Wupatz educational trail

The forest on the eastern outskirts of Erkner is home to the little forest gnome Wupatz. With cheeky sayings, he guides big and small hikers through the idyllic outskirts of the Löcknitz valley. Adventurous visitors learn about the local flora, fauna, and landscape structure in a playful way at 16 stations using display boards and interactive modules. This not only challenges and promotes intellect and skill, but also the senses and endurance.The start of the 3.6 km long interactive circular trail is right at the eastern entrance of the village, where two spacious parking lots are also located. It is about a 2-hour adventure journey through the forest, meadows, and water. Along the way, there are many places to have a picnic or simply take a deep breath - the path itself is therefore worth a visit.Initially, the path runs along the edge of the forest, offering magnificent views of the colorful meadows along the Löcknitz. Framed by mystical groups of trees, the path circles around Wupatzsee in an arc. Despite the densely overgrown shore zone, occasional glimpses of the lake and its countless inhabitants can still be caught.At Leistikowsteg, the expansive Löcknitz is finally crossed, which has also been discovered by excursion steamboats and leisure captains. After a short section on the so-called Löcknitz island, you eventually reach Hubertussteg. It crosses over the old arm of the Löcknitz, where the shores with low-hanging branches and lush greenery create a rather primeval forest atmosphere.On the southern side of the Löcknitz valley, you will then pass through the typical pine forest of the Märkische region towards Oberförsterei and back to urban areas. After a short stretch between the Erkner train tracks and garden areas, you will head directly back to the parking lot along Fürstenwalder Straße.By the way, parts of Wupatzs educational trail belong to the 66 Lakes Hiking Trail and the Camino de Santiago. The section up to Leistikowsteg was dedicated to the painter Walter Leistikow (1865–1908) a long time ago (Leistikowweg). During the summer months, he often roamed the Märkische landscape and also painted scenes from Erkner. Leistikow was also friends with Erkners most famous citizen: Gerhart Hauptmann.Note for families: The last 250 meters of the hiking route lead along a busy road before completing the circular trail.