Of Father Christmas and Silkworm

In a photo album with the best cycling experiences of the year, this tour could be represented with two unusual motifs. After all, there is no other Father Christmas house far and wide where a festively decorated parlour invites you to linger, even in midsummer. Every now and then, the man with the ravenous beard even drops by in person in Himmelpfort to pose in front of the cameras with tourists in T-shirts.

Length: 51 km / Duration: 4h

Start / Finish: Fürstenberg (Havel)

Logo / route signs: no details

Arrival / Departure:

• By train: From Berlin main station with the RE5 (Stralsund) to Fürstenberg (Havel) (approx. 1h).
• By car: From Berlin via the A111 and B96 to Fürstenberg (Havel) (approx. 1.5 h).

Route: Fürstenberg (Havel), Himmelpfort, Dannenwalde, Zernikow, Menz, Neuglobsow, Fürstenberg (Havel)

Route description: After these experiences in Himmelpfort shortly after the start in Fürstenberg/Havel, the route heads south in good spirits through a forest and lake landscape, where the next surprise awaits in Zernikow. At the estate, an exhibition recalls the attempts in Prussia to establish large-scale silkworm breeding using mulberry trees. Even living specimens of the butterflies can be admired and photographed.

The Stechlinsee, famous for its great depth of view, is another highlight that concludes this varied round tour through the Stechlin - Ruppiner Land Nature Park.

Things to see / know:

• Fürstenberg: Ravensbrück Memorial and Remembrance Site
• Himmelpfort: monastery herb garden and monastery ruins, Father Christmas parlour
• Dannenwalde: Environmental station and barefoot path
• Zernikow: Estate with exhibition on silkworm breeding
• Menz: Nature Park House and Sensory Garden
• Neuglobsow: Glassmaker's house, Lake Stechlin

Possible combinations

• Havel Cycle Route
• Ruppiner Lakes Cultural Cycle Route
• Tour Brandenburg

Route condition / route development: no information

Maps / Literature: Radkarte Ruppiner Seenland, bikeline Radkarte, scale 1:75000, Verlag Esterbauer GmbH, ISBN: 978-3-85000-838-9, 2nd edition, 7,90 €