Beelitz Heilstätten: Canopy Walk, Ruin and Architectural History

Beelitz Heilstätten brings together forest and architectural history in an unusual way: the “Baum & Zeit” canopy walk crosses the “Alpenhaus” war ruin, whose roof has been home to a unique rooftop forest since 1945. The heating and power plant also stands out as a landmark and the centerpiece of the historic ensemble. For planning your trip, two distinctive points of interest emerge: the view of the ruin and rooftop forest, and the technical history of the sanatorium complex.

Canopy Walk Above the Alpenhaus

The walkway is more than 700 metres long and has five large viewing platforms in the tower. The highest platform can be reached by lift. Two reference points should be distinguished when considering the height figures: the canopy walk’s total height to the top of the viewing platform roof is 40.50 metres; the terrain is 67.40 metres above sea level. This makes it possible to distinguish the structure’s dimensions from the elevation of the surrounding terrain. The focus is on the connection between architecture and nature: the walkway crosses the ruin, while the rooftop forest has been growing there since 1945.

Technology and Architectural History

The heating and power plant is the landmark and centerpiece of the historic ensemble in Beelitz-Heilstätten. Its water tower is 41 metres high. It is also the oldest energy centre of its kind in Germany and combines a district heating plant with a power station. Its architectural history also goes back a long way: a leading architect shaped the sanatorium complex during its founding and development phase from 1898 to 1902. These technical and architectural themes offer a different perspective on a visit than the view from the canopy walk.

Plan for Tours and Access

Visitors can join guided tours of the forest park and the preserved buildings. Most of the facilities at Beelitz-Heilstätten can only be accessed as part of guided tours and/or events; conditions may vary depending on the facility. If you would like to see particular buildings, find out before your visit which tour is suitable and what access options are available. This way, you can account for restricted access when planning rather than assuming the facilities are freely accessible.

The Tour de Beelitz by Bike

Another way to make your stay active is the “Tour de Beelitz” cycling route. It starts and ends at Beelitz-Heilstätten station, is about 22 kilometres long and follows a flat route. The trail runs along forest and sandy tracks, as well as partly paved sections. Both the approximate distance and the changing surfaces are therefore relevant when planning. Check the route details locally before setting off; the information about the flat route does not replace an assessment of the surface for your own ride.

In the Wider Destination of Beelitz

The history of the town of Beelitz offers its own points of interest. Beelitz Town Church was first mentioned in a document in 1247 and was originally a Romanesque basilica with piers, built from hewn erratic boulders. The Holy Blood legend made Beelitz the first pilgrimage site in the area east of the Elbe and possibly also in the German-speaking world; a chapel was built around 1340. Beelitz’s old town, around 800 years old, invites visitors to explore its historic buildings. The Ernst Vogel watermill is located on Mühlenstraße, at the edge of the old town.

The history of Beelitz also includes commercial asparagus cultivation: in 1861, Beelitz farmer and burgher Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Herrmann was the first to grow asparagus commercially in fields; other residents of Beelitz gradually followed his example. Beelitz Water Tower Park offers a different focus. Its skate park includes a bowl, a quarter pipe, a plaza, a graffiti wall, trampolines and a “chill area”. The activity park combines the historic vegetation around the water tower with new facilities and opens up the site with paths and features for exercise, play and relaxation. The Beelitz stargazing group is based in the water tower and invites visitors to events and skywatching with a “view from above”.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay. Would you like to spend most of your time at the canopy walk and exploring the technical and architectural history of Beelitz Heilstätten, or would you also like to include attractions in the wider destination of Beelitz? Your choice will determine which places you would like to include in your stay.

Discover more destinations: Fichtenwalde

See the full travel overview: Beelitz.