Rochow Hiking Trail

The rare, historical ensemble of the village of Reckahn is inseparably linked to the person Eberhard von Rochow, who implemented a rural school reform on his estates, which ultimately formed the basis of the Prussian school system. Embark on a journey back in time to the beginnings of the Enlightenment in the Mark Brandenburg!

Right at the beginning of the hike, you will encounter one of the oldest landscape parks in Brandenburg with the manor park. The park landscape almost imperceptibly merges into the vast Havelland landscape. The shady path has the fish ponds on the left and the vast fields on the right, leading to the small neighboring village of Meßdunk. Especially in autumn, you can observe the diverse birdlife here. On the damp meadows, water buffaloes keep the vegetation short and provide an unobstructed view of the surrounding area. Just beyond the picturesque village of Meßdunk is a covered rest area. From the neighboring, quirky tube lookout, there is a clear view over the vast water surface of the fish ponds.

Past a weir, the path leads through the Märkische pine forest to Krahne. The village also belonged to the property of the von Rochow family, and so the children of Krahne benefited from Eberhard von Rochow's rural school reform as early as 1779, in the form of their own village school modeled after Reckahn. The former manor house now houses a gallery known as Kunstgut Krahne.

The return path runs along hedgerow-lined fields, shaded by unusually large robinias and poplars. Soon, the stone pyramid comes into view, built in memory of the devastating damage caused to the Rochow estates by the Prussian army camp in 1741. Upon returning to the center of Reckahn, be sure to visit the school museum with its historical equipment, the Baroque church, and Reckahn Castle.

TIP: Plan some time to explore Reckahn! During the opening hours of the Rochow Museum, you have the opportunity to borrow a free audio guide and visit the castle, the school museum, the manor park, and other audio stations in the village individually.

Trail marking: yellow circle with the von Rochow coat of arms
Length/Walking time: 9.9 km / 2 hrs
Suitable for: Families, 60+, Strollers
Parking: Reckahn Castle and Rochow Museum
Public Transport: Reckahn/Dorf stop, Bus 551, D/524