Allenstein!

I was greatly surprised when I first heard in the film, that the school is located in Allenstein. I have previously looked for any films shot or set in Eastern Prussia, I have even set up a thread, but nobody could recommend me any. The reason behind my curiosity is that I live in a region that once was a part of Eastern Prussia, now North-East Poland. Allenstein (now Olsztyn) is about 2 hours ride form my town and so, I know the city and its surroundings quite well. You can read in Details, that the filming location is however different. And that's a shame, because there are very few films shot in our region, which could certainly be an amazing scenery. So if you would like to know how different are the places in the film from its real counterparts, here are a few observations of mine.

Firstly, Allenstein is a city, not a lonesome castle on a mountain. Even before war, it was one of the biggest towns in the region. Though, there is a castle in the city, and it stands on a hill (like most of the castles). But it's not made of stone, but of red brick like all the castles here (and we have a few). Secondly, it wouldn't be possible to get to Allenstein from Berlin in less than a day. It takes around 9/10 hours to get there with a car nowadays, I guess at that time it would take much, much longer. Also landscape is generally different from the one shown in the film. There are mostly plains with a very few little hills, no mountain ranges (even this small) nowhere in the nearby. But it's as misty and damp as shown in the film. And the autumn is even more beautiful. If by any chance anybody ever visits the region, its worth taking a train ride (best early spring or late autumn). Gloomy, wast plains with marshes, meadows and little church towers looming in the distance. Amazing view.

Greetings from Poland!
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