1st stage “66-Seen-Wanderweg” (66 Lakes Hiking Trail): Castles, parks and gardens

The first stage of the 66 Lakes Hiking Trail starts in Potsdam and leads to Marquardt via Ruinenberg, Nauener Vorstadt, Pfingstberg and Nedlitz. With a route length of 18.3 kilometres, the time required is about 4.5 hours. The route is very pleasant to hike, and there is an 82-metre ascent and a 74-metre descent. The maximum height is 68 metres above sea level, the minimum height is 27 metres above sea level.

Length: 21 kilometres (4-5 hours)

Start: Luisenplatz, Potsdam

Finish: Marquardt Palace

Logo/signpost symbol: blue circle against a white background

How to get there: From Berlin central station (Hauptbahnhof) take the RE1 (Magdeburg) to Potsdam central station. As a shorter option you can take Tram 92 or 96 to Brandenburger Strasse. Then turn left through the pedestrian precinct to Luisenplatz, where you will see the first hiking sign on the right. Or you can take Bus 631 (Werder) from Potsdam railway station to Potsdam Luisenplatz.

Return journey: From Marquardt take the RB21 (Friedrichstrasse) to Berlin central station (approximately 1 hour).

Route description: The 66 Lakes Tour starts in the city of Potsdam. It is definitely worthwhile allowing a full day for Potsdam at the beginning or end of the hike. You start your hike at Brandenburg Gate. The path is asphalted at first, later you will be walking through extensive parklands on paved pathways and dirt tracks. Right next to Brandenburg Gate you will find the park where Sanssouci Palace is located.

As you continue, asphalted paths alternate with hiking trails. You will pass “Alexandrovka” on the way – a historical Russian timber house settlement. At the edge of Potsdam you will pass a beautiful park situated by the lakeside. The New Garden with the Marble House and Cecilienhof Country House is located directly at Jungfernsee Lake and Heiliger See Lake. Before you reach Schlänitzsee Lake it is worth visiting the Belvedere on Pfingstberg Hill with its two wonderful observation towers. Passing Schlänitzsee you will reach Marquardt Place – the destination of the first stage.

Sights:Potsdam: Brandenburg Gate, "Alexandrovka” timber house settlement, New Garden, Marble House, Cecilienhof Country House, Belvedere on Pfingstberg HillMarquardt Palace
Possible combinations: Cultural tour of lesser-known Potsdam

Trail conditions/surface: not specified