The Idea
More than 100 years ago, the famous “Beelitzer Heilstätten” were created. Nowadays, a unique tree top and time travel path (barrier free) is winding above the World War II ruins of an Alpine house. In the old days, the working population of the imperial capital of Berlin was supposed to recover from the then rampant tuberculosis surrounded by the finest architecture and extensive forest parkways. Ever since, the flow of time with all its exciting developments and of course with many – very different – occupants and visitors has left its distinctive and visible marks. During your visit, you will discover the old buildings which, resembling old castles, exude their very own unrivalled beauty and charm.
Either on your own or as part of a guided tour you can stroll through a world in which normally only birds spread their wings. Here, you will get some exciting and unique insights into the history, stories and nature related to this place rescued from destruction. The 40-metre-tall viewing tower offers some spectacular views and vistas, from the Fläming region all the way to Berlin. The lift takes you all the way to the top.
“It was only when I put my wish into practice 
which I had cherished from a young age,
when I started to study architecture
a joyful life began inside of me.”
Heino Schmieden, 1835 – 1913
The architect Heino Schmieden shaped the face of various German cities in the Wilhelmine era, particuarly through the creation of public buildings. Concert halls, museums, courts, university and administrative buildings – and first and foremost hospitals
were designed by Schmieden. For this reason, he was the leading architect during the founding and erection phases of the Beelitz sanatoriums (1898-1902).
Together with his childhood friend and business companion Martin Gropius he strove to create a modern, people-oriented form of architecture which considered creative beauty to be an inextricable part of the function of a building. The Beelitz sanatoriums are a proof of this pretence. The architectural critic Gerwin Zohlen wrote in 2012: “Even in today’s ruinous and shredded state the Beelitz sanatoriums are the hard-to-grasp document of an architectural and aesthetic overspill as well as overvalue, which was dedicated to social and medical purposes in its day. The dignity, stance and the commitment which the sanatoriums eradiate appear to be almost unimaginable today, particularly so as all these efforts were made for the lower and middle classes. And at the same time, they are a testimony of the architectural skills which certainly existed 100 years ago.”
Admission
fees
- Visitors on their birthday: free
- Children up to 6 years of age supervised by an adult: free
- Adults from 18 years of age: € 17,00
- Children and adolescents 7-17 years of age: € 12,00
- Pensioners, students, disabled people, pupils (presentation of valid identification required): € 15,00
- Family ticket, 2 adults and own children/grand children under 18 years of age: € 39,00
- Family ticket, 1 adult and own children/grand children under 18 years of age: € 25,00
- Groups with at least 15 paying participants paying together, per person: € 13,50
- School classes/kindergarten/etc.: upon request
- Annual ticket: € 40,00
- Annual ticket for children: € 30,00
- Annual ticket for families, adults and own children/grand children under 18 years of age: € 100,00
Opening hours 2020
- March: Saturday and Sunday from 10am to sunset
- April through September: daily 10.00 am - 7.00 pm
- October & November: daily 10.00 am until sunset
- December through February: Saturday & Sunday 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
The ticket office closes one hour before closing time!
How to find us
- A9 motorway Berlin – Leipzig – Nürnberg → Exit 2 Beelitz-Heilstätten (direct access to the car park of the “Tree Top Walk” via the roundabout).
- B2 highway Potsdam – Wittenberg – Leipzig→ in Beelitz follow the signs to Beelitz-Heilstätten respectively Baumkronenpfad.
- RB7 regional train Berlin – Dessau→ Beelitz-Heilstätten station→ signs towards Baumkronenpfad.
- European Bicycle Route R1 London – Berlin – St. Petersburg→ On the sanatorium’s premises go towards the L88 road (Beelitz-Lehnin).
Contact
Baum & Zeit – Baumkronenpfad Beelitz-Heilstätten
Straße nach Fichtenwalde 13,
14547 Beelitz, Germany
You can contact us by phone on
+49(0)033204/6058-10.
e-mail: info@baumundzeit.de
The Park
The forest park
Long stays in the fresh air, such as extensive walks and rest cures, were part of the therapies in Beelitz in any season of the year. Before even the first building of the sanatorium was erected the gardens were designed to benefit the patients with the help of the gardeners of the nearby imperial parks of Potsdam. A part of the original pine forest was integrated into the park landscape. Even today, around 65 different tree and shrub species are to be found on the premises, which creates a marvellous play of colours particularly in the spring and in the autumn. This floral splendour is complemented by countless flowers in large flower beds.
A special botanical highlight is the forest roof on top of the World War II ruin of the Alpine house. Trees have been growing here since 1945. Also the other castle-like buildings are grown over by climbing plants and pioneer plants provide some extravagant motifs which are usually to be expected on temples in the jungle. Step by step, the old structures of the park are brought back to the light of day. Go ahead and discover them!
Around the tree top walk
Two different walks with nature guide Claas Fischer will lead you to the remarkable woods in the sanatorium park, making you familiar with their identifying characteristics and providing interesting facts about their ecological, medical and culinary benefits. These walks are exciting complements to your individual discoveries on the Tree Top Walk.
Guided tours
Zeitenwandel – Wandelzeiten
(Changing times – time to stroll)
A walk through the history of and stories about the Beelitz sanatorium
You will spend one hour strolling along the historical paths of the Beelitz sanatoriums together with our knowledgeable tour guides, getting to know some interesting and funny details from the patients’ lives between the solarium, the dining hall and the Alpine gorge. Discover this magnificent area with its more than 100 years of history, which offers various relics from the ever-changing German history. Gain insights into the premises’ architecture and nature.
Gastronomy
What would a trip into the countryside be without a delicious snack, a cosy lunch or a piece of cake?
Gastronomy in the discovery area of “Baum & Zeit”
In the pavilion of the “Bistro am Baumkronenpfad”, beside the viewing tower and a playground, a young team welcomes you with their culinary offers. During the main season, the
large terrace and the beer garden offer some space in the open (approx. 200 seats).
Culinary offers near the discovery area “Baum & Zeit”
In the immediate vicinity of the discovery area, for which an admission ticket is required, you will find the “Restaurant & Landhotel Gustav” (approx. 600 metres from the pay desk) is immensely popular. It is located directly on the L88 road, which divides the quadrants A and B of the Beelitz sanatoriums.
Tip: The Tree Top Walk is situated in the middle of the Beelitz Asparagus District. Do not miss this delicacy during its high season (spring until 24 June).
Tours
Guided tours in English can be arranged upon request.
Tour: Time change-change times
A walk through the eventful history of Beelitz Heilstätten
Entertaining, historical tour of the area (barrier-free, outdoor)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Group price: €200,00 (max. 30 participants; arranged upon request)
- All prices plus admission fee to the Tree Top Walk.
- no age restriction.
Information for individual bookings: +49(0)33 204 – 60 58 25 / gruppen@baumundzeit.de
Tour: „Fascination – Alpenhaus“: World War II ruin – biotope – film set“
Thematic guided tour of the building with explanations of the overall facilities as well as the solitary history of the building, its colonization by nature and use as a movie backdrop
Entertaining, guided tour of the building (conditionally barrier-free, indoor)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Group price: €250,00 (max. 30 participants; arranged upon request)
- All prices plus admission fee to the Tree Top Walk.
- Helmet required for all participants
- Age restriction: 7 years +
Information for individual bookings: +49(0)33 204 – 60 58 20 / gruppen@baumundzeit.de
Tour: Three buildings in one tour!
Guided tour of the grounds, history and architecture of Beelitz Heilstätten using the example of three buildings from the imperial era
Indoor – thematic building tours, not barrier – free
- Duration: 1,5 hours
- Group price: €300,00 (max. 30 participants; arranged upon request)
- All prices plus admission fee to the Tree Top Walk.
- Helmet required for all participants
- Age restriction: 14 years +
Information for individual bookings: +49(0)33 204 – 629 765 / gruppen@baumundzeit.de
Tour: The old surgery building – The spirit of „Beelitz-Heilstätten“
Guided tour on the history, architecture and use of the most famous house at the „Heilstätten“
Indoor – thematic building tours, not barrier – free
- Duration: 1 hour
- Group price: €250,00 (max. 30 participants; arranged upon request)
- All prices plus admission fee to the Tree Top Walk.
- Helmet required for all participants
- Age restriction: 14 years +
Information for individual bookings: +49(0)33 204 – 60 58 20 / gruppen@baumundzeit.de