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Bad Freienwalde, a charming spa town nestled in the Märkisch-Oderland district of Brandenburg, Germany, boasts a rich history and a picturesque location. Situated on the Alte Oder, an old branch of the Oder River, this town of approximately 12,000 inhabitants lies at the northwestern edge of the Oderbruch basin, where the landscape dramatically rises to form the Barnim Plateau. Its strategic position, 15 kilometers east of Eberswalde and 50 kilometers northeast of Berlin, places it near the Polish border, making it a gateway between two nations.
The town’s story begins in the early 14th century when it was first mentioned in historical records. In 1316, a deed referred to the settlement as Vrienwalde, marking its place in the Margraviate of Brandenburg. By 1364, it had grown sufficiently to be recognized as a town, setting the stage for centuries of development and cultural significance. The Freienwalde manor, from 1618 onwards, came under the direct control of the Brandenburg prince-electors, known as Kurfürsten, solidifying its importance in the region.
As political landscapes shifted, Bad Freienwalde‘s allegiances changed with them. The town became part of the Kingdom of Prussia in 1701 and later the German Empire in 1871. For over a century, from 1815 to 1947, it was administratively integrated into the Province of Brandenburg, a period that saw significant growth and transformation for the town.
The discovery of a mineral spring in 1683 marked a turning point in Bad Freienwalde‘s history, setting it on the path to becoming a renowned spa town. This discovery can be credited to the alchemist Johann Kunckel, who brought it to the attention of Frederick William of Brandenburg, the “Great Elector.” Suffering from gout, the Elector visited Freienwalde the following year, likely seeking relief in its mineral-rich waters. The spring, later named Kurfürstenquelle, was officially recorded by the physician Bernhardus Albinus in 1685, laying the foundation for the town’s future as a health resort.
Recognizing the potential of this natural resource, Frederick William‘s son, King Frederick I of Prussia, commissioned the renowned architect Andreas Schlüter to construct a maison de plaisance, or pleasure house, near the spring. This development marked the beginning of Bad Freienwalde‘s transformation into a destination for those seeking the curative properties of its waters.
The town’s prestige grew further in 1799 with the construction of the Neoclassical Freienwalde Castle. Designed by David Gilly, this small yet elegant structure was built as a summer residence for Princess Frederika Louisa of Hesse-Darmstadt, the widow of King Frederick William II of Prussia. The castle’s park, initially laid out at the time of construction, received a significant redesign in 1822 by the celebrated landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné, further enhancing the town’s appeal.
In the early 20th century, the castle changed hands, being acquired by the industrialist and politician Walther Rathenau in 1909. Following Rathenau’s tragic assassination in 1922, the property was nationalized, preserving it as a part of the town’s cultural heritage. The official recognition of Freienwalde as a spa town came in 1925 when it was granted the prefix “Bad,” a title reserved for localities with proven therapeutic resources.
The town’s history took a somber turn during World War II. In the conflict’s final stages, on March 11, 1945, Adolf Hitler made his last visit to the war front in Bad Freienwalde. The following month, from April 16 to 20, the area became a battleground between the 1st Polish Army and the 9th German Army, with the Polish forces emerging victorious. These events left an indelible mark on the town’s history, serving as a reminder of the broader conflicts that shaped 20th-century Europe.
In the post-war years, Bad Freienwalde experienced further administrative changes. From 1947 to 1952, it was part of the State of Brandenburg. During the years of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), from 1952 to 1990, it belonged to the Bezirk Frankfurt. Following German reunification in 1990, the town once again became part of the reformed state of Brandenburg.
Today, Bad Freienwalde stands as a testament to its long and varied history, with numerous buildings and facilities of historical and cultural significance. The town’s layout and the character of its buildings, streets, squares, and green spaces reflect its evolution over the centuries. Among its most notable structures are the parish church of St. Nikolai and the former church of St. Georg, now serving as a concert hall, both of which contribute to the town’s architectural heritage.
Freienwalde Castle, with its neoclassical design, remains a centerpiece of the town’s cultural landscape. After serving various purposes throughout the 20th century, including housing a museum dedicated to Walther Rathenau and later functioning as the Pushkin House of the Society for German-Soviet Friendship during the GDR era, the castle has been restored to its role as a cultural institution. Visitors can now explore exhibitions on Rathenau’s life and the castle’s history, providing insight into the intertwining of personal, local, and national narratives.
The spa park, another jewel in Bad Freienwalde‘s crown, offers a serene environment for relaxation and reflection. With its iron-rich springs, sundial, marble sculptures, and the picturesque Papenteich with its island, the park embodies the town’s identity as a place of healing and rejuvenation.
For those interested in regional history, the Oderland Museum, housed in the former Freihaus of Uchtenhagen, provides a window into the area’s past. The museum’s collections and exhibits offer visitors a comprehensive view of the Oderland region‘s cultural and natural heritage.
Bad Freienwalde also remembers the darker chapters of its history. A memorial stone bearing the Star of David on Goethestrasse marks the site of the former Jewish cemetery, honoring the Jewish citizens who fell victim to Nazi persecution. The municipal cemetery contains graves of notable residents, including artists, politicians, and local figures who contributed to the town’s development and cultural life.
The Soviet memorial at the Platz der Jugend and the Karl-Weise memorial with its portrait medallion serve as reminders of the town’s 20th-century history, while the flood mark from 1947 near the post office stands as a testament to the natural forces that have shaped the landscape and the resilience of its inhabitants.
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