Heathland in focus
Reicherskreuzer Heath is a defining natural area in Schenkendöbern. The “Reicherskreuzer Heide und Große Göhlenze” FFH site covers 3,063.85 hectares and is considered Brandenburg’s largest managed heathland. It is home to 18 species listed as critically endangered on Brandenburg’s Red List. The area lies mainly in the Spree-Neiße district in the municipality of Schenkendöbern; smaller parts belong to Jamlitz in the Dahme-Spreewald district and Neuzelle in the Oder-Spree district.
A nature trail in Reicherskreuzer Heath follows a circular route between Pinnow and Reicherskreuz. The observation tower is the start and finish point. Another hiking option is the circular trail at Lake Göhlen: it is about 6 km long and takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete. You can choose between a nature trail with the observation tower as its starting and finishing point and a circular route with an approximate distance and duration.
Lakes, birdlife and trails
At Lake Göhlen, you can spot reed warblers and great reed warblers, as well as many species of duck. Sightings vary depending on the season. Nature-based activities at Lake Göhlen also include raft trips; check in advance whether they are available on your visit date. If you travel from Groß Drewitz to Lake Göhlen by bicycle or car, there is a car park before the first bungalows. As parking rules may change, check the situation on site.
Lake Pinnow offers a different kind of scenery. It is in Pinnow, a district of Schenkendöbern, on the edge of the Schlaubetal valley and is surrounded by pine, oak and mixed forests. It is also located in a protected landscape area. Cyclists can follow the Guben Lakes Tour past the major lakes in the municipality of Schenkendöbern. This route complements the individual walking trails with a cycling tour; check the trail conditions before setting off, as they may change.
More to explore in the wider Spree-Neiße destination
The wider Spree-Neiße destination also offers distinctive nature and cultural experiences. The East German Rose Garden in Forst (Lausitz) is a 17-hectare park where visitors can admire tens of thousands of roses in almost 1,000 varieties. For cyclists, the Spree Cycle Route crosses the Spree-Neiße region for about 60 kilometres and runs mostly along paved river dykes. This regional cycle route is an alternative to the Guben Lakes Tour, which passes the major lakes in the municipality of Schenkendöbern.
The Lower Lusatian Mining Tour passes active open-cast lignite mines and landscapes reclaimed after mining. As access restrictions at the mines may change, check what is accessible before planning your trip. The Prince Pückler Route offers another cultural perspective, with examples of landscape design from Pückler’s time and the present day. The Sorbian Impressions Tour offers insights into the lives and traditions of the Sorbian/Wendish minority living in the region.
Discover more destinations: Atterwasch, Turnow-Preilack, Neuhausen/Spree, Peitz, Forst, Teichland, Hornow-Wadelsdorf, Burg.
Go to the regional travel overview: Spree-Neiße.
