On its route to the Elbe, the River Havel adorns itself with numerous lakes threaded together like a string of pearls. This series of lakes in the Havelland area with their secret coves, expansive meadows and woods is the Brandenburg region's "fruit bowl". Water also has a very significant impact on the character of the region´s towns and cities. The town of Brandenburg at the Havel is criss-crossed by atmospheric canals and the cathedral - well worth a visit - is situated on an island. In the old town, besides having a look at the Town Hall with its figure of Roland, you should take the opportunity to go to one of the many restaurants to sample the exquisite dishes of freshly caught fish.

In Potsdam, capital of the state of Brandenburg and a magnificent former royal capital, you will experience a particularly impressive union between city and cultural landscape. The cosmopolitan Kings of Prussia were responsible for creating numerous baroque buildings, castles and palaces with opulent land-scaped parks. You can also experience a very special atmosphere in the independent quarters for people from other cultures who had come to settle in Prussia, for example the Dutch Quarter or the Russian Colony. A further recommendation is a visit to Babelsberg film studios which grew to become Europe's biggest and most glamorous film factory during the 1920s.