Along the Werbellinsee

Length: 14 km

Start/Finish: Eichhorst Lock

Route: Eichhorst, Wildau, Altenhof, Joachimsthal, Eichhorst

Marking/Logo: yellow dot, red bar, green dot

Arrival/Departure: Car: from Berlin via the A11 to Eichhorst (approx. 65 minutes). Directions: The hike starts in the town center of Eichhorst at the lock and leads along the Berlin-Usedom cycle path along the romantic Werbellin Canal towards the southern tip of Lake Werbellin, in the village of Wildau (approx. 2 km). Shortly before Wildau, the circular route crosses the bridge at the Askanierturm to the other side of the Werbellin Canal. Behind the bridge, continue along the lake towards the Süßer Winkel campsite. In summer, the campsite's bathing area (subject to charge) is perfect for a refreshing swim in the lake. After another 3 km, Altenhof is reached, the only town directly on the lake. The town is crossed on the serene lakeside promenade. For the shorter version of the hike along Lake Werbellin, take the Wiedenhöft shipping company's steamer back to Wildau from Altenhof. From there, it is 1.5 km along the Werbellin Canal back to the starting point in Eichhorst. Heading towards the northern tip, in Altenhof, pass by the steamer dock with poetic lake signs, the marina, and the sunbathing lawn, continuing towards the EJB Werbellinsee, the former pioneer republic, which today is one of the largest and most beautiful leisure and recreational facilities in Europe. The beach, playground, and café invite you to take a break. Behind the EJB, the path continues along the lakeshore and in some places becomes a narrow footpath. With the lake on the left and a magnificent beech forest on the right, you reach the northern tip of Lake Werbellin with the steamer dock of the Wiedenhöft shipping company.

A few hundred meters from the dock towards Joachimsthal is the Kaiserbahnhof Joachimsthal. A detour to the lovingly restored building is recommended. Right next to the Kaiserbahnhof, the Wiegehalle gallery of artist Holger Barthel invites visitors on weekends. From the Kaiserbahnhof, you can take the Werbellinsee bus (line 917 towards Eichhorst/Finowfurt) back to Wildau from May to October, or return to the lakeside steamer dock. Now you can relax, enjoy the view of the lake, while the "Altwarp" comfortably takes you back to the southern tip in Wildau. From here, it is 1.5 km back to the starting point of the hike in Eichhorst.

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