Schenkendöbern: Heath, Lakes and Nature

If you would like to make heathland, lakes and nature observation the focus of your trip, Schenkendöbern offers several specific ways to explore them. You can discover the landscape via a nature trail, a circular walking route by a lake or a cycling route. Each option has a different focus and can help you fine-tune your excursion plans.

Heathland, Lakes and Birdlife

The FFH site “Reicherskreuzer Heide und Große Göhlenze” (EU No. 3952-301, state No. 63) covers 3,063.85 hectares, is considered Brandenburg’s largest managed heathland and is home to 18 species listed as threatened with extinction on Brandenburg’s Red List. It lies predominantly in the district of Spree-Neiße, in the municipality of Schenkendöbern; smaller parts belong to Jamlitz in the district of Dahme-Spreewald and Neuzelle in the district of Oder-Spree. The area therefore extends beyond municipal and district boundaries.

Pinnower See lies on the edge of the Schlaubetal valley. Pine, oak and mixed forests surround it; it is also located in a landscape conservation area and in Schenkendöbern OT Pinnow. At Göhlensee, you can find reed warblers and great reed warblers, as well as many species of duck. As observations vary by season, birdlife can be considered a distinct aspect of the lake landscape.

Circular Routes and Cycling Tours

The circular walking route around Göhlensee is about 6 km long and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. In the Reicherskreuzer Heide, the nature trail follows a circular route between Pinnow and Reicherskreuz; it starts and ends at the observation tower. The two routes offer different points of reference: approximate length and duration are provided for Göhlensee, while the nature trail is described by its route and the observation tower serving as its start and finish.

The “Gubener Seenrundfahrt” cycling route runs along the large lakes in the municipality of Schenkendöbern. This gives it a different focus from the two walking routes. If you plan to take this route, it is advisable to check current trail conditions, as they can change.

Practical Information for Göhlensee

Raft trips are mentioned as a nature-focused tourist activity at Göhlensee. If a raft trip is important to your plans, check its current availability with the provider in advance. If you travel to Göhlensee from Groß Drewitz by bicycle or car, there is a car park in front of the first bungalows. As parking regulations can change, check the situation on site.

More to Explore in the Wider Spree-Neiße Destination

The wider Spree-Neiße destination also offers distinct themes to explore when planning a trip. The East German Rose Garden in Forst (Lausitz) is a 17-hectare park where visitors can admire tens of thousands of roses in almost 1,000 varieties. The Spreewald is known for its characteristic inland delta landscape and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Regional culinary specialities include pickled cucumbers in sour, spiced or mustard varieties, linseed oil with quark, yeast pancakes and Spreewald fish. The “Sorbische Impressionen” tour offers cultural insights into the lives and traditions of the Sorbian/Wendish minority living in the region. These examples broaden the view of Spree-Neiße to include garden art, landscape, cuisine and culture.

Discover more destinations: Atterwasch, Hornow-Wadelsdorf, Felixsee, Schmogrow-Fehrow, Neuhausen/Spree, Burg, Forst and Groß Schacksdorf-Simmersdorf.

Back to the wider travel overview: Spree-Neiße.