Birdwatching - Schlaubetal an der Kaisermühle

Start / Finish: Hotel Kaisermühle 

Length: 17 km 

Route: Kaisermühle, Friedrich-Wilhelm-Kanal, Groß Lindow, Callinenberge, Kaisermühle

Route description

The tour starts at the Hotel Kaisermühle, directly on the Alte Schlaube. It is worth taking out your binoculars here, as grey wagtails can often be seen along the stream.

From here, the route leads north along the Fortstraße to the Oder-Spree Kanal, which is crossed in the direction of Kaisermühl. After the bridge, follow the canal eastwards. After about 1 km, the canal forks: The Oder-Spree Canal runs southwards, while the route continues along the Friedrich Wilhelm Kanal. The path meanders north of the canal through a picturesque landscape with many opportunities for observation. In summer, pond warblers and reed warblers can be heard here, while blackcaps flit in the bushes. Kingfishers can be spotted all year round. In winter in particular, the extended sections of the canal are ideal observation points for goldeneyes and goosanders.

After 6 kilometres you reach Groß Lindow. Here, benches at the small harbour invite you to take a break. You then cross the canal and follow Ernst-Thälmann-Straße to Karl-Marx-Straße. After a few metres, the route turns left and follows the block path into the forest. A typical section of Brandenburg forest landscape now begins.

After one kilometre, the Oder-Spree Kanal is crossed again. On the bridge, grey herons and, in winter, great egrets can be spotted on the banks. The route continues for around 3 kilometres through the forest to the Rote Fließ. This resting place offers an ideal spot for a break, while fir and crested tits can be observed in the treetops. In spring, reed warblers sing from the reeds here.

From the rest area, the trail leads back 200 metres, then continues left through the 84-metre-high Callinenberge. Great spotted woodpeckers, black woodpeckers and various species of tits such as blue tits, fir tits and great tits can be seen in this section. After about 4 kilometres, you reach the historical border between Brandenburg and Saxony, where information boards provide information about the history of this place.

Finally, the trail continues in a northerly direction until it reaches the starting point at the Kaisermühle after a good 2 km.

Additional tips:

• 
  Best time: This tour is good for birdwatching all year round.
• 
  Equipment: Binoculars are recommended for better observation of kingfishers, goldeneyes and black woodpeckers.
• 
  Refreshment stops: You can round off the tour with refreshments in the restaurant of the Hotel Kaisermühle.