Circular Walk Around Groß Schacksdorf Ponds

The circular path can be reached via the Hauptstrasse in Groß Schacksdorf, heading towards the residential area of Schacksdorf-Ost. A dirt track leads off on the left about 100 metres before the branch into the residential area. At the end of the track is a marked parking area, which is the starting point for the "Groß Schacksdorf Ponds” circular path. The hike takes you into a typical Lusatian region pond landscape. The actively managed ponds are enclosed by open meadows, agricultural fields and a pine forest, which transitions into a swampy alder wood. Following the trail markers, a short way further on, the path comes to a pyramid of earth, which was designed as an observation platform. From the top, hikers have a wonderful view of the entire pond complex with its islands. There is also a designated rest area here. This walk is characterised by the peace, relaxation and nature that can be experienced. The path is also designated as an information and nature trail. Numerous information panels line the route, providing extensive information about the local flora and fauna. The panels also focus specially on the traditional industry associated with the ponds and its history. You might be lucky enough to observe many species of bird on your walk around the ponds, including great white egret, chaffinch, common buzzard, mute swans or great crested grebe, possibly even nest building. Attentive hikers might be lucky enough to hear the song of the reed warbler on the walk.

Hiking route: Groß Schacksdorfer Ponds parking – Circular path through the pond area

Starting point: Parking at the start of the ponds

Length: 3.5 kilometres

Marking: green dot

Sights: typical Lausitz pond landscape, pyramid of earth with observation platform and small rest area, information and nature trail along the route, rare bird species, information panels lining the route

Report on his experiences by Ralph Scheel - International travel guide / Tour guide (CIC):

“I was out yesterday in a pond area unknown to me. Observing wild animals in a new area, a very ancient pond landscape, fed by the springs of the Muskauer Faltenbogen, the Muskau Arch push moraine. Wildlife is truly in abundance here: foxes, wild boar, fallow and red deer, badgers, raccoons, raccoon dogs, otters, beavers, hedgehogs, bats, rats and mice, mallard ducks, a number of goosanders and wild geese with their young, swans, all kinds of woodpeckers, herons, and a SEA EAGLE, several birds of prey and even owls live here, not forgetting an occasional wolf in search of prey.

In the evening I sat down to listen to the animals in the dusk and photograph them. At around 8 p.m. I then heard a loud roar that went right through me. [..] The resonance and vibrations I felt myself, even though I was about 10 metres from the reeds, was fascinating. [..] Apparently it was a courting Eurasian bittern, according to Wildlife Lausitz. [..] Amazing. Extremely rare and endangered Eurasian bitterns (Botaurus stellaris) live here; the area needs to be better protected!”