Long-distance cycle route R1 – Trebnitz to Erkner

The Europa-Radweg R1 cycle route connects countries, landscapes and stories – from Western Europe to the far East. Right in the middle is a section in the Oder-Spree Lake District that shows why cycling here is so much fun: lakes and forests, hills gently shaped by the Ice Age, places to stop for refreshments and cultural gems. Our day trip takes in a particularly charming section of the 100-kilometre stretch of the R1 between Erkner and the Polish border near Küstrin – with convenient rail connections to the outskirts of Berlin.

Start / finish: Trebnitz railway station/Erkner railway station

Length / duration: 51 kilometres, approx. 3.5–4 hours

Logo/route sign: ‘R1’ in a circle consisting of blue/green and 5 stars

Character: This moderate tour runs on cycle paths, partly alongside roads with little traffic or as shared footpaths and cycle paths, mostly asphalted. Far-reaching views over fields, lots of forest and the gentle hills of Märkische Schweiz provide variety.

Route: Trebnitz (Mark), Obersdorf, Buckow, Waldsieversdorf, Garzin, Garzau, Rehfelde, Kagel, Grünheide, Erkner, (Altlandsberg)

Extra tip: Don't forget your swimming gear in summer. There are many opportunities to take a dip in clear lakes.

Arrival/departure:

Public transport:

• 
  Arrival: RB26 to Trebnitz (Mark)
• 
  Departure: RE1 or S5 from Erkner or U5 from Hönow

Directions

Through Brandenburg's smallest and oldest nature park

After a short train ride, you will reach Trebnitz. Exploring the castle campus is a relaxing way to start your day. The once simple manor house, now a neo-baroque mansion, serves as a German-Polish educational and meeting place. The Gustav Seitz Museum and the ‘Kaffee zum Glück’ café invite you to start your day in a cosy atmosphere.

Behind Obersdorf, the trail leads into the Märkische Schweiz Nature Park. Fresh air, buzzing bees, birdsong from the woods. Red kites circle above the landscape, cranes call in the distance. The gently rolling landscape with its small ups and downs tells of its glacial origins. At Münchehofe, it is worth making a detour to the Großer Klobichsee lake. At the Drei Eichen environmental education centre, you can enjoy light refreshments and learn about nature.

Tip: The Schweizer Haus nature park visitor centre vividly illustrates the glacial formation of Märkische Schweiz and today's habitats.

Culture, enjoyment and summer retreat: Buckow & Waldsieversdorf

Buckow is beautifully situated on the turquoise Schermützelsee lake, framed by hillside forests like a natural stage. Narrow streets, farmhouses and villas lead to the market square with cafés, restaurants and shops selling regional products. The Brecht-Weigel House conveys the working and retreating world of the artist couple and the creative summer retreat by the lake. Behind Buckow, the cycle path winds its way through the forest, partly accompanied by the Buckow narrow-gauge railway, to Waldsieversdorf. The late 19th-century villa colony retains its special character with wooden verandas, pine gardens and loose development. The John Heartfield House and the water tower add cultural and historical accents.

Traces of field stones and singing along the way

From the mountain sheep farm onwards, the landscape opens up. Small villages with fieldstone buildings lie along hedges and avenues of fruit trees. In Garzin, the Lange See lake glistens with a bathing area, and close to the route, the fieldstone pyramid of Garzau is a striking feature. Built in 1784, the structure impresses with its contrast of rough stone and classicist portal. Regional honey is available at the Garzau estate. The Liederweg (song path) near Rehfelde invites you to hum along with the signs.

The Grünheide lakes in the Löcknitz Valley

The Grünheide chain of lakes, comprising five bodies of water – including Lake Elsen and Lake Möllen – runs alongside the trail. Small bathing areas invite you to stop for a break. The Grünheide public park between Lake Peetz and Lake Werl offers a beer garden, views of the Löcknitz and a relaxed atmosphere. A beach feeling awaits you on the north shore of Lake Werl.

The route continues to Erkner and Lake Dämeritz. The S-Bahn offers a convenient return journey, and it is possible to extend the route along the Spree Cycle Route.

Alternative city connection via Altlandsberg and Hönow

From Rehfelde, the ZR1 feeder line takes you to Altlandsberg and Hönow. The Altlandsberg castle estate with its church, park and historic town centre is a worthy final stop before the U5 takes over towards Berlin.

Sights:

• Trebnitz: Trebnitz Castle with castle park, Gustav Seitz Museum
• Near Buckow: Binnendüne natural monument, Drei Eichen environmental centre
• Buckow: Märkische Schweiz Nature Park visitor centre, Brecht-Weigel-Haus
• Waldsieversdorf: John Heartfield House, Waldsieversdorf water tower
• Garzau: Garzau Pyramid
• Near Grünheide: North shore of Lake Werl
• (Altlandsberg: Altlandsberg Castle Estate)

Refreshment tips:

• Trebnitz: Kaffee zum Glück, Gasthaus zur Ostbahn
• Buckow: Waldcafé Drei Eichen, Buckower Köstlichkeiten, Lokal.
• Waldsieversdorf: Café Tilia; Altes Forsthaus
• Grünheide: Wirtshaus Heidereuter am Peetzsee, Il Borgo, Eiscafé Eiszauber
• Erkner: Eiscafe Bürgerle, DEKAFFEE-Rösterei, Badebar Erkner
• (Altlandsberg: Brau- und Brennhaus Altlandsberg, Altlandsberger Eisdiele)

Local information:

• Buckow Tourist Information (Märkische Schweiz)
• Grünheide Tourist Information (Mark)

Maps/literature:

• Cycling brochure ‘Your bike. Your break. Your flow.’, Seenland Oder-Spree online shop (available in German and Polish)