Page 135 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Germany

EASTERN GERM AN Y  133

BRANDENBURG

The province of Brandenburg is a lowland region criss-
crossed by a dense network of rivers, canals and lakes.
Quiet in part, it is also crossed by some of the main
tourist routes to Berlin. Its most popular attractions are
the historic sights of its capital city, Potsdam, and the
Spreewald, where a whole day can be spent boating
on the waterways of the Lusatian forests and villages.
In early medieval times, the area that was While Berlin remained the seat of power
to become present-day Brandenburg and a strong industrial and cultural centre,
was the scene of violent conflict between 18th-century Potsdam also played an
various Germanic tribes. The latter con- important role: it was, after all, the
quered the region, and in 1157 created favourite haunt of Frederick the Great.
the margravate of Bran denburg. Its first Other towns in the region were less
ruler was Albrecht der Bär (Albert the Bear), significant – Brandenburg was, and still
from the house of Ascan. From 1415, is, a fairly rural region. Reunification in
Brandenburg was ruled by the Hohenzollern 1990, however, has opened up the newly
dynasty. It was quick to embrace the created land to Berliners and tourists alike.
Reformation, which was officially adopted Travellers in Brandenburg will encounter
here as early as 1538. In 1618, Brandenburg ancient tree-lined avenues that stretch
merged with the duchy of Prussia through to the horizon. The Spreewald,
personal union. The region became Brandenburg’s lake district, is an oasis
entangled in the Thirty Years’ War and of tranquillity, ideal for boating and
suffered devastating los ses; depopulated cycling. Brandenburg also has grand
and plundered, it took Brandenburg castles in Oranienburg, Branitz just
many years to rise from the ashes. In 1701, outside Cottbus and Rheinsberg, Gothic
the Great Elector, Frederick III, crowned churches and monasteries in Lehnin and
himself King Frederick I, and the whole Chorin and the towns of Brandenburg/
region now assumed the name of Prussia. Havel and Potsdam.

Baroque palace in Rheinsberg, on the shores of the Grienericksee
Sculptures and statues outside the Neues Palais, Potsdam

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