Borkheide: Aviation History, Forest Chapel and Trails

Borkheide combines aviation history with trails through the town and a natural swimming area. The former Mars airfield was located in what is now the town centre. This lets you focus your stay on cultural history, outdoor activities, or time by the water.

Forest Chapel and Aviation History

The Borkheide church was built around 1927 and is a half-timbered forest chapel. The cemetery in Borkheide is home to the grave of Hans Grade, whom the municipality describes as Germany’s first motorised aviator and an aviation pioneer. A memorial stone to Grade was erected in 1979 to mark his 100th birthday. The former Mars airfield is also part of the area’s aviation history: it was Germany’s first motorised airfield and was located in what is now the town centre. Together, these places offer different starting points for a walk through Borkheide’s history.

Getting Around on Foot and by Bike

The Hans Grade hiking trail is signposted and easy to walk. It starts at Borkheide station, which you can reach on regional express train RE 7. The route follows Friedrich-Engels-Straße to the market square, where a memorial stone and information about the former Mars airfield can be found. The trail also passes the Waldbad swimming area on its way to the cemetery, where Käthe and Hans Grade have an honorary grave. Check the current timetable before travelling and the trail conditions before setting out.

Several cycling and themed routes pass through Borkheide or start here. The Europaradweg R 1 runs through the town, connecting the French Channel coast near Boulogne with Saint Petersburg. The German Unity Cycle Route runs from Berlin to Bonn via Borkheide, and the Tour Brandenburg also passes through the town. The Spargelwanderweg leads from Borkheide to the asparagus farm in Klaistow. These destinations provide clear points of reference: the R 1 and German Unity Cycle Route connect far-flung endpoints, while Klaistow is the named destination on the Spargelwanderweg.

Borkheide is connected to the A9 motorway, and regional train RE 7 runs towards Berlin and Dessau. Passengers can take their bicycles to Borkheide on regional express train R7. If your plans depend on a particular connection or taking a bicycle, check the current timetables.

Waldbad Swimming Area and Events

Waldbad Borkheide is a chemical-free, accessible natural swimming area. It has a 1,000 m² swimming pond and a 3 m-high diving tower. Facilities for children include a toddler pool, a children’s slide, a mud play area, a play ship, a basket swing, and a water spiral. A beach volleyball court is also available to visitors. Check the swimming area’s current operating details before your visit.

The annual evening event Musik am Ofen and an autumn brunch are among the community events held at Borkheide church. Check the current dates before visiting.

The Radstätte Borkheide cycle stop at Marktplatz, Kirchanger 3, lists digital tourist information about the surrounding area, charging facilities for e-bikes and mobile phones, and free Wi-Fi among its services. If you are planning to use these services, check that the cycle stop is currently operating beforehand.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Niemegk, Zauchwitz, Groß Kreutz, Golm, Babelsberg, Schwielowsee, Stahnsdorf, Potsdam.

For the broader travel overview: Potsdam-Mittelmark.