Discover Glienicke: Erratic boulders, nature and village church

Glienicke offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: the Heimchensteine, striking erratic boulders; a relatively short route featuring 33 tree and shrub species; and the late Romanesque St. Barnabas fieldstone church in nearby Lübars. Geology, nature observation and architecture thus present different themes. You can shape your stay around whether you are more interested in Ice Age rock formations, trees and shrubs along a route, or a church building.

The Heimchensteine: Ice Age and local lore

Near Glienicke lie the Heimchensteine, two large erratic boulders from the Ice Age. Their circumferences are approximately 14.5 and 12 metres; the stones rise about 2.5 metres above the ground. Around 20,000 years ago, they were carried here by ice from Norway or Sweden during the Ice Age. Their measurements provide a tangible sense of scale, while their approximate age offers a different perspective on time. Archaeological finds and local legends are also associated with the Heimchensteine. Their geological origins and local lore thus offer two distinct ways of approaching the same stones.

Paths and nature

During a geological excursion in 2019, the approach to the Heimchensteine was mainly along a well-signposted nature trail. At the time, the route between Klein Lübars and Glienicke passed the grave of Johannes Klewitz and the so-called Opferstein (Sacrificial Stone). If you would like to follow this earlier route, check the current route beforehand.

A relatively short route in the area around Glienicke offers another way to experience nature. Along it, walkers can discover 33 different tree and shrub species. Unlike the individual Heimchensteine, the focus here is on the diversity of trees and shrubs along the route. You can therefore choose between a geological focus and observing tree and shrub species.

Church and geographical orientation

The late Romanesque St. Barnabas fieldstone church stands in Lübars, near Glienicke. Its rectangular west tower dates from the 13th century. The church adds an architectural focus to the nature-related themes; the tower offers a specific architectural feature to look out for during your visit. Alongside the Ice Age origins of the erratic boulders and the diversity of plant life, this offers a distinct perspective on a church building classified as medieval. The late Romanesque designation describes the architectural style; the reference to the 13th century applies specifically to the west tower.

The Alte Poststraße (Old Post Road) also runs near Glienicke, from Magdeburg to Berlin. Its endpoints provide the road with a regional context, while the erratic boulders and the route with its trees and shrubs draw attention to specific natural features in the area. The road’s course thus adds a broader geographical perspective to the local points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Drewitz, Theeßen.

For the overview of destinations in the wider area: Möckern.