Görlsdorf: Nature, Cranes and Village Church

When choosing a destination for your stay, Görlsdorf offers two distinct themes: nature in Görlsdorf Forest and architectural history at the village church. These highlights help you tailor your trip to your interests – for example, wildlife and landscapes, a seasonal crane-watching date, or historic architecture.

Forest, Bats and Cranes

Görlsdorf Forest is home to 14 of the 18 bat species native to Brandenburg, including the barbastelle, one of Germany’s rarest species. The forest is also home to gnarled old oaks that provide habitat for the increasingly rare hermit beetle, stag beetle and great capricorn beetle.

At the Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Centre in Wanninchen, the observation platform is accessible via a ramp for strollers and wheelchairs. From there, you can look out over the newly formed Lake Schlabendorf and its protected shores and shallow-water areas. Thousands of cranes settle there during migration. Public crane-watching events are regularly offered in September and October; dates and prices may vary. Check the latest information if you plan to include one of these events in your trip.

Trails and Getting There

You can reach the Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Centre by car or bicycle via Görlsdorf, a district of Luckau. The route is signposted from the local roads connecting Görlsdorf–Garrenchen and Görlsdorf–Beesdau; check the signs on site.

The Kornradenweg mostly follows quiet local roads and farm tracks. Some sections are sandy and may be difficult to cycle on at times, depending on the weather. If you plan to cycle the route, take these changing conditions into account.

Village Church and Estate

The village church preserves a medieval fieldstone core in the western section of the nave, probably dating from the 14th century. It was extended eastward in 1782/83, and in 1891 the church was enlarged into a cross-shaped structure with transept-like galleries. On the south wall is a finely crafted sandstone epitaph commemorating Hans Adam v. Stammer (†1753) and his wife Johanna Eleonora Sophia, née v. Pflug (†1755). The epitaph was restored in 2016. The estate in Görlsdorf also includes a manor house.

Luckau as a Separate Regional Destination

The wider destination of Luckau offers a distinct focus on urban history. The Lower Lusatian Museum is housed in a former Dominican monastery; the building was later used as a prison. The prison is associated with inmates such as Karl Liebknecht. Luckau’s fully preserved town wall is about 1.8 km long, encircles the old town centre and is ideal for a walk. Baroque gabled houses define the historic town centre. Visitors are drawn to St. Nicholas’s Hall Church by the sounds of its richly decorated Donator organ. Luckau offers various guided tours throughout the year, including tours about Napoleon, through historic Luckau at night, and exploring the history of churches, monasteries and prisons against the backdrop of the Reformation. Check dates and availability in advance. The themed gardens on Schlossberg hill invite you to enjoy leisurely walks.

Discover more destinations: Egsdorf

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Luckau.