It lies about 24 km (15 mi) west-south-west of Potsdam.

It is best known for Lehnin Abbey, the oldest monastery in the Margraviate of Brandenburg, established in 1180 by Margrave Otto I.

The adjacent settlement developed about 1415 out of a market held by the monks outside the abbey walls.

Today, this well-maintained area includes the renovated monastery church and other Gothic buildings.

In addition to tourism, Kloster Lehnin's local economy is supported primarily by All of these companies are established in the industrial area, Rietz.