Marienwerder combines historic waterways with hiking and cycling tours, as well as insights into local history. The options range from routes starting in Marienwerder to destinations in the wider Barnim travel region. When planning, consider whether you would prefer to focus on canal history, a tour, or a visit connected with the Boatmen’s Festival.
Waterways with a Long History
Built in 1609, the Finow Canal runs through the municipality of Marienwerder. According to the municipality, it is Germany’s oldest artificial waterway. In the wider Barnim travel region, it is also Germany’s oldest artificial waterway still navigable. These two descriptions emphasize different aspects: its age and its continued navigability. The canal was once Prussia’s most important and busiest waterway; today, it is used mainly for tourism.
Since 2018, the Werbellin Canal has connected the historic Finow Canal with the Oder-Havel Canal, allowing pleasure boats to pass through and supporting water tourism. If you are planning a boat trip, check the latest operational notices beforehand.
On Foot, by Bike and by the Water
Hiking trails starting in Marienwerder connect Rosenbeck on the Werbellin Canal with Eichhorst and Lake Werbellin. Cyclists can set out from Marienwerder on routes in every direction. Destinations within reach include the northern villages of Groß Schönebeck and Eichhorst, as well as Lake Werbellin. The routes offer different options: the hiking trails connect named destinations, while cycling routes lead in various directions.
The lido on Bernsteinsee, between Ruhlsdorf and Marienwerder, has a beach and several beach volleyball courts. Check the latest operating conditions before visiting. Marienwerder is also home to a towpath that bears witness to horse-drawn towing in the 19th century.
Local History and Festival
The Boatmen’s Festival is still celebrated in Marienwerder. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the date in advance. The Ruhlsdorf Museum is located in Ruhlsdorf, within the municipality. Its twelve furnished rooms present local history and vividly portray life before and after the Second World War. It is open by appointment, so take this into account when planning.
Barnim in a Broader Context
The wider Barnim travel region offers additional cultural and engineering attractions. Chorin Monastery is a key example of North German Brick Gothic architecture. The Niederfinow Boat Lift is Germany’s oldest still-operating boat lift. These regional destinations offer a different perspective from the waterways and trails within the municipality of Marienwerder.
Cycling and hiking options also extend across the wider Barnim region: the Barnim district’s cycle route network is 610 kilometers long, and cycling in Barnim Nature Park is a visitor activity. The 143-kilometer “Around the Schorfheide” circular hiking trail passes through Barnim Nature Park. Its second stage runs from Biesenthal over sandy terrain towards Marienwerder on the Finow Canal. Lake cruises are offered on Lake Werbellin, and canoe trips are possible on the Finow Canal.
Discover more destinations: Ruhlsdorf, Eberswalde, Schorfheide, Breydin, Lunow-Stolzenhagen, Bernau Bei Berlin, Oderberg, Chorin.
Go to the overview of the wider travel region: Barnim.
