Stage 3 Circular hiking trail "Around the Schorfheide"

"Pure Schorfheide - Pure Nature" - The hike starts from Eichhorst along the romantic Werbellinkanal and Werbellinsee, leading through a beautiful forest path and open countryside to Joachimsthal. Hikers can explore the fascinating landscape of Schorfheide on the 135 km long route "Around Schorfheide" in 7 stages. The circular route goes through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a landscape shaped by the Ice Age, the Schorfheide, and the Barnim Nature Park. The trail is characterized by open landscapes, "Caribbean sand," forest, and plenty of water.

Length: 19 km (hike with shortcuts 14 km)

Walking time: approx. 5 hours

Start / Finish: Eichhorst Centre to Joachimsthal Station

Marking / Logo: Blue Tree

Arrival: RB24/RE3 from Eberswalde and Bus 910/917 to Eichhorst

Route description: Leaving the lively Eichhorst as a small lock community, we take a beautifully located nature trail that leads us back to the popular hiking trail along the Werbellinkanal. Fascinated by the deep blue color of the water, suddenly at the bridge near the Askanierturm, the end of the Werbellinkanal opens up like a gateway to the Werbellinsee - the first surprise is successful. One last time, our hiking path meets the shallow shore of Werbellinsee before we are led through a long stretch of forest in the heart of the green Schorfheide to smell the scent of pine trees. The path runs along the memorial stone path at the former hunting lodge Hubertusstock and past the Old Oak Path, where a detour to the oldest trees in Schorfheide is worth it. Right next to a bathing meadow, we emerge from the forest and can reward our hiking feet in the crystal-clear water of Werbellinsee with a refreshing swim before embarking on the final section through forest and open countryside to Joachimsthal, where we spend the night in the historic town center or even with a view of Lake Grimnitz.

Points of interest: Eichhorst Lock, Askanierturm, Werbellinsee, Stolpe Pine, Schulseerundweg, Joachimsthal

Tip: For tired legs, a relaxed alternative for the Werbellinsee route is recommended: From the landing stage at Spring, which is right on the way, Reederei Wiedenhöft takes you to the north tip of the lake with the historic steamboat. From there, walk to the nearby Kaiserbahnhof and along the Paradiesweg, passing the Biorama viewing tower, into the town center of Joachimsthal.

Path condition: about 1 km asphalted in Wildau, forest path

Map recommendation: Pharusplan Schorfheide with hiking trail "Around Schorfheide" and node system for cyclists, scale: 1:42,000, Publisher: Pharus Plan, 5th edition 2021, ISBN: 978-3-86514-142-2, Price: 5 € and free accompanying booklet