Biesenthal: Trails, Water and History

Biesenthal can be explored on several scales: with a circuit around Lake Wukensee, on a longer hike through the Biesenthal Basin, or by discovering the town’s history. If you are looking for accommodation in Biesenthal, first consider whether hiking, water, cycling, or culture will be the main focus of your trip. The different route lengths and themes can help you decide what suits your interests.

Walking Trails and Water Activities

The circular hiking trail through the Biesenthal Basin is about 12 kilometres long and starts and ends in Biesenthal at Heideberg. Along the way, it passes through mixed forests with impressive beech trees and follows the banks of Lake Hellsee, fringed with alder carr. Forest and lakeshore together shape the character of this longer circuit. The Biesenthal Basin Natura Trail also passes through the Biesenthal Basin Natura 2000 site.

A different route length is offered by the trail around Lake Wukensee, which can be completed on foot: it is 2.5 kilometres long. This lets you compare a more compact lakeside circuit with a longer hike, without inferring walking times. At the Wukensee lido in Biesenthal, there is a jetty with a water slide and diving tower. The trail and the lido offer different ways to enjoy the water: one on a walk, the other through the facilities named at the lido.

Travel to Biesenthal by Bike or Train

Cyclists can also use a specific reference point: the first stage of the Berlin–Usedom Cycle Route runs 41 kilometres from central Berlin to Biesenthal. The route connects two clearly named endpoints and offers a distinct measure for planning your trip. For travel by train, Biesenthal is on the Berlin–Stralsund connection, served by Deutsche Bahn and ODEG. Check the current timetable for your travel date.

Churches, Cemetery and Observation Tower

The Protestant town church was rebuilt between 1763 and 1767, creating a simple new building in the late Baroque style. It was probably a three-aisled fieldstone church dating from the mid-13th century. Together with St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Jewish cemetery, it represents the town’s historical religious diversity and tolerance. The Jewish cemetery dates from the mid-17th century. These three places give the town’s history a cultural focus alongside its nature and water experiences.

Another historic landmark is the Kaiser Friedrich Tower on the old Ascanian castle hill in Biesenthal. It has an observation platform. The tower complements the churches and cemetery with a different theme: the history of the castle hill and the view from its platform.

The Wider Travel Destination of Barnim

The wider travel destination of Barnim brings together further cultural and technical attractions. Chorin Monastery is a key work of North German Brick Gothic architecture. The Niederfinow Boat Lift is Germany’s oldest still-operating boat lift. The Finow Canal also has a special distinction: it is Germany’s oldest artificial waterway that is still navigable. Canoe trips are possible on the Finow Canal, and sightseeing cruises are offered on Lake Werbellin.

Barnim also offers longer routes on a different scale from the local circuits in Biesenthal. The 143-kilometre circular “Around the Schorfheide” hiking trail passes through Barnim Nature Park. The cycle route network in Barnim district covers 610 kilometres, and cycling in Barnim Nature Park is one of the activities available to visitors. The Ice Age Geopark at the Oder’s edge extends across the Uckermark and Barnim districts in northeastern Brandenburg. Check current trail information when planning a specific route.

Discover more destinations: Parsteinsee, Liepe, Marienwerder, Melchow, Ahrensfelde, Breydin, Eberswalde, Chorin.

Back to the overview of the wider travel destination: Barnim.