Discover Werneuchen: Culture, Lake and Trails

Werneuchen appeals to travelers who want to combine local history, time by the water and a longer walk during their stay. The Old Forge and the Petitjean family mausoleum represent different chapters in the town’s history; Löhmer Haussee is known for its natural bathing spots, and the Way of St. James leads from Werneuchen toward Bernau.

Cultural history in Werneuchen

The listed Old Forge probably began operating around 1624. Horseshoeing was its main focus; today, the building serves as a small cultural venue. Its change from a place of craftsmanship to one of cultural use gives it a special place in the town’s history.

The Petitjean family mausoleum is in the churchyard west of the Protestant church, opposite the main entrance. Built in the early 19th century in the Neoclassical style, it commemorates the operator of Werneuchen’s post and horse-changing station. At the time, the station was one of the largest of its kind in the Prussian part of Brandenburg. The building thus connects a specific place in the townscape with the history of the postal and horse-changing system of the time.

The former manor house at Berliner Allee 9 on the B158 is also part of local history. It was completed in 1914, is privately owned and remains vacant. Its exterior was restored around 2012. Today, the building’s restored exterior and continued vacancy shape its appearance.

A swim or a hike lasting several hours

Löhmer Haussee is in Löhme, a district of Werneuchen. The circular trail around the lake offers three natural bathing spots, one of which charges an admission fee, as well as two designated bathing spots for dogs. The different bathing areas provide a clear framework for spending time by the water; you can factor in the fee for one of the three natural bathing spots when planning your day.

The Way of St. James from Werneuchen to Bernau calls for a different plan. The route starts in Werneuchen, is about 17 kilometers long and takes approximately five to six hours. This makes it easy to choose between time by the lake and a longer hike: one option centers on the bathing spots at Löhmer Haussee, while the other involves several hours on foot.

Werneuchen can be reached directly from Berlin in about 30 minutes on regional express train RB25 from Ostkreuz station. As travel times and services may change, check the current timetable before your trip.

Barnim as a wider travel destination

The wider Barnim destination offers other cultural, nature and water attractions. Chorin Monastery is a key example of North German Brick Gothic architecture; the Niederfinow Boat Lift is Germany’s oldest still-operating boat lift. The Ice Age Landscape at the Edge of the Oder Geopark extends across the Uckermark and Barnim districts in northeastern Brandenburg.

Barnim also offers regional options for active days: the Barnim district’s cycle route network is 610 kilometers long, and cycling is a visitor activity in Barnim Nature Park. The “Around the Schorfheide” circular hiking trail is 143 kilometers long and runs through Barnim Nature Park. The different route lengths make it easier to gauge the scale of regional cycling and hiking plans.

Barnim’s numerous swimming lakes offer opportunities to relax. Boat trips are available on Lake Werbellin, and canoe tours can be taken on the Finow Canal. The Finow Canal is Germany’s oldest artificial waterway still open to navigation. These additional water-based activities in Barnim—boat trips on Lake Werbellin and canoe tours on the Finow Canal—complement the natural bathing spots at Löhmer Haussee.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Schorfheide, Liepe, Parsteinsee, Melchow, Biesenthal, Eberswalde, Hohenfinow, Panketal

To the wider travel overview: Barnim.