First Stage FONTANE.RAD – From Oranienburg to Gransee

The first stage of the FONTANE.RAD route takes you to four palaces – and a love story that Fontane himself was particularly drawn to. Between the palaces lies the glistening Lake Huwenowsee in Meseberg, along with extensive mixed woodlands around Liebenberg – ancient trees and rolling hills that offer sweeping views of the countryside. A perfect introduction.
Oranienburg is the starting point of this first stage of the bicycle tour. Fontane was particularly taken with the love story associated with the palace: Electress Louise Henriette, née Princess of Orange, was delighted with the fertile lowlands here – and the Elector then gave her the palace as a gift. Louise gave it the name Oranienburg. Other palaces and castles described by Fontane are situated along the route: Liebenberg Castle with its manor house, Hoppenrade Castle with its park and chapel and finally Meseberg Palace – the Federal Government guest house. Very close by is Lake Huwenowsee, where there is an attractive circular trail. A good idea to round off this stage of the tour is to visit the medieval town centre of Gransee.

Length: 46 kilometres (3-4 hours)

Start: Oranienburg, finish: Gransee

Logo/route sign: FONTANE.RAD against a yellow background

How to get there: From Berlin central station take the RE 5 (Stralsund/Rostock) to Oranienburg (approximately 30 minutes), from Berlin Friedrichstrasse take the S1 (Oranienburg) to Oranienburg (approximately 40 minutes).

Return journey: From Gransee take the RE 5 (Elsterwerda) to Berlin central station (approximately 45 minutes).

Route: Oranienburg, Neuholland, Liebenberg, Löwenberg, Hoppenrade, Meseberg, Gransee

Points of interest and background information:Oranienburg PalaceLiebenberg Castle with manor houseHoppenrade Castle with park and chapelMeseberg CastleLake HuwenowseeHistoric town centre of Gransee
Possible combinations:not specifiedTrail conditions/surface: 96% asphalted – 4% non-asphalted

Maps/Literature:For full tour details, see tour guide FONTANE.RAD and cycle map.
You will find full details of the cycle route on the website //www.fontanerad.de" target="_blank"FONTANE.RAD.