 115,9 sq. km and a population of 23117 inhabitants (male 11391 and female 11726 – as at June 30st 2011).
Could we inspire you?
So come along and first let’s make a little tour through the "new" Werder upon Havel:
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Boroughs
Since 1993 the town centre of Werder has been designated as a redevelopment area. This includes the picturesque "Island Town" where the urban design essentially was created during the 17th century, as well as the commercial centre which was built primarily in the 1870s on the outskirts along the Havel banks facing the island.
The reconstruction process was carried out in co-operation with the residents from the very beginning. All major developments and decisions required during the planning and realisation phases are public and visible by the residents. Private construction works are discussed with the planners and building owners on site, in order to fulfil all the legal requirements, e.g. the conditions of architectural conservation. Such work is often financially supported by the city administration or State.
Another main concern of the city administration is the reconstruction of the streets and squares which shall be done in keeping with their historic structures.The Werderaners want to retain the character of their city through a sensible relation of new constructions and careful restoration of existing ones and they want to see Werder take living form as a place for recreation, work and residence.
It is the goal of the Werder city administration to become a centre for recreation and tourism in the area outlying Berlin.
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You really should, at least once, make a trip to the old quarter of Werder by ship!
You will find the sailing timetable in the "Tourism" page in the near future!
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Delectable fruits were already being carried from Werder upon Havel to Berlin on waterways 300 years ago. Fruit cultivation has retained its importance for Werder right up until today.
Fruits and vegetables from Werder upon Havel are well known also beyond the State of Brandenburg.
Because of the sandy soils which quickly warm up and due to the mild climate we have the best conditions to cultivate the choice types of fruit which will ultimately have a truly high quality, an unparalleled flavour and an excellent taste.By the application of the latest findings from science and technology and improved cultivation methods more and more types of fruit can be successfully offered.
Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, currants, blackberries, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, peaches, apples, pears and plums grow in and around Werder upon Havel.
During harvest time many fruit farmers invite you to pluck the sun-ripened fruits by yourself, however they are also sold ready-picked in the farmyards. You also have the opportunity to buy the fresh fruit and vegetables at the market in the centre of the city or on the "Frischemarkt" market along the B1 national highway.
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After fishing, wine growing is the second oldest trade in Werder upon Havel.
For more information about the WACHTELBERG wine-growing area visit the website:
www.wachtelberg.de
Already in the years around 1680 vines were grown in Werder on an area of more than 100 hectares, 20 hectares at the Wachtelberg hill alone. Today vines grow on an area of 6 hectares at the Wachtelberg hill. This location is perfect for vine growing because of sufficient declination of the slope in southern and south-eastern directions, the closeness of the large Havel lakes and sandy soils with much gravel and silt which warm up very fast.
At 52°23‘ north latitude our vineyard is beyond the "polar barrier"(52° n. lat.) of German viticulture and is also the northernmost vine-growing region known in the world.
In 1997 the cultivation of red wine was started again to revive old traditions of viticulture.
Wines from Werder were already popular in times past because of their mild taste. For that reason they were also served at the Hohenzollern "electoral" tables.
TOPFishing is the oldest trade in Werder upon Havel and is still marked by the traditions which determine the character of the old quarter on the island, now and in the future.
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In parts of the old quarter, especially along the east bank, narrow alleyways and a sprinkling of small cottages still give the impression of a fishing settlement. Every day freshly caught fish from along the Havel river and surrounding lakes are offered for sale.
The Werder Church of the Holy Ghost was built in a neo-Gothic style and was laid out in the form of a Latin cross. A new church was built in 1734 on the foundations of a church constructed in the 12th century. As Werder expanded since the beginning of the 19th century the church was soon too small and was therefore enlarged under the authority of King Frederick William IV in 1856/58. The plans were drawn by August Stüler.
In September of 2001 in the Church of the Holy Ghost the "Altar of Conciliation" was consecrated.
Its cross and the call "Father forgive!" became a sign of conciliation in many parts of the world. Werder upon Havel belongs among them. In addition, an early baroque oil painting picturing the rare subject of "Jesus Christ as Apothecary" is worth seeing.
In addition to the interesting furnishings, which date back to designs by Stüler, the church’s interior has excellent acoustic qualities. Many concerts are performed here annually.
In the old quarter on the island, there is, in addition, the Catholic church "Maria Meeresstern" (Mary Star of the Sea). TOPWerder Church of the Holy Ghost
Ev. Gemeindebüro
A.-Damaschke-Str. 9
14542 Werder/H.
Telefon:
03327-42691
Fax:
03327-731063
E-Mail:
kirche.werder@
evkirchepotsdam
.de
Internet:
www.
pfarrsprengel-
werder.de
Maria Meeresstern" (Mary Star of the Sea)
Uferstraße 9
14542 Werder(Havel)
Telefon:
03327-42375
Telefax:
03327-731230
E-Mail:
pfarramt@peter-
paul-kirche.de
Internet:
www.maria
meeresstern.de
Ansprechpartner vor Ort Christian Strehl Tel.03327-49590