Spa gardens Bad Freienwalde

In his “Hikes through the Mark Brandenburg”, Fontane himself wrote that Bad Freienwalde owed everything to its mountains: it was here that the springs rose that had a healing effect on those suffering from fever, gout and eye disease.

It was a phenomenon observed as early as 1683 by local pharmacist Gensichen – and the Great Elector in “faraway” Berlin was quick to get wind of it. The latter sent his court alchemist to Bad Freienwalde for testing purposes first before setting out himself to become the very first spa guest to savour the soothing waters. Bad Freienwalde’s reputation as the oldest spa town in Mark Brandenburg was born. While back then it was the healing water that ensured guests’ recovery, it is now the moor that is used to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system and rheumatism. Today only one spring flows on the grounds, respectfully named the “Kurfürstenquelle” (“Elector’s Spring”). It was set in red sandstone around 1900 so as to ensure its appearance was in keeping with the dignified status of its eponym.

The landscape park in Brunnental valley was laid out at the end of the 18th century according to plans by Peter Joseph Lenné. From 1816 it was altered to reflect the English landscape style. From the chapel above the adjacent Bad Freienwalde clinic and moor baths there is a beautiful view over the historic spa complex with the Altes Kurhaus, the Kurfürstenquelle at the edge of the park and the Kurmittelhaus. Architect Carl Gotthard Langhans built these facilities as a bathing and lodging house for the nobility, who sought diversion in their day-to-day spa life. Today the elaborately renovated and lovingly restored house combines history with modern flair.

Built in the classicist style, the Papenmühle (mill) stands in the middle of the spa gardens directly next to the Papenteich (pond). The pond used to provide the mill with water power. Since 1864 Bad Freienwalde has been officially recognised as a spa town due to its effective moorland treatments. Even a walk through the beautifully landscaped spa gardens can have a calming effect.

Year of construction: End of the 18th century
How to get there: Car: B158; train: RE3 or RB24 to Eberswalde, then RB60 to Bad Freienwalde