Once around the Märkische Meer - tour for late riser

Embedded in the Saarow hill country and a stone's throw from Berlin lies the second largest natural body of water in Brandenburg. The impressive Scharmützelsee, affectionately dubbed “Märkisches Meer” by Fontane, is waiting for you with the perfect scenery. Get on your bike, let the sea breeze blow around your nose and discover idyllic beaches, stately villas and culinary hotspots. After this late-riser tour you will come back relaxed as if from your vacation.

Your cycling experience on the water:
Relaxed: leisurely half-day tour around the Scharmützelsee versatile: cycle through villages and fragrant forests, watch the maritime goings-on, marvel at chic villas and modern architecture Rich in water: sandy beaches, dreamy natural bathing areas, crystal clear water and jetties with wonderful views over the lake Enjoyable: many foodie highlights and idyllic breaks right on the water Practical: if required, bike rental not far from the train station
Start and finish: Bad Saarow train station
Length: 28 km / 2.5 hours
How to get there by public transport: RE1 to Fürstenwalde, then RB35 to Bad Saarow
Departure public transport: RB35 from Bad Saarow, further in Fürstenwalde with RE1, every hour

Glamorous start



After a short train ride, Bad Saarow welcomes you appropriately. The representative station building gives an idea of ​​how stylish it is in the spa and health resort. Your tour now starts in the direction of the Scharmützelsee and the historic lido. Take the Kurpark and the chic lake promenade with you at a walking pace. It's relaxed. You can finally breathe sea air. The holiday mood arises on the harbor promenade. Also take a look at the magnificent villas. The listed Villa Paolo in the Uferstraße is for many the most notable. And of course Fontane should not be missing either - striking sayings by Brandenburg's most famous poets are presented in the park of the same name.





On the west bank
Your tour continues south and Saarow Dorf. At the bathing area at the transition to the Alte Eichen peninsula, you should take a look over to the Kleiner Werl island. So many cormorants breed here. You can also observe various water birds from the rest area on the opposite Silbersee.
On a former railway line, the bike path now leads you through the forest and past the golf course. Those who have wider tires, who are not afraid of carrying a small passage and the natural path can also take the direct riverside path behind the roundabout. This is how you pass the ´Das Dorsch´ restaurant in Saarow Strand, which is known for its regional creations and the phenomenal view.





Scandinavian flair in Wendisch Rietz
When you arrive at the southern end of the lake, the seagulls will guide you back to the lake. You can take a look at Sweden or Finland with a detour to the Scandinavian-looking harbor area in Wendisch Rietz, where the typically colorful wooden houses on the water greet you. From a culinary point of view, a stop is also worthwhile: try the homemade lemonade in the artistic studio café or relax in the Fisch-Haus at the transition to the small Glubigsee.





Quiet villages and beautiful swimming spots on the east bank
From Wendisch Rietz you follow the Oder-Spree-Tour for a while. Across meadows and you come to Diensdorf on the eastern side of the lake. Here the bank drops off steeply. Between the houses you can see the water flashing again and again and from the headland at the water hiking rest area there is the best view. Also interesting: the exhibitions in the old school barn and one village further, in Pieskow, the private manor house "Klein Sanssouci", the fairy tale forest and the church on the village green with a wooden altar from the 17th century.





Sundowners by the sea
Beach atmosphere comes up again on the beach in Cecilienpark. Back in Bad Saarow, the Bavarian-inspired Freilich am See offers you the opportunity to end the day with a sundowner or a light beer in the beer garden. Park your bike, put your feet up and enjoy the sunset over the Märkisches Meer! Cheers!

Plan your late riser bike tour around the Scharmützelsee now!





Jump into the crystal clear water here
Bad Saarow lido, north bank Bathing area Kleistpark Bad Saarow, west side Pleasure garden at the entrance to the Alte Eichen peninsula, Saarow Dorf, west side Wendisch Rietz at the Schwarzhorn campsite and on the promenade, southwest side Bathing beach Radlow village, east side Bathing area Diensdorf and water hiking rest area Diensdorf-Radlow, east bank Pieskow bathing area with sunbathing lawn Cecilienpark with beach, sunbathing lawn and restaurants, Bad Saarow, east bank Bike tip Bicycle day pass in the VBB network: € 6 If you don't want to bring your own bike, "Home of Bikes Scheffler" in Golmer Straße 6B, 100m from Bad Saarow train station, offers you the ideal bike rental service:Open all year round Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat / Sun 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.Rent Sat / Sun until late. 1:00 p.m., return: anytime, even outside of the opening times!Trekking, mountain, city and e-bikes. The daily price is valid until 10 a.m. the following day.Reservations under 033 631/58 800 or onlineRefreshment tipsSaarow Strand: Das DorschWendisch Rietz: Ateliercafe, Fisch-Haus am GlubigseeBad Saarow: Freilich at the lake, Nobelscharf beach bar (seasonal), beer garden at Scharmützelsee, Pechhütte, coffee roastery and Amiceria