Birdwatching - In die Schwarzberge vom Landhaus Alwine

Length/duration: approx. 6 km, 2-3 hours

Path conditions: Forest and field paths, easy to walk on

Route: Landhaus Alwine, Spree, Schwarzberge, oxbows of the Spree, Landhaus Alwine

Route description

The hike starts directly at Landhaus Alwine, which is idyllically situated on the banks of the Spree. After a few metres, we cross the river, where grey herons wait patiently for their prey. In the winter months, they are joined by white egrets. Cormorants can be seen foraging on the water and black kites patrol the skies.

Immediately behind the Spree, a path leads to the right, which we follow for about 2.5 kilometres. The forest stretches out on the left, while the landscape is open on the right. In summer, there is a good chance of spotting red-backed shrikes and, with a bit of luck, you may even spot a white-tailed eagle in the trees along the Spree.

Behind the Kleiner Schwarzberg, the path turns left. Follow it for about 700 metres. If you want to shorten the route, you can also continue straight ahead. The forest birds are in full swing on this section: we often encounter great spotted woodpeckers and, with a bit of luck, we may spot the rarer middle spotted woodpecker, which draws attention to itself with its mewling call. Crested tits are regularly seen in the pine forests and both garden and woodcreepers search the tree trunks for insects. Due to their brown and white plumage, however, these ‘masters of camouflage’ are not always easy to spot.

After 400 metres, we turn left onto the first forest path and after around 600 metres we reach an oxbow of the Spree, where mute swans regularly breed and lead their young. We turn left and after a further 500 metres pass another still water, which is home to various species of duck, especially in winter. Goldfinches and siskins often perform in the alders, often in large flocks.

After about a kilometre, we reach the Spree again and see Landhaus Alwine on the other side of the river in front of us. The hike ends here, and after a refreshing tour, culinary delights await us at Landhaus Alwine, served according to the motto ‘regional, fresh and homemade’.

Additional tips:

• 
  Best time: Spring and autumn offer particularly good opportunities for birdwatching.
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  Equipment: Binoculars are helpful for observing birds such as the white-tailed eagle or red-backed shrike.
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  Refreshment stops: Landhaus Alwine is an ideal place to stop for refreshments after the tour.