Prötzel: Museum and Komitas Festival

The NVA Museum in the district of Harnekop

In the district of Harnekop, part of the municipality of Prötzel, the NVA Museum is housed in the residential building of the former command bunker of the Minister of National Defence. It was founded in 2000. The exhibition includes radio technology, equipment, weapons, gear and furnishings belonging to the National People’s Army and the GDR Ministry for State Security. The objects come from different periods and are arranged by theme across 30 rooms.

During guided tours, the exhibits are explained, and a large proportion are demonstrated in operation. These demonstrations are part of the visitor experience, alongside the various themed areas. Visits are possible by telephone appointment in advance. Arrange your visit time before you go.

Prötzel Castle and the Komitas Festival

Since 2011, Prötzel Castle has served as the venue for the International Komitas Festival. The festival is dedicated to the Armenian composer Komitas Vardapet. It thus offers a different cultural focus from the military history exhibition in Harnekop. If you would like to combine your trip with a festival visit, check the specific event dates in advance.

Märkisch-Oderland as a wider travel area

Prötzel is part of the wider travel destination of Märkisch-Oderland. The area offers other cultural and nature-related attractions based in different places. In Buckow, the Brecht-Weigel House has been a museum since 1977. It hosts readings, concerts, talks, discussions, films, exhibitions and special guided tours throughout the year; the individual offerings vary. The house thus combines a year-round programme of events with a range of formats for literature and culture enthusiasts.

For hikes in Märkisch-Oderland, you can compare two routes by length: the Natura Trail is 17 km long, while the certified Märkische Schweiz Nature Park Route is just under 21 km. The trail is therefore the shorter of the two. Check the conditions on each route locally before planning your hike.

There are also different options for cycling trips. In Märkisch-Oderland, you can ride along the Oder-Neiße Cycle Route. The main route of the Oderbruchbahn Cycle Route runs from Fürstenwalde/Spree or, alternatively, from Müncheberg to Wriezen. It passes through the peaceful landscape of the Oderbruch and also offers a glimpse into the early 20th century and the history of rail transport. This lets you choose between a cycling trip along the Oder-Neiße Cycle Route and a more historically themed route through the Oderbruch.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Prötzel, you can first decide whether you would like your stay to focus on places in the municipality or on other attractions in the wider Märkisch-Oderland area. The local cultural attractions, the different route lengths and the cycle paths offer concrete points of reference.

Discover more destinations: Müncheberg, Werder, Hoppegarten, Wriezen, Bliesdorf, Reichenberg, Petershagen/Eggersdorf, Reichenow-Möglin

View the wider travel overview: Märkisch-Oderland.