Lilienthal Path

Deep in the Westhavelland, hidden behind the Gollenberg, the small village of Stölln maintains a tradition of aviation. Through the flight experiments of Otto Lilienthal, Stölln became well known far beyond the borders of Havelland. Along the path, the expanse of aviation is showcased from its beginnings, with an exhibition at the Lilienthal-Centrum in the heart of the village, to the IL 62 Lady Agnes at the foot of the Gollenberg.You start at the yellow airplane in front of the Lilienthal-Centrum and first walk through the quiet Bürgerpark past some sculptures. Since the end of the war and falling into oblivion, the former estate park was redesigned as part of the BUGA 2015. Along the way, you will not only explore the life and work of Otto Lilienthal but also the advancements in aviation technology triggered by him. Through historically illustrated information panels and some model flight apparatuses designed by Lilienthal, you gain insights into the time when flying was still a real adventure.Past the memorial stone for Paul Beylich, Lilienthals assistant, the sandy path leads steeply up to the 108 m high Gollenberg. Around 1900, the mountain was almost bare. Today, the path winds through a sparse mixed oak forest. At the top of the summit, like the pioneer of flight once did, you can hold your head into the wind and let your gaze wander over the Havel lowlands to the horizon. Perhaps a breeze will sound the wind harp behind you, and you will hear the vibrating tension wires on the aircraft that Lilienthal loved so much. From the take-off point, it is only a short detour from the edge down to the spot where he fatally crashed in 1896. A memorial stone commemorates the tragic event.The Gollenberg is also a nature reserve. A nature trail provides information about the animals and plants living here. Back at the Fliegerpark, Lady Agnes is already waiting for your visit. Her landing on the much too short runway in 1989 was spectacular.TIP: The Frau-Harke-Wegmarke at the Lilienthal-Centrum, as a station of the Frau-Harke-Sagenpfad, invites you to take a break.Trail Marking: NoneStart/Finish: Lilienthal-Centrum / Foot of the GollenbergDistance/Duration: 4.7 km/1 hr.Suitable for: Family, 60+Parking: Lilienthal-Centrum / Foot of the GollenbergPublic Transport: Stop Stölln, Bus 684/687