Havelaue: Nature at Lake Gülper See and historic village churches

For a trip to Havelaue, the main attractions are Lake Gülper See, birdwatching, paths by the water and historic village churches. The lake and adjoining grassland have been protected within Havelaue since 1967; the present-day nature reserve covers 1,200 hectares. Walks along the shore, observation points, cycling and canoe routes, and historic churches give your stay a variety of focuses.

Landscape and bird migration

In autumn, thousands of geese and cranes stop at Lake Gülper See before continuing to their wintering grounds. The number of birds stopping over varies seasonally. In the surrounding area between Hohennauen, Parey, Gülpe and Lake Gülper See, there are three observation towers and two covered observation points for birdwatching. They can be used year-round; access to individual structures may be restricted temporarily.

Lakeside paths and viewpoints

A nature trail about 1.5 kilometres long runs along the shore on the southern bank. Information boards there explain the lake’s birdlife. The hiking trail on the northern bank is longer, at about 3.5 kilometres, and offers views and benches. It begins in Strodehne at Gahlberg. You can choose between a shorter lakeside path with nature information and a longer route with viewpoints. Route lengths are approximate; check trail conditions locally before setting out.

The observation tower on the southern bank can be reached via a short woodland path; parking is available on the road between Gülpe and Prietzen. From the public car park in Gülpe, a two-kilometre path follows the dyke to Lake Gülper See. These details can help you distinguish between the different starting points and sections of the route when planning your visit.

Exploring by bike or canoe

The 26-kilometre Storchenweg cycling loop passes through Gülpe, Lake Gülper See, Prietzen, Wolsier and Spaatz. It has no steep climbs and runs mostly along quiet roads or agricultural concrete tracks. The loop therefore alternates between villages and different types of path surface. Check the signposting and trail conditions locally.

The circular canoe tour on the Gülper Havel is 16 kilometres long. It runs from Gülpe via Strodehne, Garz and Molkenberg back to Gülpe, following the natural course of the Gülper Havel. Along the way, you may have the chance to see rare birds and possibly beavers; wildlife sightings cannot, of course, be planned. Route conditions and seasonal restrictions may change, so check them before your trip.

Village churches and history

The village church in Spaatz was built in the mid-13th century and is considered the oldest fieldstone church in the area. Inside is a late Renaissance altarpiece, whose inscription gives the date as 29 June 1647. The date when the church was built and the date of the altarpiece therefore refer to different historical periods. Access arrangements may vary.

The village church in Gülpe was remodelled as a brick building in 1885 and is used as a place of quiet reflection. Together with the church in Spaatz, it offers a different focus from the paths and observation spots by the lake: here, the emphasis is on architectural history and the churches’ use.

Discover more destinations: Stechow-Ferchesar, Kleßen-Görne, Ketzin, Seeblick, Rhinow, Gollenberg, Brieselang, Friesack.

Back to the main travel overview: Havelland.