EZTrip.com International Destination Guide and Hotel Listings

Sixty kilometres from Berlin, on the main rail line to the Polish city of Szczecin, is the tiny village of CHORIN . Alight at Bahnhof Kloster Chorin, the first of the two train stations, to see the evocatively ruined Cistercian Kloster (daily: mid-March to Oct 9am-6pm; Nov to mid-March 9am-4pm; DM5/¬2.50), which, in accordance with the ideals of its founders, is in a secluded setting in the middle of the woods by a small lake, the Amtssee. To reach it, walk all the way through the village, bearing right, then follow the forest path. Established on this site in 1273, the Kloster was constructed over the following sixty years, and is an example of Gothic brick architecture at its most daringly inventive. In the nineteenth century, Schinkel carried out major structural repairs on the long-abandoned monastery, then in danger of collapse. Both the church and the monastic quarters are substantially intact, though the former now gapingly opens out directly onto the cloister - helping create a much expanded auditorium for the concerts which are regularly held throughout the summer months. Architecturally, the finest feature is the highly idiosyncratic facade , the last part of the church to be built. A dazzling exercise in patterned brickwork, it contrasts sharply but effectively with the solemn grandeur of the structure behind. Also of special note are the gabled brewery by the entrance and the kitchen to its rear.

There are two hotels in Chorin: Landgasthaus Zur Kroneiche , Bahnhofstr. 1 (tel 03 33 66/2 80; DM100-124/¬50-62), and Haus Chorin , Neue Klosterallee 10 (tel 03 33 66/5 00; DM125-149/¬63-74). Both of these have restaurants ; an alternative is Alte Klosterschänke , Am Amt 9.