Auf den Spuren der Treidler - A fascinating hiking trail around Storkow (Mark)

In the Märkisches Land region, it was incredibly difficult to transport freight on the sandy country roads. And so the existing waterways were used for rafting and for transporting a wide range of goods on barges that were towed. One of these waterways was and is the Storkow Canal. Along the southern bank, the historic towpath still connects the town districts of Philadelphia and Kummersdorf. You can look forwards to a walk in the tracks of the haulers and experience the region’s natural beauty.

The walk starts at Storkow Castle, the visitor centre for the Dahme-Heideseen nature park. Parking is free of charge and it is easy to reach by public transport. The circular route is around 15 kilometres long and can also be completed by bicycle. It is not recommended for small children, as the towpath is very narrow and runs close to the water.

The section leads past the historic market square across the “Salzweg” (green signs), a circular path through the Luchwiesen nature conservation area, with its typical salt-tolerant plants such as sea arrowgrass and bird’s foot trefoil. The next town is called Philadelphia. The little one-street village has nothing in common with its American namesake, but it is possible that there might be a historical connection through “Old Fritz”.

The towpath starts as you come out of the village, before the canal bridge, and leads over around 3 kilometres north west to Kummersdorf. The path runs parallel to the canal and is fringed by picturesque trees. Following the road called “Strasse der Jugend”, it passes the track of the RB36 (Berlin-Frankfurt (Oder)) rail line after about 2 kilometres; this is followed by small woodlands and the main road (L23) before the path reaches the little town of Neu Boston. Once again, Frederick II seems to have had something to do with the name. Once you pass Lake Lebbiner See, the first houses in Storkow will soon come into sight. It is worth taking time to visit the Irrlandia Interactive Park along the way (open May to October). Cross the drawbridge and go back through the Old Town and it’s only a short way back to the castle, where the walk ends.

Start/finish: Storkow (Mark) castle
Length: 17 kilometres

via: Philadelphia, Kummersdorf, Neu Boston

Points of interest along the route:Storkow: Storkow castle, Luchwiesen nature conservation area, Irrlandia interactive parkTowpath
The best restaurants:Restaurant Storchenklause, Storkow (Mark)
Information on site:Tourist information centre at Storkow (Mark) Castle