Get out of the capital and into the green countryside of Brandenburg. As exciting and entertaining as Berlin may be, sometimes you just need a trip into nature. Luckily, it’s practically right on your doorstep. These three hikes and spring outings near Berlin in Brandenburg promise pure nature and plenty of relaxation.
An Idyllic Stroll along the “Vier-Seen-Rundweg”
Four lakes in just about 15 kilometers—that’s the aptly named “Vier-Seen-Rundweg” in the “Stechlin-Ruppiner Land” Nature Park. More specifically, these are Lake Dagow, Lake Großer Glietzen, Lake Peetsch, and Lake Stechlin. On the idyllic forest trails, hikers wind their way through coniferous and mixed forests, while the sun’s glimmer on the water’s surface repeatedly shines through the trees. Ah, simply wonderful! But hikers also want to take a break. Viewpoints along the loop trail, such as the “Augustablick” at Peetschsee, are perfect for this. Put your feet up for a moment, munch on the sandwich you brought along, and let the atmosphere of the place wash over you. That’s what relaxation is all about.
The starting and ending point of the hike is the Stechlinsee Center, which, with its café, also serves as a perfect spot to stop for a break. If the weather is still a bit chilly, hearty soups and hot tea will provide the necessary warmth to get your blood flowing. Looking for a souvenir? The small café shop has milk, butter, honey, and fruit spreads ready to go.
• The Four Lakes Loop can be reached from Berlin by taking the RE5 to Fürstenberg/Havel and then continuing on bus 839 to Neuglobsow in just under two hours. The loop is marked with the sign honeycomb brown 2.
The full route description is available on Brandenburg’s tourism website.
Lots of Wildlife on the “Bergmolchwanderweg”
Brandenburg isn’t as flat as you might think. In the Fläming mountain range between Dessau and Potsdam, the terrain rises to as high as 200 meters. But on the “Bergmolchwanderweg”, (Alpine Newt Trail) you can leave the oxygen tent at home. The 14-kilometer circular hike is pleasantly family-friendly. The trail starts at the Hoher Fläming Nature Park Center. From here, the path leads past spawning grounds and marsh meadows, and with a little luck, you might even spot one of the newts that give the trail its name. Kingfishers, dippers, and other rare bird species also call this nature reserve home.
Things get a bit bigger and hairier in the village of Rädigke, where a few mouflons go about their daily business in an enclosure right in the center of town. To finish up, there are a few meters of elevation to tackle. Just before the end of the loop trail, a visit to Rabenstein Castle is on the agenda. The ruins now house a falconry center, and if you plan your hike right, you’ll arrive just in time for a flight demonstration. It’s best to check online beforehand.
• From Berlin, take the RB7 to Wiesenburg, then bus 591 to Klepzig, and finally bus 592 toward Niemegk—a total of two hours to Raben. The trail marker is a blue mountain newt on a white background.
The full route description is available on Brandenburg’s tourism website.
Nature and Culture Along Lake Werbellin
There is plenty of water and forest in Brandenburg—enough for everyone. This is also true of the Lake Werbellin route in the “Barnimer Land” region. The tour follows a pleasant, leisurely path along the Werbellin Canal and Lake Werbellin. First along the lakeside path, later on a natural trail. The start and finish are at the Eichhorst Lock; from here, the route loops through Wildau, Altenhof, and Joachimsthal.
A cultural highlight along the route is the restored Joachimsthal Imperial Railway Station. The pretty half-timbered building looks like something out of a model catalog and glows in shades of cream and red in the sunshine. The perfect photo opportunity! And right next door, a restaurant provides the necessary refreshments.
• From Berlin, take the RE3 to Eberswalde, then bus 910 to Eichhorst, Schleuse—a total of just under two hours.
The full route description is available on Brandenburg’s tourism website.
