On a hike through the Saarmund Heath, extensive sandy areas alternate with silver-grass meadows and common heather. This changing landscape gives Nuthetal a distinctive natural character. The area’s history also reveals different facets: village churches from different periods, historic high-wheel bicycles, and the history of gliding. You can therefore plan your stay around the landscape, architectural history, or the history of technology.
Heathland and Rare Habitats
The Saarmund Heath reveals itself through the contrast between its open sandy areas and its vegetation. Silver-grass meadows and common heather shape the hike; the landscape is not limited to a single surface or type of vegetation. This variety is a distinctive feature of Nuthetal’s natural character.
The Saarmunder Berg FFH site is home to areas of common heather, dry grassland rich in silver grass, and open sandy areas. The latter are rare across Europe. This description of the site complements the hiking experience with specific habitats and their rarity. Those interested in heathland can explore it in two different ways: by observing the changing landscapes along the hiking route, or by discovering the habitat types within the FFH site.
Village Churches with Different Architectural Histories
Three churches in the Nuthetal districts of Saarmund, Bergholz-RehbrĂĽcke, and Nudow represent different chapters in architectural history. The present-day church in Saarmund was built from 1846 to 1848 by Friedrich August StĂĽler, based on plans by his predecessor Ludwig Persius. It was built considerably later than the two churches dating from the 18th century.
The half-timbered church in Bergholz-Rehbrücke dates from 1716 and is the oldest building in the village. In Nudow, the church was built in 1733/34 as one of Brandenburg’s few “crown churches,” commissioned by the Prussian King Frederick William I. The pulpit, parts of the gallery, and the pews date back to the original construction.
The dates help distinguish the three architectural histories: the half-timbered church of 1716 came first, followed by the royal-commissioned church in Nudow; the present-day church in Saarmund was built just over a century later. Parts of the interior in Nudow have also been preserved from the time of construction. The local history therefore offers not only different dates, but also distinct architectural features.
The History of Technology and Places to Visit
The history of technology is another local theme. The oldest models at the Oldtimer Museum in Bergholz-RehbrĂĽcke are two high-wheel bicycles from the late 19th century. A glider airfield was established on the Saarmund hills in the 1920s. It was used by model aircraft enthusiasts, glider pilots, and hang glider pilots.
The “Kieskuten” are a popular swimming spot in summer and a year-round destination for walkers. Check current access arrangements in advance if you plan to swim. Alongside hiking and local history, you can choose a seasonal swimming spot or a year-round destination for walks.
When planning your trip, you can consider these interests separately: the Saarmund Heath and the FFH site offer landscapes and habitats, the churches offer architectural history, and the high-wheel bicycles offer a glimpse into the history of technology. The Kieskuten add the option of swimming in summer or walking in other seasons. This makes it easier to decide which aspect of Nuthetal you want to shape your trip.
Discover more destinations: Seddiner See, Borkheide, Niemegk, Roskow, Gollwitz, Geltow, Rabenstein/Fläming, Petzow.
For the overview of the wider area: Potsdam-Mittelmark.
