Havelaue: Nature at Lake Gülper See

Lake Gülper See and the adjoining grassland have been protected in Havelaue since 1967; today, the nature reserve covers 1,200 hectares. In autumn, thousands of geese and cranes rest at the lake before continuing to their wintering grounds. Bird migration gives the landscape a distinct seasonal character. This means there are options ranging from a short educational lakeside trail to longer routes on foot, by bike, or on the water.

Birdwatching and trails by the lake

A roughly 1.5-kilometre educational trail runs along the southern shore; information boards explain the lake’s birdlife. The approximately 3.5-kilometre hiking trail on the northern shore starts in Strodehne at Gahlberg and offers views and benches. This gives you two different types of route to choose from: a shorter trail featuring information boards and a longer walk with places to sit and scenic views. Check route conditions locally before setting out.

A public car park in Gülpe provides access to a 2-kilometre path along the dike to Lake Gülper See; access to the observation tower leads through the forest. The tower is on the southern shore and can be reached via a short forest path. Parking is available on the road between Gülpe and Prietzen. In the surrounding area between Hohennauen, Parey, Gülpe, and Lake Gülper See, there are three observation towers and two covered observation points for birdwatching throughout the year. Access to individual structures may be temporarily restricted.

Cycling and canoe tours

The 26-kilometre Stork Route is a cycling loop through Gülpe, Lake Gülper See, Prietzen, Wolsier, and Spaatz. The route has no inclines and runs mainly along roads with little traffic or agricultural concrete roads. Check the route signage and trail conditions locally. The 16-kilometre canoe loop on the Gülper Havel runs from Gülpe via Strodehne, Garz, and Molkenberg, and back to Gülpe. As you paddle along the natural Gülper Havel, you can spot rare birds and possibly beavers, too. Route conditions and seasonal restrictions may change; check them before your trip.

Churches and mills

The village church in Spaatz dates from the mid-13th century and is considered the oldest fieldstone church in the area. Inside is a Late Renaissance altarpiece, with an inscription dated 29 June 1647. Access arrangements for visits to the church may vary. The village church in Gülpe was redesigned as a brick building in 1885 and serves as a place of quiet reflection. The restored post mill in Prietzen dates from 1773. It serves as an observation station and a permanent scientific workplace for ornithologists.

Cycling in the Havelland

Looking at the Havelland as a wider travel destination opens up more cycling routes: with the numbered junction system, you can put together your own routes. The Havelland Cycle Route runs through the Havelländisches Luch via Nauen, Ribbeck, and Rathenow to the Westhavelland Nature and Star Park. It is mostly paved, flat, and pleasant to ride.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nennhausen, Schönwalde-Glien, Brieselang, Seeblick, Rathenow, Stechow-Ferchesar, Wustermark, Märkisch Luch

Go to the wider travel overview: Havelland.