Best attractions and places to see in Harper Forst include a variety of historical sites, natural areas, and family-friendly facilities. The region features significant historical landmarks related to the former inner-German border, alongside natural attractions centered around a prominent lake. Visitors can explore 21 distinct points of interest, offering insights into both the area's past and its natural landscape.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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from this point the 5km exclusion zone began. Only authorized persons were allowed in. There was a checkpoint here, everyone was checked here by the Volkspolizei (VoPo)
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There are play areas for children at many points along the circular route around Lake Arendsee.
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As a result of the tightening of the GDR's border regime in 1952, the area around Lake Arendsee was located within the newly established five-kilometer exclusion zone along the inner-German border. A permit was required to stay in the exclusion zone. There were repeated forced expulsions of people from such areas. The construction of the Wall in 1961 led to further tightening of controls and a massive expansion of the border fortifications. In Arendsee and neighboring Schrampe, several similar conical stones were erected to commemorate the former exclusion zone area, resembling the road barriers. The inscription reads: "5 km exclusion zone to the Federal Republic of Germany opened on November 9, 1989 | We want to be a united people of brothers | March 18, 1990" Places of Remembrance!
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The Queen Arendsee is a paddle-wheel steamer in the style of a Mississippi shuffle boat and is one of the main attractions on Lake Arendsee. A special highlight is that the Queen Arendsee houses the only floating registry office in Saxony-Anhalt. With space for around 120 people and an onboard restaurant, the ship offers regular tours from May to September. One tour offers impressive views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
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Here you can understand German history
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Attention, restricted area! A completely different picture emerges on the northern shore of Lake Arendsee. While holidaymakers are enjoying their holidays across the street, border guards are patrolling the restricted area. It is only five kilometers to the state border that separates the east from the west of the republic. There are checkpoints everywhere. Without an ID and a pass, you cannot go any further. https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/grenzerfahrung-am-arendsee-100.html
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The pearl of the Altmark.
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Great route and not much going on
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Harper Forst offers several significant historical sites tied to the former inner-German border. You can visit the Access to the Green Belt (Grünes Band), which provides a convenient entry point to the former border trail, featuring signs of old border fences and the impressive Wirler Spitze. Another key site is the Pferde- und Freizeitparadies Ziemendorf (Former Border Barracks), originally built in 1972 as border troops barracks. Additionally, the Sperrzone Memorial Stone Arendsee commemorates the former five-kilometer exclusion zone along the border.
Yes, Harper Forst has several attractions suitable for families. The Playground on the Arendsee lakeside promenade is well-laid out for strolling and offers views of the lake. Families can also enjoy a trip on the Queen Arendsee Paddle Steamer, which runs from May to September. The Pferde- und Freizeitparadies Ziemendorf, a former border barracks now operating as a hotel and leisure paradise, also offers family-friendly facilities.
The region is known for its natural beauty, particularly around Lake Arendsee. You can explore the Green Belt, which is a nature conservation project along the former inner-German border, offering opportunities for nature observations. The Arendsee itself provides scenic views and a pleasant lakeside promenade.
Harper Forst offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, hiking, and running. For road cycling, popular routes include the 'City of Arendsee – Schramper Eck loop from Ziemendorf' and the 'View of Lake Arendsee – Wanzer Post Mill loop from Ziemendorf'. Hiking options range from easy loops like 'Arendsee Cascade – Arendsee Market Square loop from Arendsee' to moderate trails such as 'GDR Border Marker 324 – View of Lake Arendsee loop from Ziemendorf'. Running enthusiasts can enjoy routes like the 'Arendsee Lake Loop loop from Zießau'. More details on these activities can be found in the respective guides for Road Cycling Routes in Harper Forst, Hiking in Harper Forst, and Running Trails in Harper Forst.
Yes, there are several hiking trails available. The Green Belt itself offers a circular route where you can explore old border hills and enjoy nature. For more structured hikes, you can find trails like the 'Arendsee Cascade – Arendsee Market Square loop from Arendsee' (easy, 4.4 km) or the 'GDR Border Marker 324 – View of Lake Arendsee loop from Ziemendorf' (moderate, 18.5 km). You can explore more hiking options in the Hiking in Harper Forst guide.
Visitors particularly enjoy the historical significance of the former inner-German border, with many finding the Green Belt and its remnants of border fences to be impressive and thought-provoking. The lakeside promenade at Arendsee is appreciated for its pleasant atmosphere and views, ideal for strolling. The Queen Arendsee Paddle Steamer is also a popular way to explore the lake.
Absolutely. Harper Forst offers various road cycling routes. Examples include the 'City of Arendsee – Schramper Eck loop from Ziemendorf' (easy, 15.7 km) and longer moderate routes like the 'View of Lake Arendsee – Wanzer Post Mill loop from Ziemendorf' (82.5 km). For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the Road Cycling Routes in Harper Forst guide.
The Queen Arendsee Paddle Steamer offers a delightful way to explore Lake Arendsee. It runs from May to September, providing a relaxing one-hour trip around the lake. It's a popular activity for both locals and visitors.
A great option for children is the Playground on the Arendsee lakeside promenade. It's described as nicely laid out and offers a pleasant environment for families to enjoy with views of the lake.
The Green Belt (Grünes Band) in Harper Forst is a section of the former inner-German border that has been transformed into a nature conservation project. It's an impressive area where you can still see signs of former border fences and explore old border hills, offering a unique blend of history and nature observation.
Yes, the Sperrzone Memorial Stone Arendsee is a significant memorial. It commemorates the former five-kilometer exclusion zone that existed along the inner-German border, reminding visitors of the historical restrictions and the eventual opening of the border on November 9, 1989.
The Pferde- und Freizeitparadies Ziemendorf has a unique history. Originally built in 1972 as barracks for border troops, it has since been repurposed and now operates as a hotel and leisure paradise, offering various facilities for visitors.


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