Telegraphenrundweg

The Prussian optical telegraph line from Berlin to Koblenz was a milestone in communications technology, having been used for the rapid transmission of news at a time when the fastest method was a horse-mounted messenger. But the reason you have never heard of it is that is that the heyday of this particular technology was very brief. It was already considered obsolete in 1849, after barely 20 years, when it was discontinued in favour of Morse telegraphy. The signal installations were dismantled and most of the stations were demolished. In 2016, Schenkenberg saved Station No. 6 from being cast into the oblivion of history and opened it to the general public again. The Telegraph Circular Trail starts at Telegrafenberg, where the excavated foundations and several information panels are to be found. Along the path through the village, which did not come into being until after the First World War around the small outlying estate of Schenkenberg, the attentive hiker will find further information panels on the history of the settlement and the origins of this relatively recently established village. Along the avenue, which is lined with large chestnut trees, you head out into the fields of Havelland. With a little luck you may spot some cranes in the autumnal fields. The path winds its way along, sometimes keeping directly to the edge of the forest, sometimes passing through the pine woods, offering beautiful views of the village to the rear. Consisting of three small lakes, Dammasterpfuhl is a small paradise for numerous bird species and bats. A display panel along the path provides information about the plants and animals that live here, including lots of pictures. The trail continues criss-crossing through the woodland with its tall trees, the autumn wind causing them to creak loudly as they sway. Soon you reach the far end of Schenkenberg. Passing by typical first-generation settlement houses, the trail returns to the telegraph station. TIP: At the site of the former manor house in Kastanienallee there is a plaque with photos and old map extracts illustrating the rapid development of Schenkenberg over the past ninety years. Route sign: stylised signal system Start/finish: Telegraph station, Kirschenallee Length/walking time: 6.7 kilometres / 2.5 hours Suitable for: Families with children, pram/buggy/handcart, 60+ Parking: Schenkenberg village centre Public transport: Bus stop Schenkenberg (near Götz)/Dorf, bus 554, 566