Barnim Schorfheide cycle map (RK-BRA06)

The Barnim Nature Park encompasses West Barnim, parts of the Eberswalde glacial valley, and the Havel lowlands. As a cross-border large protected area of Berlin and Brandenburg, it lies between the northern city limits of Berlin and the Schorfheide. Of the total area of 750 square kilometers of the Barnim Nature Park, 5.4 percent is located in Berlin.

More than half of the nature park is forested. Due to the sandy soil, pine forests are predominantly found. However, there are also other naturally occurring tree species; for example, Lake Liepnitz is surrounded by beech forests, and alder marsh forests are native to the Briesetal. Characteristic of Barnim are the many glacial lakes, streams, and boggy depressions. The Upper Barnim, with its extensive forest areas, was formed during the last ice age, around 15,000 years ago. Up to 90-meter-high terminal moraine ridges were left behind. Meltwater collected in the depressions of the ground moraines.

The cycling routes also lead through the Uckermärkische Seen and Märkische Schweiz nature parks, into the Schorfheide-Chorin biosphere reserve, and into the Lower Oder Valley National Park.

The area around Chorin is often referred to as the "pearl of Barnim." At the crystal-clear Lake Liepnitz, the forest pool invites you to take a plunge into the cool water. Even Fontane spoke of the special charm of Lake Werbellin: "It is a fairy tale place where we sit, for we sit on the shore of Werbellin." The beautiful location and the clear waters of the lake attract thousands of visitors each year.

In Wandlitz, you should definitely visit the Barnim Panorama. Surrounded by clear lakes and ancient mixed forests, this traditional excursion and recreation spot lies in the heart of the Barnim Nature Park. The place is particularly known because Erich Honecker and the former DDR elite had their residence in the nearby "Waldsiedlung." Bad Freienwalde is the oldest spa and bathing resort in the Mark Brandenburg.