Natural history experience in the Biesenthal basin

Length: 10 km

Start/Finish: Market Square Biesenthal

Marking/Logo: Red and yellow bar, blue dot

Arrival/Departure:
Train: from Berlin with RE3 (Schwedt) to Bernau, then take bus 896 to Biesenthal (approx. 50 minutes).
Car: from Berlin via the A11 to Biesenthal (approx. 65 minutes).
Directions: From Biesenthal Market Square, head towards the sports field (marking: red bar, yellow bar, blue dot), then turn left onto a meadow path, where you will cross the Pfauenfließ stream. The transition from sand dunes and marsh meadows with reeds and willow bushes along the way is particularly charming. There are two more bridges along the route. The first bridge crosses the Rüdnitzer stream, and the second crosses the Hellmühler Fließ – an idyllic spot on the city's edge. Before the second bridge, turn left (marking: yellow line) and enter an alder marsh area. Then, follow sand slopes with old beech trees and wet meadows. After a small ascent and a short straight stretch, turn right. There is a sign saying "Hellmühle 1km" but without trail marking. Hikers will encounter a flooded area created by beaver "damming" activities. Waterfowl have already settled there. The path turns right (red bar), and soon you will reach the rest area of the Nature Friends. Here, you can leisurely enjoy the provisions from your backpack and start the return journey refreshed. Past the former Gut Hellmühle, the path turns right before the Hellmühler Fließ (marking: red bar, blue dot). This is now the most beautiful section of the hike, where the stream has carved a gorge after the last ice age. Wildly romantic, it meanders between partly steep banks and fallen trees. The kingfisher still lives here, so hikers should act considerately. Soon you will cross the stream and return to the starting point of the hike.

Map Recommendation: "Schorfheide - Uckermark - Barnim: 4in1 hiking map with activity guide and detailed maps", 1:50,000, KOMPASS maps, 2nd edition (June 2021), ISBN: 978-3-99121-293-5, 11.99 euros