Circular trail between the Elbe and Fläming

On the "Zwischen Elbe und Fläming" (between the Elbe and Fläming) circular route, hikers can explore the diverse landscape of Fläming Nature Park and the Mittelelbe biosphere reserve. Highlights of the tour include the the nature trail at Bismarckstieg climbing trail, the Bismarck tower on Hubertusberg and the Luthersteig climbing trail near Möllensdorf. On the way back to Coswig, you can enjoy what are possibly the most views of the nature park on Apollensberg.

Route description:

The route starts at Bahnhof Coswig train station. The popular Bismarckstieg climbing trail begins off the Möllensdorf road and the first section is designed as a nature trail. Along the nature trail there are information boards and steel sculptures of the animals that live here. The unspoilt natural path leads primarily through a bedstraw, oak and hornbeam forest. Then on to the valley of Wörpener Bach stream through Pfaffenheide to the Bismarck tower on Hubertusberg (142 metres). After climbing 50 steps, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Fläming. From Hubertusberg, the trail continues on to the Luthersteig climbing trail. After a short walk by road, you come to the Lutherstein, and from there back into the forest. Having crossed the little bridge over Grieboer Bach stream, an area of particularly beautiful landscape opens up before hikers. A sign at the bridge over Grieboer Bach points the way in the direction of Apollensberg. Along the course of the stream, through forests and open landscape, you come to the ecumenical summit cross on the 127 metre high mountain. A fantastic view awaits at the top. The Elbe is not far heading southward. Lutherstadt Wittenberg is to the east, Griebo and Coswig are to the west. In good weather, the view extends as far as Dessau, far over Dübener Heide and to Petersberg. An nature trail provides information on other special features, including the meadow orchard with local fruit varieties.
You leave Apollensberg heading west and hike along dirt tracks along the edge of Griebo to the Grieboer Bach stream and follow this to the south. After crossing the railway line, you come to the centre of the district of Griebo and westward across the Grieboer Bach stream, which flows into the Elbe not far from an old mill. The hiking trail leads back to Coswig with the Elbe Cycle Path. From the high banks of the Elbe, there are many beautiful views of the river landscape and the Elbe meadows.

Length: 19 kilometres (about seven hours with rests and viewings)

Start/Destination: Coswig/Anhalt

Logo/route sign: Brown shield with an observation tower and summit cross

How to get there:Public transport: From Berlin central station by ICE to Wittenberg and the RB51 to Coswig/Anhalt (about one hour)Car: From Berlin, take the A115, A10, A9 or the B187 to Coswig/Anhalt (about one hour 15 minutes).
Route: Coswig (Anhalt) - Bismarckstieg - Hubertusberg -Apollensdorf - Griebo - Coswig (Anhalt)

Sights:Bismarckstieg nature trailBismarck tower: The tower is open from April to October at weekends and on public holidays except Ascension Day. Food is available at weekends. You can see endangered breeds of domestic animals in the adjoining enclosures.Apollensberg (127 metres) with its ecumenical summit cross and nature trail on local fruitwoodsCafé Abseits in GrieboElbe high banks with a view of the Elbe and access to the Elbe meadowsThe town centre of Coswig with the nature park information centre at Schlossstrasse 13
Possible combinations: Elbe Cycle PathBerlin-Leipzig Cycle Route
Conditions of the trail/surface: mainly natural surfaces, solid footpaths or cycle paths in built-up areas; suitable for families but not for pushchairs

Maps/Literature: "Biosphärenreservat Mittelelbe (3in1)", 3in1-Reiseführer für Ihren Aktivurlaub, mit kompakten Reiseinfos, ausgewählten Wander- und Radtouren, Verlag: PUBLICPRESS, Auflage: 2014, ISBN: 978-3-89920-832-0, Euro 11.99