Seven kilometres of hiking trails in the wildlife park, a signposted cycling loop around Werbellinsee and a film about the history of Schorfheide give a stay a range of possible focuses. Add protected landscapes, cultural attractions and activities on the water—the specific places can help you plan.

Enjoy nature and explore the trails

At Schorfheide Wildlife Park in Groß Schönebeck, large wild animals and very rare traditional domestic animal breeds whose populations are at risk live in spacious enclosures. The wildlife park offers seven kilometres of hiking trails with rest stops and picnic areas. A large playground and a petting enclosure add more visitor attractions alongside the animal enclosures.

The landscape around Werbellin also has its own distinctive character: the town lies in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, in a hilly terminal moraine landscape that is partly under special nature protection. Altenhof is a popular starting point for cycling and hiking trips through Schorfheide.

Werbellinsee by bike and on the water

The Werbellinsee cycle loop is signposted with numbered junctions and its own tour logo. From Wildau, it follows well-maintained forest paths directly along the lakeshore, crossing the wooden bridge by Askanierturm and continuing to Altenhof. Altenhof is the only town directly on the lake. Joachimsthal, Eichhorst and Altenhof are listed as starting and finishing points. This gives you both specific options for towns and a described route to use when planning your ride.

At Werbellinsee, Altenhof has a swimming lawn as well as boat and bicycle rentals. A different water-based activity is available at the Finowfurt waterway rest area on the edge of Schorfheide: it is a starting point for canoe trips on the Finow Canal, and canoes can be rented there. The two places offer different ways to spend time on the water—a swimming lawn and rentals at Werbellinsee, or a canoe trip on the Finow Canal.

Cultural attractions in Groß Schönebeck and Altenhof

The station in Groß Schönebeck houses an exhibition on the natural landscapes of Schorfheide and its Polish partner region, Drawsko. Concerts are held regularly in the Protestant church in Groß Schönebeck. In Altenhof, the preserved vaulted cellar of Breten Castle is protected as an archaeological monument. Together, these places represent different cultural themes: natural landscapes, music and a protected historic structure.

The “Hunting and Power” exhibition includes a film about the history of Schorfheide, around 40 minutes long, shown on three screens. The film is screened every 15 minutes during opening hours in the coach house of the hunting lodge. Those interested in the region’s history will find another way to explore the subject, in addition to the exhibition at the station.

Planning your excursions

The tourist information office in Groß Schönebeck advises visitors on planning cycling and hiking trips, as well as excursions to local attractions. This can help you put together an itinerary to suit your interests: options range from hiking trails in the wildlife park to the cycle route around Werbellinsee, cultural attractions and canoe trips.

Barnim as a regional setting

For a broader regional perspective, Barnim is also worth exploring: Chorin Monastery is a landmark of North German Brick Gothic, and the Niederfinow Boat Lift is Germany’s oldest still-operating boat lift. The Ice Age Geopark on the Oder’s eastern edge extends across the Uckermark and Barnim districts in northeastern Brandenburg. These examples add to the picture of the region without implying that the individual places and their offerings are the same.

Discover more destinations: Altenhof, Werneuchen, Eberswalde, Breydin, Bernau Bei Berlin, Niederfinow, Ahrensfelde, Biesenthal

Back to the regional travel overview: Barnim.