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Zossen

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City
—°1105
Zossen (Germany)
ℹ️

Practical info — Zossen

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Book your guided tours of the Wünsdorf bunkers well in advance, as they are very popular and sell out quickly.
  • Bring a warm jacket for the bunker tours, as it remains quite chilly underground even in summer.
  • Zossen is easily accessible via direct regional trains (RE) from Berlin, making it a hassle-free day trip.
  • Take some time to wander through the Book Town (Bücherstadt) Wünsdorf, packed with fascinating antiquarian bookshops.

🍽 Food

🍽
Brandenburg Game

Try hearty local game dishes at the traditional inns scattered around the lake areas.

🍽
Freshwater Fish

Enjoy locally caught fish at the restaurants situated near the lakeshores.

🍽
Coffee and Cake

Stop for a slice of homemade cake at one of the cozy cafes in the Book Town.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Antiquarian Books

The Wünsdorf Book Town is an absolute must-visit for finding rare and second-hand books.

🛍
Farm Shop Goods

Pick up local honey and fresh produce from farm shops in the surrounding villages.

🧘
Großer Wünsdorfer See

A tranquil lake well-suited for a peaceful afternoon walk or a summer swim.

🧘
Nottekanal

Walk along the green banks of the Notte Canal or rent a boat for a relaxing glide.

Highlights of 2026

1

Zossen is a town in the Teltow-Fläming district of Brandenburg, possessing a history that shifted dramatically from a quiet medieval settlement to a pivotal military hub. Its most famous ward, Wünsdorf, became the headquarters for the German Imperial Army during WWI and later hosted the high command of the Wehrmacht and the Luftwaffe. During the Cold War, it served as the largest Soviet military base outside the USSR, housing tens of thousands of soldiers. Today, the town has transitioned into a peaceful residential area with a strong emphasis on historical tourism, particularly through its 'Book Town' initiative and guided tours of the vast underground bunkers. Geographically, Zossen is situated in a flat, forested landscape enriched by canals and lakes, offering various outdoor activities. The town's economy is bolstered by its strategic location on the Berlin-Dresden railway line, facilitating rapid access to the capital while maintaining an independent municipal identity focused on sustainable development.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-104914192120151051
Rain mm523640295456816048475046

Geography

Population
17,138
Coordinates
52.21670, 13.44970

Facts

  • First documented as a settlement in 1320.
  • Total municipal area covers 110.38 square kilometers.
  • Home to the Maybach I and II bunker complexes.
  • Located at an elevation of 38 meters above sea level.
  • Wünsdorf became a dedicated 'Book Town' in 1998.
  • Direct train connection to Berlin Hauptbahnhof takes 45 mins.

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.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zossen (10)

Maybach I and II Bunkers🏺 historical

Former army headquarters in Wünsdorf, now open to the public through guided tours.

Wünsdorf Book Town📍 landmark

A unique settlement featuring numerous antiquarian bookshops and museums in old barracks.

Trinity Church⛪ church

An 18th-century Baroque half-timbered church located in Zossen town center.

Zossen Castle Park🌳 park

Idyllic park grounds on the site of the former castle with ancient trees.

Great Zesch Lake🌊 lake

A nearby lake popular for swimming, relaxation, and nature walks.

Horstfelder- und Hechtsee🌿 nature

Nature reserve near Zossen encompassing two lakes and surrounding wetlands.

Schloss Zossen🏰 castle

Historic castle site in Zossen, originating from a former fortress complex.

Museum "Alter Krug"🏛 museum

Local history museum in Zossen presenting regional heritage in a historic half-timbered house.

Bastion🏰 castle

A bastion of Zossen Castle, a Renaissance fortress.

Jägersberg-Schirknitzberg🌿 nature

A nature reserve near Zossen characterized by its forested hills.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Wünsdorf 'Bunker City'?
A district of Zossen featuring massive bunker complexes from WWII and the Soviet era; tours are only possible with a guide.
Can you ride draisines in Zossen?
Yes, the Erlebnisbahn Zossen has draisine rides on disused tracks, great fun for groups and families.
Are there swimming lakes near Zossen?
Yes, Großer Zeschsee and Mellensee are popular excursion destinations for swimming and boating.
How do you get from Berlin to Zossen?
With the Regional Express train (RE8), you can get from Berlin Central Station directly to Zossen in about 40-50 minutes.
What is the Wünsdorf 'Book Town'?
A project in Wünsdorf-Waldstadt where antiquarian bookshops offer thousands of books in historical buildings.
Zossen: where is it located?
Zossen is located in Brandenburg, Germany.
Zossen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Maybach I and II Bunkers, Wünsdorf Book Town, Trinity Church.
Zossen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Zossen: why is it worth visiting?
Zossen is a town in the Teltow-Fläming district of Brandenburg, possessing a history that shifted dramatically from a quiet medieval settlement to a pivotal military hub.
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