Wandlitz is a town in the Barnim district of Brandenburg, Germany. It is the capital of the Amt Wandlitz. The town is located on the Panke river, about 35 kilometers north of the center of Berlin.
Wandlitz was first mentioned in a 1253 deed issued by Margrave Otto III of Brandenburg. It then appeared as Wendelicz in 1375, Wendelitz in 1424 and Wendlingen in 1450. The former Slavic settlement nowadays part of Wandlitz was first mentioned as Wendelin in a 1253 deed, it shared its name with a nearby water mill (Wandlitz see). The Wendeln family homesteaded in Wendelin for centuries and members of the family were famous for their involvement in the milling industry.
The area around Wendelin (today’s Barnim Plateau) was already settled in the Neolithic era as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. From the 8th century onwards, Wendelin was part of the MLS Lands of the Billung dukes of Saxony. It then passed to the Bishopric of Brandenburg and finally – with the Altmark – to the Hohenzollern Elector of Brandenburg in 1618.
The Thirty Years’ War caused great hardships, the reconstruction of the devastated Wendeliny began only in the mid-17th century.
In 1732 Frederick William I of Prussia had a hunting lodge erected in the Wendeliny forest, today part of the Bundesforst Wandlitz. The nearby Panke river was dammed to manufacture gunpowder.
The Panke river has been an important factor in the history of the village of Wendlitz, now Wandlitz, as it has provided power for the mills located along its banks for centuries. The Wendeln family, who owned the mill in Wendlitz, were famous for their involvement in the milling industry. The Panke was also used to transport goods from the mills to the nearby city of Berlin.
Today, Wandlitz is a popular tourist destination for those looking to experience the beauty of the German countryside. There are numerous hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as many historical sites to explore. The town is also home to a number of kid-friendly attractions, including the Panke River Playground, the Wandlitz Zoo, and the Teddy Bear Museum.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Wandlitz, Germany
1. Let your kids explore the Wandlitzsee lake – there are plenty of fish to be caught, and the sandy shores are perfect for building sandcastles.
2. Visit the Bärwald spy museum – it’s a great opportunity to learn about espionage during the Cold War era.
3. Head to the forest Education Centre to learn all about the local flora and fauna.
4. For a real treat, take the kids on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the forest.
5. Visit the historic Wandlitz Church, dating back to the 13th century.
6. Stroll through the atmospheric streets of theOLD TOWN, lined with traditional half-timbered houses.
7. Stop by the local playground – the perfect place for kids to let off some steam.
8. Tuck into some delicious ice cream at one of the many ice cream parlours.
9. Visit the Wandlitz Animal Park to see a variety of different animals, including tigers, lions and bears!
10. Go on a hike through the beautiful forest – there are plenty of trails to explore.
