Where can you find the plumpest cherries? In Werder!

Thanks to the mild climate, fruit growing, and viticulture have a long tradition in Werder.

...when Werder's blossoms bloom

In the spring, Werder (Havel) blooms in a sea of fruit trees. In summer and autumn, the trees are densely hung with fruits. Many fruit farms offer a self-picking package. Werder is considered the orchard of Berlin. Werder's fishermen realised early on that the island's mild microclimate was ideal for fruit growing. Commercial orcharding developed in the first half of the 19th century.

The scarce land was densely planted, and in the summer the fruit was shipped to Berlin. At the end of the 19th century, the fruit growers united to form the Fruit and Horticultural Association. It advertised the products, organized exhibitions, advised the farmers and launched the Blossom Festival in 1879. After the two world wars, fruit growing slowly recovered. In the GDR, large-scale production began on the old fruit-growing areas. Nevertheless, also small-scale production in home gardens continued.

After the fall of the Wall, the fruit growers had to start over. With the ‘Werderscher Erzeugermarkt’ (Werder Producer Market) and the re-establishment of the Fruit and Horticultural Association, things slowly improved. To support the preservation of the fruit culture, in 2002, the city council launched a development plan for the cultural landscape and fruit-growing area Glindower Platte, the heart of the fruit production in Werder.

Apple blossom on the Glindower Platte.
Apple blossom on the Glindower Platte.
Harvest season in Werder. Self-picking is available on many farms.
Harvest season in Werder. Self-picking is available on many farms.
Variety is paramount in Werder.
Variety is paramount in Werder.

Fresh from the farmer

Delicious fruits from the Werder Havelland are available at our markets – or directly from the farm.

Products from fruit growers and direct marketers in the region are available at the two Werder town markets. On Saturday, the Frischemarkt (market with fresh products) awaits you at the Strengfeld. There – close to the shopping centre Werderpark – seasonal events take place throughout the year, such as the Apple Festival, the Cherry Festival, the Spring Market, and the Butcher Festival.

Every Friday, there is also the weekly market ‘Unter den Linden’ – in the heart of Werder's Old Town. Further information about the city markets is available on the website of the ‘Werderscher Obst- und Gartenbauverein’ (Werder Fruit and Horticultural Association). If you prefer to pick your fruits and vegetables yourself: The association also lists contacts to the fruit farms. Furthermore, some farms offer their products in farm shops.



For flourishing fruit and wine, in June the sun must shine.

– Saying of the Werder people

Viticulture in Werder

Life is too short to drink bad wine.

In the 1980s, after an extensive break, the first new wine plantations on the Werderaner Wachtelberg began; after the fall of the Wall, other locations were added in Werder, Phöben, and Töplitz. Today, three winemakers produce interesting and high-quality wines in our region. Their facilities remind us that viticulture was of great importance in many local towns and villages.

In Werder, alongside fishing, viticulture counts among the oldest trades. Its history begins in 1317 when the town was bought up as a market town by the Lehnin Monastery. With the support of the Cistercian monks, dozens of vineyards emerged. Over the course of several centuries, Werder developed into the centre of winegrowing in the Brandenburg region.

The wines produced in Werder today rely on this tradition. And it becomes ever more evident that there are once again good locations on the sloping hills by the water. The Havel Lakes have a temperature regulating effect, especially in the winter. The sandy soil is easy to warm up and gives the Werder wine a special gentleness. Today, every third bottle of Brandenburg wine comes from Werder.