The Görlsdorf Forest, the village church and the Kornradenweg offer different perspectives on nature, history and route planning. Another view of nature can be enjoyed from the observation platform at the Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Centre Wanninchen, overlooking Lake Schlabendorf and its protected shore areas.

Wildlife Watching in the Görlsdorf Forest

The Görlsdorf Forest is home to 14 of the 18 bat species native to Brandenburg. These include the barbastelle bat, one of Germany’s rarest species. The ancient oak trees are also remarkable: they provide a habitat for the increasingly rare hermit beetle, stag beetle and great capricorn beetle. Bat populations and beetle habitats reveal two different aspects of the forest area—from the species that live there to the habitat provided by old trees.

The observation platform at the Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Centre Wanninchen offers another way to experience nature. From there, you can see the newly formed Lake Schlabendorf and its protected shore and shallow-water areas. Thousands of cranes settle there during migration. The platform can also be accessed via a ramp by wheelchair and with a pushchair.

Public crane-watching events are regularly offered at the Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Centre in September and October. If you would like to plan your trip around these events, check the dates and prices in advance; they may vary. This lets you include the seasonal event in your plans without mistaking it for a year-round offering.

Routes and Directions

The Kornradenweg runs mostly along quiet local roads and farm tracks. Some sections are sandy and may be difficult to cycle on at times, depending on the weather. If you plan to cycle the route, take this weather-dependent limitation into account.

The Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Centre Wanninchen can be reached by car or bicycle via Görlsdorf, a district of Luckau. The turn-off is signposted from the local roads between Görlsdorf and Garrenchen, and between Görlsdorf and Beesdau. Check the signs on site when planning your journey.

Village Church and Estate

The village church in Görlsdorf preserves a medieval fieldstone core in the western section of the nave, probably dating from the 14th century. It was extended eastwards in 1782/83. In 1891, the church was given a cross-shaped form by the addition of transept-like box pews. Its construction history thus includes a probably medieval core and two later alterations, made at different times.

A sandstone epitaph on the south wall commemorates Hans Adam v. Stammer (†1753) and his wife Johanna Eleonora Sophia, née v. Pflug (†1755). The epitaph was restored in 2016. Another architectural feature of the estate in Görlsdorf is its manor house.

History of the Town of Luckau

Luckau, the wider destination, also offers a focus on history. The Lower Lusatia Museum is housed in a former Dominican monastery that was later used as a prison and is associated with inmates such as Karl Liebknecht. The permanent exhibition “Luckau – Gateway to Lower Lusatia. People, Culture, Nature” explores the development of Luckau and its surroundings.

The museum offers interactive audio and media stations for children and adults, as well as an audio guide featuring stories from the former prison. As visitor offerings may change, check which exhibits are available before your visit. A walk along the town wall offers a different perspective: it is fully intact, about 1.8 kilometres long, encloses the old town centre and is ideal for a stroll.

Discover more destinations: Egsdorf

For the wider travel overview: Luckau.