Schönow: Heathland, Nature and Village History

A stay in Schönow can combine nature experiences with local history. Schönower Heide and the Panke/Faule Wiesen nature reserve represent different landscapes; the village green, fieldstone church and Galerie im Hühnerstall add history and culture to the area’s attractions. When choosing places to visit during your stay, it helps to consider what you’re looking for: would you mainly like to explore heathland and wetlands, or would you also like to include architectural history and a cultural venue?

Nature in Schönower Heide

Schönower Heide is a protected natural area and also a Special Area of Conservation under the Habitats Directive. Its landscape includes common heather, nutrient-poor sandy grassland and pioneer woodland. Fallow deer, mouflon and red deer graze there year-round. This brings together different types of vegetation in a landscape shaped by grazing. Two circular hiking trails with information and display boards offer ways to explore the heathland. Walks, heather in bloom and wildlife watching are other reasons to visit. Trail conditions can change, so it’s best to check the specific conditions before setting out. Sandy grassland refers to dry, nutrient-poor grassland; pioneer woodland means woodland at an early stage of development. These terms describe other types of vegetation alongside common heather and give a more precise picture of the landscape. Heather in bloom and wildlife watching offer different points of focus.

Wet meadows in Panke/Faule Wiesen

The Panke/Faule Wiesen nature reserve is known for different habitats. It has wet meadows and small bodies of water, and provides a habitat for threatened animal and plant species. Trails in and around the area offer opportunities to explore. The two natural areas therefore appeal to different interests: common heather, sandy grassland, pioneer woodland and wildlife shape the landscape of Schönower Heide, while wet meadows and bodies of water define Panke/Faule Wiesen. This lets you plan your visit around the landscapes that interest you most.

Village history and culture

The village church in Schönow is a fieldstone church dating from the early 15th century. Its brick tower was built after the fire of 1860. The fieldstone structure and brick tower mark two different construction phases; the materials help distinguish them on the building. The historic village green and fieldstone church are among Schönow’s defining features. Together, they give local history a tangible focus: one through the church’s architectural history, the other through the historic village green.

Galerie im Hühnerstall hosts cultural events and allows individual visits by arrangement. Check in advance about your visit and the events programme. The gallery can be reached on foot, by bicycle or by car. Another option is to take the S2 to Zepernick and then walk for 20 minutes. So if culture is part of your plans, remember to arrange your visit in advance and allow for the walk after your S-Bahn journey.

Discover more destinations: Börnicke, Lindow.

Return to the main travel overview: Bernau Bei Berlin.