Mühlentour im Dorchetal

This small hiking area in the easternmost part of Brandenburg is still somewhat unknown and an insider tip among hiking enthusiasts. The tour is varied and leads through beautiful forests, past lush meadows and wide fields as well as numerous ponds, which sometimes only hint at the fact that a mill once stood here a long time ago.

The Dorche Valley is a natural gem and part of the Schlaubetal Nature Park. The stream valley is characterised by gorges and incisions and gives the impression that you are in the low mountain range. One could think that it is the little sister of the Schlaubetal.
The Dorche, which also gives its name to the valley of the same name, meanders about 7 km from the Großer Kahntopp to the resort town of Neuzelle. Its actual origin is a small rivulet from a marshy pond. On its way it is fed by many springs. The Dorche valley is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna and is best explored on foot.

Once, the water of the Dorche powered 6 mills and was the source of life for people and animals. Today, only the mill wheel at the Schwerzko mill still turns. The mill is a listed building and a popular destination for excursions.
At the Kahntopp, a small pond in the Dorche valley, you can relax and let your eyes wander over the water and listen to the natural sounds of the forest.

A small section of the trail is on historical pavement. In monastic times, this was an important connecting road between Neuzelle and Treppeln.

Places of interest along the route: Neuzelle Monastery, monastery brewery, Schwerzkoer Mill.

Information on site: Neuzelle visitor information
Maps / literature: Schöne Heimat - Naturpark Schlaubetal, Frankfurt (Oder), Guben, Eisenhüttenstadt and surroundings 1:50,000 Dr. Barthel Verlag

Gastronomy: Klosterklause Neuzelle, Landhotel Prinz Albrecht, Wilde Klosterküche, Kummerower Hof, Schwerzkoer Mühle

Arrival and departure: Car A12 exit Müllrose or exit A12 Frankfurt (Oder) and continue on B112
Train RE 1 and further RB 11

Level of difficulty: easy