Briesen (Mark) brings together several distinct travel interests: rail connections in both directions, exhibitions on the history of the canal and the town, and landscaped parkland. The canal’s history comes into particularly clear focus in the original 1904 model. When planning your visit, it is worth considering not only the train timetable but also arranging your visit to the local history museum by phone.
Getting here by train
Briesen (Mark) station is on the Berlin–Frankfurt (Oder) line, which offers regular train services in both directions. The RE1 regional express is also listed as an option for travelling to Briesen. Check the latest rail information before setting out.
Canal history and technology
The Kersdorf Lock Information Centre displays an original model of the lock from 1904, built to a scale of 1:20, as well as the foundation-stone certificate of Kaiser Wilhelm I. The model is on permanent loan from the Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin Foundation. Another exhibition is housed in the listed lock keeper’s house at the North Kersdorf Lock; it provides information about the history of the Oder–Spree Canal. The Information Centre focuses on the model and certificate, while the lock keeper’s house focuses on the history of the canal.
Local history museum and town landmarks
The local history museum in Briesen (Mark) has a different focus: its exhibition comprises around 1,000 objects from every historical period. Admission is free during opening hours; arrange your visit by phone and confirm a suitable time.
The Briesen stag monument, with its inscription, stands in reconstructed form between Briesen (Mark) and Kersdorf Lock. Its reconstruction and specified location make it another distinctive local landmark.
Landscaped parkland in Alt Madlitz
In Alt Madlitz Manor Park, mature oaks and chestnuts line landscaped sightlines. Here, the design of the park takes centre stage: the tree species and views offer a different focus from the technical and historical exhibition topics at Kersdorf Lock and in the local history museum.
More highlights in the wider Oder-Spree destination
In the wider Oder-Spree destination, Beeskow Castle offers a different cultural highlight. Its listed complex brings together buildings dating from 1250 to 1550, and the 30-metre-high keep has an observation platform. Since the 1990s, the castle has also hosted theatre performances, concerts and festivals. The range of themes across Oder-Spree therefore extends from Briesen’s canal and local history to a historic architectural complex and a venue for events.
Lake Scharmützelsee is another distinct attraction in the wider Oder-Spree destination. It covers about 1,200 hectares and is around 30 metres deep. Its clear water has visibility of up to four metres and draws anglers, divers, sailors and bathers to the region. This focus on water differs from Briesen’s exhibitions and parkland.
The five-hectare Neuzelle Baroque Garden was restored based on original plans from the 1758 abbey atlas. Baroque pathways, water features and terraces define the garden. By contrast, mature oaks and chestnuts line the landscaped sightlines in Alt Madlitz Manor Park: the two gardens are described as having different design features.
Discover more destinations: Erkner, Madlitz-Wilmersdorf, Langewahl, Müllrose, Wilmersdorf, Wendisch Rietz, Schöneiche Bei Berlin, Rietz-Neuendorf
Back to the main travel overview: Oder-Spree.
