Zossen

Zossen is a town south of Berlin in Brandenburg whose name derives from the Old Sorbian word "Sosny," meaning pine tree, reflecting its origin as a Slavic settlement. It is first documented in 1320 under the names Sossen, Suzozne, and Zozne. In the Middle Ages Zossen was the seat of a small noble territory, acquired in 1490 by Brandenburg Prince Elector Johann Cicero and converted into an administrative district. A railway station opened in 1875 on the Berlin–Dresden line, along with a Prussian military railway to a nearby artillery range, and in the early 20th century the neighbouring Zossen-Wünsdorf garrison became a major German military command hub used during both World Wars.

Zossen is reached by road or rail south of Berlin, on the Berlin–Dresden railway line.

The town centre has an old marketplace, a city park with a bridge over the Nottekanal, a rose garden, and the ruins of a historic castle.

The Nottekanal has cycling and hiking trails along its banks and is used by canoeists and pedal-boaters. Nearby lakes, including Lake Kallinchen (noted for its beach) and the Zeschsee, offer swimming.

• Berlin — Germany's capital city, reachable by regional train
• Nearby towns in Brandenburg — explore the surrounding region