Borkheide – Hans Grade Trail, Forest Bathing Lake and Aviation History

Borkheide combines landmarks commemorating aviation history with its forest bathing lake, as well as hiking and cycling routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Borkheide, these highlights can help guide your plans: Would you like to explore the town’s history, spend time at the lake, or follow a route on foot or by bike?

Hans Grade and the former Mars airfield

The church in Borkheide was built around 1927 and is a half-timbered woodland chapel. Another trace of the town’s history is the former Mars airfield, Germany’s first motorized airfield. It was located in what is now the town center. A memorial stone to Hans Grade and information about the former airfield stand in the market square. The memorial stone was erected in 1979 to mark Grade’s 100th birthday.

Hans Grade’s grave is in the cemetery in Borkheide. The municipality describes him as Germany’s first motorized aviator and a pioneer of aviation. The Hans Grade hiking trail starts at Borkheide station, is signposted and is easy to walk. It leads via Friedrich-Engels-Straße to the market square. It also passes the forest bathing lake on its way to the cemetery, where Käthe and Hans Grade’s honorary grave is located.

The woodland cemetery lies in a natural setting. Along the Path of Remembrance, abandoned and partly forgotten gravestones have been given a new place. The hiking trail thus connects several sites where Borkheide’s aviation history and culture of remembrance can be seen.

Forest bathing lake and events

A description published in 2021 calls the Borkheide forest bathing lake a chemical-free, accessible natural swimming area. It lists a 1,000 m² bathing pond and a 3 m-high diving tower. Facilities for children include a shallow pool, a children’s slide, a mud play area, a play ship, a basket swing and a water spiral. There is also a beach volleyball court for visitors. Check the current operating details before your visit.

The church in Borkheide is also a venue for events. Parish events held there include the annual evening “Music by the Stove” and an autumn brunch. If you are planning a stay around an event, check the specific dates in advance.

Hiking, cycling and getting here

You can reach Borkheide station on regional express RE 7, where the Hans Grade hiking trail begins. Borkheide is also connected to the A9 motorway. Regional train RE 7 runs toward Berlin and Dessau; check the schedules for your travel date.

Several cycling routes pass through Borkheide. The EuroVelo Route R 1 connects the French Channel coast at Boulogne with Saint Petersburg. The German Unity Cycle Route passes through the town on its route from Berlin to Bonn, as does the Tour Brandenburg. The Asparagus Hiking Trail leads to a specific destination: from Borkheide to the asparagus farm in Klaistow. The different routes therefore offer a range of points of reference for planning your trip. Also check current trail conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Brück, Wiesenburg/Mark, Wusterwitz, Beetzseeheide, Gräben, Rabenstein/Fläming, Groß Briesen, Potsdam

For the regional travel overview: Potsdam-Mittelmark.