Fontane Trail

Theodor Fontane was not only a writer, journalist, narrator, and theatre critic, he also enjoyed the good life and liked to travel. He had a particular penchant for the natural beauty of the Spreewald, and captured the tranquil poetry of the area and its inhabitants in his Walks through the Brandenburg Marches. The Fontane Trail leads through Burg-Kauper on the edge of the high forest through a unique natural and cultural landscape with riverways, ditches and old trees as well as architectural styles typical of the Spreewald.

Route description: The Fontane Trail starts at Waldschlösschen harbour in Burg-Kauper, where it passes directly by restaurants and punt harbours typical of the Spreewald region. At the starting point you will find the first information panel. Over bridges and past the hustle and bustle of Waldschlösschen lock, the Fontane Trail takes you right out into the midst of a unique experience of nature in the Spreewald. The path leads to Waldhotel Eiche, the inn where Fontane dined on tasty pike served with Spreewald sauce. Here you can take a short break on the terrace by the riverway. Feeling invigorated again, you can continue on your hike through the Spreewald past old Spreewald farmyards, some of which are under monument protection. Once you have arrived on Weidenweg, you should definitely visit the Piezonka potter's workshop and admire the typical Spreewald craftsmanship here. Follow the signs to get back to your starting point. Along the way you will see some panels with information about Fontane, his life and his fascination with the Spreewald. The panels are enlivened with short videos featuring Marga Morgenstern – a real Spreewald character and Fontane connoisseur.

Length: 10 kilometres

Marking: Fontane caricature

Start/finish: Waldschlösschen harbour in Burg-Kauper

Places to stop for a bite to eat/drink: Waldhotel Eiche, Landhotel Burg, Ristorante "il Fienile", harbours on Waldschlösschenstrasse, Steffis Hafenstubchen

Points of interest along the way: Waldschlösschen harbour, Waldschlösschen lock, Spreewald farmyards, Huppatz Adventure Trail, Piezonka potter's workshop, petting zoo, Adventure Minigolf at "il Fienile"

Small tip: You can shorten the tour by half the length if you wish. At the turn to Fischerfluß, simply continue to follow Ringchaussee and you will be back at your starting point after 5 kilometres.