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Nauen

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City
—°87
Nauen (Germany)
ℹ️

Practical info — Nauen

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The historic old town with its beautiful half-timbered houses is often overlooked, deliberately plan some time for a walking tour.
  • The path to the historic radio station is flat and perfectly suited for a relaxing bicycle ride through the wide Havelland landscape.
  • Look out for the old farmer-citizen courtyards (Ackerbürgerhöfe) in the city center, their large gates are typical for this Brandenburg region.
  • Arriving by regional express from Berlin is very fast and saves you the stressful search for parking in the narrow alleys of the old town.

🍽 Food

🍽
Havelland Fruits and Juices

Buy local fruit, especially fresh apples and juices, directly at the surrounding farms.

🍽
Venison Specialties

Try Brandenburg venison dishes in the traditional inns around Nauen.

🍽
Grandma-style Cake

Visit a cafe in the restored old town for a large slice of traditional sheet cake.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Half-timbered Old Town

In the small alleys off the main street, you can occasionally find owner-managed shops selling local crafts.

🛍
Regional Farm Shops

The Havelland is largely agricultural; take advantage of the farm shops on the outskirts for authentic regional products.

🧘
Nauen City Park

A green, peaceful retreat right in the city area for a short break.

🧘
Dirt tracks towards the historical radio station

Well-suited for wide views over the flat land and to feel the soothing silence of the Havelland.

Nauen is a historic town in the Havelland district of Brandenburg, internationally renowned as the 'Radio Town.' It is home to the Nauen Transmitter Station, established in 1906, which remains the oldest operating radio station in the world. The station's iconic Muthesius building is a landmark of early 20th-century industrial architecture and played a pivotal role in global communications. Beyond its technical heritage, Nauen has a beautifully restored medieval town center characterized by half-timbered houses and the majestic St. Jacobi Church. The town is situated on the edge of the Havelland wetlands, offering a lush, natural backdrop. Its cultural fame is further bolstered by the nearby village of Ribbeck, immortalized by Theodor Fontane's poem about the generous Squire von Ribbeck and his pear tree. Modern Nauen has transitioned into a center for renewable energy, hosting extensive wind farms, and serves as a vital logistics hub for the Berlin-Brandenburg region. It provides a high quality of life, balancing its agricultural roots with proximity to Berlin. Nauen is an essential stop for anyone interested in industrial history and the pastoral beauty of Havelland.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-104914182120151051
Rain mm543840295357815849494948

Geography

Population
16,600
Coordinates
52.60000, 12.88310

Facts

  • Radio station opening: August 16, 1906.
  • Industrial landmark: The Muthesius Building (1920).
  • Literary link: The village of Ribbeck and Squire von Ribbeck.
  • Waterways: Located near the Havelland Main Canal.
  • Connectivity: Served by the RE8 and RB14 train lines.
  • Administrative area: One of the largest municipalities in Brandenburg.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Nauen (8)

Nauen Transmitter Station📍 landmark

The oldest operating radio transmitting station in the world, featuring the famous Muthesius building.

Nauen Town Hall📍 landmark

A Neo-Gothic brick building from the late 19th century that dominates the market square.

Nauen Water Tower📍 landmark

A striking technical monument that formerly served the city's water supply system.

Ribbeck Castle🏰 castle

Located nearby, famous for Fontane's poem about the pear tree; now a museum and cultural center.

🕒 We-Su 11:00-16:00💶

St. Jacobi⛪ religious

St. Jacobi is a church located in the town of Nauen.

Kulturzentrum Haus Gartenstraße🎭 culture

The Haus Gartenstraße cultural center is an arts facility in Nauen.

Freilichtbühne Nauen🎭 culture

The Freilichtbühne Nauen is an open-air theater in the city.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Nauen called the 'Radio City'?
Because of the historic Nauen radio station, the oldest still existing radio station in the world, founded in 1906.
Is the old town worth a visit?
Yes, the historic town center has been extensively renovated and charms with its lovely houses and St. Jacobi Church.
How far is Nauen from Berlin?
Nauen is about 40 km west of Berlin and can be reached by regional train from Berlin city center in about 30-40 minutes.
What can you do in the surrounding area?
The Havelland region is great for cycling and hiking; the Ribbeck castle park nearby is particularly popular.
Are there regular events?
The Nauen Court Christmas in December is a well-known event where the historic courtyards of the old town open their gates.
Nauen: where is it located?
Nauen is located in Brandenburg, Germany.
Nauen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Nauen Transmitter Station, Nauen Town Hall, Nauen Water Tower.
Nauen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Nauen: why is it worth visiting?
Nauen is a historic town in the Havelland district of Brandenburg, internationally renowned as the 'Radio Town.' It is home to the Nauen Transmitter Station, established in 1906, which remains the oldest operating radio station in the world.
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