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Fontanes Havelland: Discover on the trail of Prussian history!
The documentary about Fontanes Havelland shows historical sites and Prussian history, captured on film by Johannes Unger.
Fontanes Havelland: Discover on the trail of Prussian history!
An exciting episode of the documentary series “Walks through the Mark Brandenburg” is on the program on October 9, 2025. The third part is dedicated to the mysterious Havelland, where the actor Fabian Hinrichs follows in Theodor Fontane's footsteps. With a lively narrative, the documentary brings the renowned writer's explorations to new life and combines Fontane's texts with today's images from the region.
Fontane's work describes the breathtaking landscapes, historical sites and notable personalities of the Mark Brandenburg. Published between 1862 and 1889, it is a unique collection that reflects not only the beauty of the region but also its changes through three wars and the rise of Prussia. In this context, the model estate of the industrialist family Borsig in Groß Behnitz is discussed, as is the historic brickworks in Glindow and the picturesque village of Ribbeck - known for Fontane's famous pear tree.
A masterpiece of rediscovery
Theodor Fontane, born on December 30, 1819, is often considered the most important representative of bourgeois realism. His “Walks through the Mark Brandenburg” are not just a travel report – they also reflect a growing Prussian national consciousness. The idea for this work arose during a visit to Loch Leven Castle in Scotland in 1858, which led him to research the area around Brandenburg for over 30 years.
Using an informal, selective approach, Fontane collected impressions from a wide range of social classes. He gained access to family archives, studied epistolary literature and often traveled to Gröben to look at the oldest church register in the Mark. This attention to detail made his works a valuable source for history and daily life in Brandenburg.
A legacy for the future
The documentary was first broadcast on October 23, 2019 on Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB) and has since captivated numerous viewers. “In Brandenburg everything tastes like pine trees and barracks,” Fontane once remarked, and this observation is also reflected in today’s pictures. The documentary not only addresses Fontane's experiences, but also illuminates the search for identity in the exemplary Prussian history.
The “hikes” still have resonance today and influence both literature and historical research. Even after reunification, Fontane's work experienced a renaissance, and numerous hiking groups follow his footsteps to explore the beauty and history of this region. His writings are not only represented in literary canons, but have also been honored in their works by well-known authors such as Günter Grass.
The documentary series and the underlying journeys are not only a homage to Fontane, but also an invitation to see your own homeland with new eyes. The third part about Havelland promises to delve deep into the stories and experiences of this remarkable landscape!
For more information about Theodor Fontane's “Walks through the Mark Brandenburg” take a look at the details in the ARD media library as well as the comprehensive information available on Wikipedia and Wikipedia (English) be provided.