On the way with the forest gnome on the Löcknitz - tour for late riser

Do you want to move in nature, sniff the forest air, discover new things and maybe even stop for a swim? This short one-way late riser tour is only a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of the capital and is the ideal destination for young scouts and big conservationists.

Your late riser highlights:
Exciting and entertaining: get to know the flora, fauna and the regional habitat on a nature trail at 16 interactive stations with the forest gnome Wupatz Nature and idyll: at the foothills of the Löcknitz valley you sometimes feel like you are in the jungle Refreshing: jump into the clear water at Flakensee in summer Moving museum: on the go with the historic tram Start: Erkner station
Destination: Erkner or Woltersdorf lock
Length: 8 km / 2.5 - 3 hours
Arrival by public transport: RE1 or S3 to station Erkner
Departure public transport: Tram 87 from Woltersdorf Schleuse to Rahnsdorf S-Bahn station, alternatively bus 418 to Erkner station

From Erkner to the Löcknitz valley
The regional express takes you to Erkner super fast. First of all, it goes a bit along the Jacobsweg through the city. If necessary, you can pick up a small snack at the Bürgerle ice cream parlor. After the railway underpass, which is filled with exciting graffiti, the tour turns onto the Wupatz nature trail. You will roll up the 16 stations in the further course of the way from behind. There is a lot to learn and to try out!
After a short passage between the railway line and the gardens, it goes through typical Brandenburg pine forest towards Löcknitztal. On the Hubertussteg you will meet the 66-Seen-Weg and cross the oxbow lake of the small Löcknitz river. Everything is overgrown and you could almost think that you are in the Amazon. Be sure to try the balance course on the nature trail!





Around the mystical Wupatzsee
The Leistikowsteg crosses the now more extensive Löcknitz again and it goes around the reed and alder-lined Wupatzsee. Due to the densely overgrown shore zone, there are always views of the lake and its inhabitants. Pretty great crested grebes hunt for fish. Maybe you are there in June for the water rose bloom or you can enjoy the many lilies of the valley in spring.





View of the Flakensee
At the edge of the forest and along lush meadows, the path of the Löcknitz continues in the direction of Woltersdorf. You pass a small forest playground with a swing, slide and insect hotel to the Flakensee. Here the path under fragrant pines and alders reveals wonderful views of the water. Benches invite you to linger and bathing spots, including a large sandy beach, invite you to splash around.




View from the top and culinary reward
Do you still have a few grains in your calves? Then a detour to the 100m high Kranichberg is recommended. From the observation tower (admission 2 €, until 5 p.m.) you have a fantastic view of the Berlin TV tower, over the chain of lakes and over to the Rauener Mountains (Rauener Bergen). Bonus: the tower is a small museum and informs you about the film history of “Märkisches Hollywood” here in the region.
You can end your tour in the excursion restaurants at the Woltersdorfer Schleuse, e.g. with cakes, snacks or home-brewed food in the beer garden. The last meters of the tour lead you over the lock bridge to the tram station. If you have to wait, you can easily shorten it: watch the locks, test chimes on the sidewalk or enjoy an ice cream at the bakery across the street. But then the final highlight of your tour is waiting. The Wolterdorfer tram 87 finally brings you back to the big city in historical cars with a funny rattling through the Köpenick forest.

Plan your late riser hiking tour to Erkner and Woltersdorf now!





Extra family tips:
Ice cream and bakery: Cafe Bürgerle in Erkner, Café Knappe Woltersdorfer Schleuse Pedal - paddle and license-free small motor boats are available on the Spree Safari on Flakensee near the Woltersdorf lock. Online reservation possible. Playgrounds: Forest playground at Flakensee, at the Woltersdorf lock Swimming: various natural bathing areas at Flakensee Public toilets: S-Bhf. Erkner, Woltersdorf lock Refreshment tips:
Erkner: DEKAFFE transparent shop roastery, Bürgerle ice cream parlor Woltersdorf lock: various restaurants and cafés