Nauen(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Nauen, the top boutique hotel with lake views is Hotel am See, a design-focused retreat nestled along the Spree River tributary. Its floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding forest and shimmering water, while its interior blends Brandenburg architectural heritage with modern minimalism. The hotel provides complimentary bicycles for exploring the Havel Valley hiking trails, and its on-site restaurant specializes in regional organic cuisine—try the wild mushroom soup and house-made rye bread. For a more rustic experience, consider Gasthof Zur Alten Mühle, a 19th-century mill turned guesthouse with original timber beams and stone walls, ideal for immersing in authentic German countryside culture.

The Old Town Center of Nauen is the best neighborhood to experience authentic local life. Cobblestone streets lined with 19th-century timber-framed houses now house cozy cafes and artisan shops. Visit the Market Square early in the morning to meet local farmers selling fresh produce and homemade jams. In the evenings, join community-run German beer nights featuring locally brewed Kreuzberg wheat beer. This area’s quiet charm and easy access to Berlin city center (just 40 minutes by train) make it perfect for travelers seeking a balance between urban convenience and rural authenticity.

Don’t miss the annual Havel Valley Folk Festival in summer, where traditional farming rituals, hand-spinning demonstrations, and folk music performances bring 19th-century life back to the village. The Nauen Church features rare Baroque stained glass windows and hosts intimate classical concerts every Sunday. Visitors can also book a one-day workshop at the Brandenburg Pottery Studio, crafting a personalized ceramic piece adorned with regional motifs—a meaningful souvenir of your stay.

Start your day with a sunrise jog or bike ride along the lakefront path, capturing misty reflections on the Spree River. Head to the Nauen Museum in the morning to explore the town’s evolution from an agricultural village to a railway hub. Lunch at Brauhaus Nauen, enjoying a hearty pork knuckle with sauerkraut and a pint of local black beer. In the afternoon, visit the old mill ruins and take a guided tour of their water-powered machinery. End your day at the Town Square with a spontaneous open-air theater performance, soaking in the genuine German village arts scene.

Yes, both Hotel am See and Familienhotel Grünwald are excellent choices for families. The former offers family suites with play areas and outdoor sand pits; the latter features an open kitchen where parents and kids can join a Brandenburg bread-baking class together. Both hotels are located in safe, quiet neighborhoods near child-friendly parks and nature trails. All rooms include free cribs and children’s cutlery, while select units have private gardens for family relaxation.

Nauen’s culinary highlights include rye sausage with roasted potatoes, wild mushroom stew with beef, and honey-mustard pickled herring. Restaurants like Ratskeller Nauen source ingredients directly from local farms, emphasizing seasonal and sustainable practices. Don’t miss the artisanal rye bread, made using traditional fermentation methods and served with house-made sour cream sauce. During the annual Harvest Festival in autumn, sample seasonal specialties like pumpkin jam and apple tart made with freshly picked fruit.

Nauen is a prime stargazing destination due to its low light pollution. The Lakeside Hill offers unobstructed views of the night sky, perfect for spotting the Milky Way and meteor showers. Some hotels, like Hotel am See, host monthly night sky tours with telescopes and expert guides. Additionally, the Havel Valley Nature Reserve features several designated stargazing trails with informational panels about constellations—ideal for family-friendly astronomy exploration.

Photography lovers will adore cobblestone alleys in the Old Town, where morning light creates dramatic shadows. The wooden lakeside bridge offers stunning reflections ideal for long-exposure shots. In autumn, the oak forest belt bursts into golden and crimson hues, forming a natural canvas. The old mill’s gears and weathered walls provide strong industrial aesthetics for portrait and still-life photography. Monthly Nauen Light Walks lead photographers through hidden corners, capturing fleeting moments rarely seen by tourists.

Despite being a small town, Nauen has excellent connectivity. Regular Regional-Express trains link it to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (approx. 40 minutes). The town’s circular bus service covers major attractions and shopping areas, and accepts the Berlin Welcome Card for free rides. Bike-sharing stations are widespread—rent electric bikes to ride the Havel Valley Greenway, complete with rest stops and scenic overlooks, perfect for leisurely travel and photo opportunities.

Look for handmade rye bread croutons, oak wood carvings, and Havel Valley map embroidery bags. Local craft stores like Kunsthandwerk Nauen sell unique items made from reclaimed wood, each piece one-of-a-kind. Every third Saturday of the month, the Old Town Market hosts a rural fair with stalls run by farmers and artisans offering fresh jams, lavender sachets, and custom wool scarves. Some hotels even offer a "Memory Box" service, turning your photos from the trip into postcards and packing them with local treats for mailing home.