Paul-Gerhardt Path

The Paul-Gerhardt path picks up on the town hiking trend and was developed by the district of Dahme-Spreewald together with partners from the region as a new service for hiking enthusiasts. It allows hikers to combine nature, culture and history. The path connects the city of Berlin with the charming landscapes of the state of Brandenburg, which has so far not received a lot of tourist attention. The path follows the life of Paul Gerhardt.
Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676), the great ecclesiastical poet, lent his name to the path, since three of his places of work, Berlin, Mittenwalde and Lübben (Spreewald), mark its beginning, middle and end.
The Paul-Gerhardt path also offers nature lovers plenty to enjoy, including interesting towns and villages as well as natural landscapes. The Paul-Gerhardt path is suitably for experienced, fit hikers as well as for nature and culture lovers who are new to hiking. The route is divided into separate stages, which in turn are divided into parts, allowing hikers to plan their own individual routes. In addition, all stages and parts of the route have been chosen such that their start and end points can be easily reached by public transport or car. The path could also be walked over a longer period of time, by the day or by stages.

Length (duration): 140 kilometres (about 7 days)
Start/finish: Berlin/Lübben (Spreewald)
Route sign: Signets and hiking signs of the Paul-Gerhardt path

Route:
The Paul-Gerhardt path is full of contrasts and the perfect combination of nature and culture. You will leave behind the hustle and bustle of Berlin and experience the picturesque Dahme-Seenland region along rivers, lakes and through quiet countryside into the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve. You will have the chance to get to know in detail a wealth of scenic attractions and historical places and take breaks in small towns and villages.
Trail conditions:
Very varied and full of contrasts, from pavements to forest and other natural ground with different characteristics. This path is for hikers only and is not suitable for bicycle tours.
Points of interest along the route:
Stunning landscapes, impressive churches, interesting museums and lots of nature.
By public transport: Buses and trains
Getting there by car:
Within Berlin, the car is not the best option because there are very few parking spaces and parking fees can be high. Places outside Berlin are easier to reach by car, and often you can park for free.
Recommended maps/Literature:Reschke, Manfred: Paul-Gerhardt-Weg “Natur und Kultur zwischen Berlin und Spreewald”, Trescher-Verlag; 1. Auflage 2017, 168 Seiten, 80 Fotos, 25 Karten und Stadtpläne, farbige Klappkarten, ISBN 978-3-89794-354-4, https://www.trescher-verlag.de/reisefuehrer/deutschland/paul-gerhardt-weg.html
Find inspiration in the diary specifically published for this trail. The tourist information centres along the way give you hiking stickers for each completed stage, which you can stick in your diary. They also give you song sheets of the poet’s most famous songs. The diary and other Paul-Gerhardt path merchandise can be purchased from the leading tourist information centres along the route. You can find an overview of all souvenirs of the Paul-Gerhardt path //www.dahme-seenland.de/service/souvenirs/"here.

Possible combinations/connection to other hiking trails:
Various circular routes in the individual sections and regions, which are described in detail in the hiking guide by Manfred Reschke. The individual stage descriptions refer to these circular trails.

Project partners: Paul-Gerhardt-GesellschaftPaul-Gerhardt-Verein Lübben (Spreewald) e.V.Landkreis Dahme-SpreewaldStadt LübbenKreisanglerverband Lübben e.V.