Attractions and Places To See around Bernau - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Bernau offers a blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. Located northeast of Berlin within the Barnim Nature Park, the region provides both urban history and extensive natural beauty. Visitors can explore medieval fortifications, significant Bauhaus architecture, and diverse landscapes. The area is characterized by forests, lakes, and river valleys, making it suitable for various outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Bernau
- The most popular attractions is Alder carr forest in the Briese Valley, a forest that features a unique marshland ecosystem. This area is known for its diverse wildlife and offers a natural spectacle shaped by glacial movements.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Liepnitz, a large, clean swimming lake surrounded by forest areas. It is a popular destination for relaxation and outdoor activities, accessible via public transport and bike paths.
- Visitors also love Panke Riverside Path, an idyllic cycle way along the Panke river. This path offers numerous rest stops and a scenic route through green surroundings.
- Bernau is known for its historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The region offers a variety of attractions, from medieval city walls and towers to UNESCO World Heritage Bauhaus architecture and extensive nature parks.
- The attractions around Bernau are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3500 upvotes and over 300 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Panke Riverside Path
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Panke Trail at Karower Teiche
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Blankenburg Carp Ponds
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Lake Liepnitz
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There is an island that can be reached by ferry (or by swimming), there is also a garden restaurant, the Insulaner Klause.
liepnitzinsel.de
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Alder carr forest in the Briese Valley
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There are also several information boards and a small nature trail for young and old.
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Popular around Bernau
Berlin-Usedom – To the seaside in 4 days
Strawberry, Raspberry & Blueberry - by S-Bahn to berry picking
Purple splendour – by S-Bahn into the heath
Tourentipps des ADFC Berlin - mit S- oder U-Bahn erreichbar
Tourentipps des ADFC Berlin - mit dem Zug erreichbar
Hiking around Bernau
Cycling around Bernau
Road Cycling Routes around Bernau
Running Trails around Bernau
MTB Trails around Bernau
Other adventures around Bernau
Tips from the Community
An extensive ditch system west of the Panke is still managed and regulated by the state of Berlin today. There are many hectares of allotment gardens around Blankenburg, through which rainwater drainage ditches run in old routes. The Blankenburg carp ponds, which are affected by the Panke, are located here. They are managed by the Berlin State Anglers Association. On the northern bank of these ponds, the Malchower Fließgraben brings water from a whole system of ditches from the Malchower See to the left of the Panke. This ditch system east of the Panke includes the Schmöckpfuhlgraben, which today brings water from the Heinersdorf freight station site and the allotment gardens northeast of Heinersdorf.
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When you see the trees standing in the water, you have the feeling of being in another world or another time.
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Nice clean lake. Here you can swim, picnic, ride a bike, hike. Everything a natural heart desires.
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Idyllic bike path along the Panke with lots of rest stops to Bernau, always in the countryside.
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Rolls very well. Only the northern section is cobblestone - well. It is also a busy cycle path, a shame, but it has hardly any alternatives. The landscape with the ponds and the birds that live there is very attractive. Some benches invite you to linger.
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Always beautiful. However, very crowded on weekends.
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The full length of the path is very easy to drive on (partly asphalted, partly made of gravel). You drive continuously parallel to the Panke. In between, Pankgrafenstraße has to be crossed as the main street. A zebra crossing has existed here for several years. There are a lot of pedestrians, often with dogs.
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This nice bike-line will bring you from the heart of Berlin to Buch and Bernau avoiding the main road. It is always very crowded with bikers and pedestrians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Bernau?
Bernau offers a rich history with several notable landmarks. You can visit the medieval Steintor (Stone Gate) and Hunger Tower, which house parts of the Bernau Museum of Local History. Explore the impressive Powder Tower, a former defensive structure, and the historic Hangman's House. Approximately 1.3 kilometers of the original 13th/14th-century Bernau City Wall are also preserved, offering a glimpse into the city's medieval fortifications.
Are there any UNESCO World Heritage sites near Bernau?
Yes, Bernau is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Bauhaus (former ADGB Trade Union School). Designed by renowned architects Hannes Meyer and Hans Wittwer, this site embodies the Bauhaus ideal and offers guided tours.
What natural attractions are there for outdoor enthusiasts?
Bernau is embedded within the scenic Barnim Nature Park, offering extensive natural beauty. Key natural attractions include Lake Liepnitz, a large, clean swimming lake surrounded by forests, and the unique Alder carr forest in the Briese Valley, known for its marshland ecosystem and diverse wildlife. You can also explore the Panke Riverside Path for a scenic bike ride or walk.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Bernau?
The region around Bernau is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes, such as those found in the Easy hikes around Bernau guide, or explore cycling routes like the Cycling around Bernau guide. For road cycling enthusiasts, there are also dedicated Road Cycling Routes around Bernau.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Bernau?
Yes, many attractions in Bernau are family-friendly. The Lake Liepnitz is a popular spot for families to swim and relax. The Alder carr forest in the Briese Valley offers a nature trail with information boards, making it an engaging experience for all ages. Additionally, the Panke Riverside Path is a pleasant route for family bike rides or walks.
Where can I learn more about Bernau's local history?
You can delve into Bernau's past at the Bernau Museum of Local History, which is spread across two locations: the Steintor and the Hangman's House. The museum covers medieval history, including beer brewing, local crafts, and the Hussite attack.
What is the best time to visit Bernau for outdoor activities?
The Barnim Nature Park and its surrounding areas are beautiful in every season. Spring and summer are ideal for swimming at Lake Liepnitz and cycling along the Panke Riverside Path. Autumn offers stunning foliage for hiking in areas like the Alder carr forest in the Briese Valley. The Hussite Festival in June also adds a vibrant cultural element to a summer visit.
Are there any unique cultural events or festivals in Bernau?
Bernau hosts several unique cultural events. Every June, the renowned Hussite Festival transforms the Bernauer Stadtpark into a medieval market fair with knights and historical reenactments. Another medieval spectacle is the annual Sword-fight Meeting in March, showcasing martial arts from various cultures and eras.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints or places to relax in nature?
For scenic views and relaxation, consider a hike around Hellsee, which offers diverse views over the fjord-like lake and trails through primeval beech forests. The Blankenburg Carp Ponds are also described as an idyllic place to slow down and enjoy nature, with paths adorned by weeping willows.
What makes the Alder carr forest in the Briese Valley special?
The Alder carr forest in the Briese Valley is a unique natural spectacle. It's a fairy-tale marshland ecosystem, shaped by glacial movements during the Ice Age, housing diverse wildlife including squirrels, woodpeckers, swans, and ducks. Visitors describe it as unearthly beautiful and a great hiking trail, suitable in every season.
How accessible is Lake Liepnitz?
Lake Liepnitz is easily accessible. It's located north of Berlin and can be reached by S-Bahn (e.g., S-Bahn station Bernau), followed by well-developed bike paths, mostly shaded by the forest. There's also an island on the lake reachable by ferry, featuring a garden restaurant.
Are there any parks within Bernau itself?
Yes, the Bernauer Stadtpark is a notable park in Bernau. Created from the leveling of ramparts and ditches in the 17th century, it's not only the venue for the Hussite Festival but also features several sculptures from an international sculptors' symposium. Additionally, Külzpark, located directly in front of the historic city fortifications, offers impressive views of the old town's defensive structures.
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