Learn about the history of Beelitz Germany, a medieval town in the Brandenburg region of
Potsdam-Mittelmark is famous for its white asparagus.
From its early days as a pilgrimage place to its current status as a military command center,
Beelitz Heilstatten is a district with a rich history spanning a thousand years. The Beelitz
Heilstatten Hospital was originally built in 1898 as a 60-building medical complex to aid
tuberculosis patients. It served as a military hospital during World War I and was subsequently
occupied by the Soviet Army following World War II.
Tours are now available to the public, as the area has recently become a major tourist
attraction. If you’re considering going there, arm yourself with knowledge before booking your
flight. To find out more about Beelitz Germany and how to get there, continue reading.
Where Is Beelitz Located?
Beelitz is a medieval town in the Brandenburg district of Potsdam-Mittelmark, Germany. The main crop grown there is white asparagus.
On the edge of the Zauche Glacial Sandur Plain and about 18 kilometers south of Potsdam is the
city of Beelitz. The Nuthe-Nieplitz Nature Park’s pine forests border the city on all sides. On a former trade route that connects Berlin and Leipzig, Beelitz is situated.
Beelitz Heilstatten History
A district of Beelitz with a history spanning a thousand years is called Beelitz Heilstatten.
Emperor Otto III’s deed from 997 contains the earliest reference to a place with the Slavic name
Belici, though it needs to be clarified if this refers to Beelitz Germany, or the nearby town of
Belzig.
When news of a Jewish host scandal and the miraculous healing of a bleeding host surfaced in
1247, Beelitz Heilstatten became well-known as a destination for pilgrims. A modest chapel
next to the Church of St. Mary and St. Nicholas has been the venue for the celebration since
- Although this has not been verified, it is customarily thought that the Jews were burned
at stake in the Judenberg region, which is located before the Muhlentor.
History
When King Frederick William I of Prussia lodged a hussar unit there in 1731, Beelitz Heilstatten
was transformed into a garrison town. A Bundeswehr command resides there at the moment.
In Beelitz Germany, asparagus growing was first noted in 1861.
Up until 1815, the settlement of Kanin, which is now a part of Beelitz Heilstatten, was an
exclave of the Electorate of Saxony. As a result, it was a notorious spot for smuggling and a
haven for Prussian army deserters. The oldest church still standing in the state of Brandenburg
was constructed about 1138 and is located in Canning. The Telefunken Corporation erected a radio station in the Schoenfeld subdivision for wireless
contact with North America in 1928. The Reichspost incorporated this station in 1932, along
with the Nauen transmitting station. The GDR’s Deutsche Post operated the station following
World War II until it was shut down in 1991.
The district of Beelitz Heilstatten was fashioned into what it is now by various historical periods
and occasions. Beelitz Heilstatten has played a significant role in the city of Beelitz and the state
of Brandenburg, from its early days as a pilgrimage site to its current position as a military
command center.
History of Beelitz Heilstatten Hospital
The Beelitz Heilstatten Hospital’s past In Beelitz Heilstatten, close to Berlin, it was constructed
in 1898 as a 60-building medical complex. It was developed to help people with tuberculosis in
the industrial city.
But the hospital was transformed into a military hospital during World War I. Adolf Hitler, a
young soldier at the time was notably treated there after suffering a thigh injury during the
Battle of the Somme.
The Soviet Army took over the hospital after World War II and used it as a military hospital.
Since then, a few areas of the structure have served as a Parkinson’s disease patient’s
neurological rehabilitation facility.
But because most of the complex is empty and unoccupied, climbers and vines have grown on
the structures. Due to its desolate appearance, the hospital has served as a backdrop for many
movies, including Roman Polanski’s The Pianist.
The hospital is now a well-liked tourist destination for people who want to learn more about its
fascinating history. The Neurorehabilitation Center is still open and assists patients even though
much of the complex has been abandoned.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Beelitz Germany?
Before making travel arrangements to Beelitz-Heilstatten, a collection of defunct hospitals in
Germany, there are a few things you should be aware of.
Several buildings need to be fixed: Tours are offered; however, many more stunning
structures are gated and not legally accessible. This implies that visitors should plan
to explore a select few structures.
Limited access to travel: Although tours are offered, they offer a partial examination of
the complex. Visitors should therefore be ready to investigate the location
independently.
Canopy road: A canopy covers the main structures for male and female patients, the
kitchen, and a few minor buildings. To enter this area, though, a ticket is required.
No-cost investigation: Still, a sizable portion of the complex is accessible without a
ticket. Due to broken glass and deteriorating floors, several portions of the complex can
be hazardous for visitors.
Be prepared to spend limited time seeing or alone exploring the structures at Beelitz-
Heilstatten. Those who buy tickets can use the canopy walkway, but everyone in the complex
can roam around. When browsing, it’s crucial to proceed with caution because the site is
offensive.
How To Get To Beelitz Germany?
Take a regional train from Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstrae, or Hauptbahnhof
to travel to Beelitz, Germany.
The train ride to Beelitz-Heilstatten Bahnhof station from Alexanderplatz takes around
an hour.
Visitors can opt to head in either direction as they exit the train station because the
hospital is situated on both sides of the track.
Visitors should be alert for shattered glass and deteriorating floors when touring the
hospital.
Exploring The Beelitz Germany
The Beelitz Sanatorium, which is 50 kilometers from the heart of Berlin, is a primarily deserted
location with a unique appeal. This location transpires visitors through the highs and lows of the
20th-century thanks to its majestic buildings and old trees.
The Beelitz Sanatorium’s History
The Belitz Sanatorium was built as a garden and forest sanatorium for Berliners with
tuberculosis in the late 19th century. The location was perfect for this because the nearby
woodlands offered pure air to aid in the patient’s recovery. A surgical hospital, laundry, and
even a small shopping arcade with six businesses were added to the sanitarium by 1928. The
site can now accommodate up to 1,300 patients thanks to the expansion.
Treetop Road at Beelitz Sanatorium
The Beelitz Sanatorium’s treetop, which soars 23 meters above the forest, is one of its main
draws. It stretched past the ruins of the now-closed sanatorium for more than 300 meters and
was inaugurated in September 2015. Visitors that climb the observation tower’s 36 meters in
height are treated to a stunning view of the surroundings.
The Soviet Army and the Communist Era
During World War II, the Soviet Army and the Communist Era Beelitz Sanatorium served as a
German military hospital. From 1945 to 1994, it was the Red Army’s largest military facility
outside of the Soviet Union. Erich Honecker, the freshly ousted leader of East Germany, and his
wife received the order Stay here in December 1990. The property was abandoned and allowed
to deteriorate when the Red Army left in 1994.
Visiting the Beelitz Sanatorium
During World War II, the Soviet Army and the Communist Era Beelitz Sanatorium served as a
German military hospital. From 1945 to 1994, it was the Red Army’s largest military facility
outside of the Soviet Union. Erich Honecker, the freshly ousted leader of East Germany, and his
wife received the order Stay here in December 1990. The property was abandoned and allowed
to deteriorate when the Red Army left in 1994.
Visiting the Beelitz Sanatorium
Many city dwellers now spend their free time relaxing and exercising outdoors at Beelitz
Sanatorium. The area’s abandoned structures and woodland gardens are surprisingly beautiful,
and the treetop trail provides an eye-opening vista. Visitors should be cautioned that some
structures are dangerous, and it is not advised to enter them.
Finally, Beelitz Sanatorium is where history, architecture, and environment combine to produce
a masterpiece. This location has a fascinating history just waiting to be discovered, from its
beginnings as a woodland sanatorium to its usage as a military hospital and eventual
abandonment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Beelitz Germany is a historical town with an intriguing past that has been shaped
by various occasions and eras. Beelitz Heilstatten has had a considerable impact on the city of
Beelitz and the state of Brandenburg, from its early days as a place of pilgrimage to its current
status as a military command center. One of the most important landmarks is the Beelitz
Heilstatten Hospital has operated as a medical facility, a military hospital, and a center
for neurological rehabilitation.
Despite some of the buildings being fenced and inaccessible, the area has become a well-liked
tourist destination. Visitors should be ready to spend a limited amount of time exploring and
moving carefully because some areas can be dangerous. In general, Beelitz Germany is a town
that should be visited to experience its history and cultural value.