Theodor-Fontane-Weg | Waldpoesie-Pfad

Vast meadows, quiet forests, expansive lakes and rivers in the middle of the city - this is the special charm of Erkner, which already made the place a popular destination by the end of the 19th century. The proximity to nature also attracted Gerhart Hauptmann to Erkner at that time, igniting in him an unbridled passion for writing. Local residents, places, and events were reflected in many of his characters and stories from then on.

Just as Erkner shaped Hauptmann's work, Hauptmann also shaped Erkner: he established a close connection between the city and literature. In 2012, a significant gesture was made by adding the name Gerhart-Hauptmann-Stadt as a suffix to the city's name.

What Hauptmann is to Erkner, Theodor Fontane is to all of Brandenburg. During his walks through the beloved Mark region, he once found himself in the lake region between the Oder and Spree rivers. According to his descriptions, he also passed Erkner's Löcknitz and Flakensee - reason enough to dedicate the accompanying riverside path to him long ago.

The Theodor Fontane Trail has become one of the most popular hiking trails, for both locals and visitors alike. The integration of the 1.3 km long Waldpoesie Path into the regional 66-Seen-Wanderweg has also contributed to this. In line with the Fontane Year 2019, the idea emerged to fill the already literature-related path with poetry. More importantly, the path should connect the two attributes associated with Erkner. Thus, a Waldpoesie Path was created, leading from the parking lot on Fangschleusenstraße north towards Woltersdorf.

At the beginning of the path, visitors will find an information board with a map and details about the path and the significance of the forest itself. Along the path, ten stations introduce trees and authors who were inspired by various tree species to create literary works. From Romanticism to Expressionism, along the banks of Löcknitz and Flakensee, awaits a colorful literary and natural history excursion. A slightly longer tour is recommended to Woltersdorfer Schleuse.

Length: 3 km
Duration: about 1h