Schloss- und Parkerlebnis-Tour (cycling)

The old aristocracy and other majestic dignities didn't use to allow access to their homes. What happened behind high castle walls was completely taboo. Everything is different today. Many new castle owners in the Seenland Oder-Spree lake district explicitly invite you to admire their lovingly renovated buildings. Be it as a hotelier, innkeeper or just as good hosts. In addition, you can visit the beautiful gardens around the properties free of charge. Those who love history are in the perfect place on the “Schloss- und Parkerlebnis” where they can experience castles and gardens. Besides history, it offers above all charming countryside.

Length: 33 kilometres

Start: Briesen (Mark) railway station

Finish: Seelow (Mark)

Logo / route sign: not specified

~How to get there:Train: Take the RE1 (Frankfurt / Oder) regional express train from Berlin Zoologischer Garten railway station to Briesen (mark) (about 1 hour).Car: Take the A12 motorway from Berlin to Briesen (Mark) (about 1.5 hours).
Return journey:Train: Take the RB60 regional train from Seelow to Frankfurt (Oder). From here, take the R1 regional train to Berlin central station (about 2 hours).Car: Since the return journey by train to where your car is parked at either Berlin, Erkner or Frankfurt / Oder would take 2 hours, it seems more convenient to simply cycle back along the route.
Route: Briesen (Mark), Alt Madlitz, Wilmersdorf, Falkenhagen (Mark), Lietzen, Diedersdorf, Seelow

Route description: Right from the very first section, day trippers cycle on winding tracks to the old Gutshaus Alt Madlitz manor house and castle grounds. Get off your bike safely here and have a walk around. Those who want to take a short rest are also welcome at the Gräfliche Schlossbäckerei castle bakery. The manor house now houses a chic four-star hotel. The tour continues on towards the Falkenhagener Teiche and Lietzener Teiche ponds. The flora and fauna are still untouched here and the stresses of this world are far away. Far far away - this is the place to be! Beautiful scenery, birds singing and good cycle paths accompany cyclists all the way to Schloss Diedersdorf castle. Built in 1748, the manor house is a real eye-catcher. Today it is hard to believe that it has also been a field hospital, day nursery and youth club. The beautiful grounds were not landscaped until the 19th century. Incidentally, visits can be made to the castle by arrangement. Soon it's time to set off on the final stage – to Seelow, the gateway to the Oberbruch (former marshland). This beautiful little historic town may have more history under its belt than it would like. The most bloody battle on German soil during the Second World War raged here in April 1945. The “Seelow Heights” memorial is a reminder of this with its impressive museum. The Schweizer Haus guest house and restaurant in Seelow with the former model farm belonging to the banker and arts patron Hugo Simon is worth visiting. Albert Einstein and Thomas Mann both visited this place. It's worth making a flying visit to the Alte Dampfbäckerei bakery in the town with a ceramic workshop that is open to the public. By the way, did you know? Seelow's most famous son is Dr. Werner Otto, founder of the mail order company OTTO. His donation enabled Schinkel-Kirche church to be rebuilt many years ago. The church now shines again in all its glory.

Points of interest / background information:Falkenhagen: Fieldstone churchNeuentempel: Radfahrerkirche churchSeelow: Schinkelkirche church, memorial and museum at Seelow HeightsAlt Madlitz: ManorLietzen: CommanderyGusow: Castle
Possible combinations:Märkische Schlössertour, a castle tour of the Mark Brandenburg regionOderbruchbahn Cycle Path
Trail conditions: not specified

Maps / literature: "Seenland Oder-Spree (Landkreise Oder-Spree und Märkisch Oderland): Fahrrad- und Erlebniskarte", Maßstab 1 : 100.000 / 1 : 175.000 Landkarte-Folded Map, Verlag: Pietruska; Auflage: 4 (August 2017), ​ISBN 978-3-945138-01-4, Euro 6.90