Easy hikes and walks around Eisenhüttenstadt

From the clay pits near the grinding mill (on the Pohlitz Mühlenfließ), raw clay was transported by field railway to the large ring kiln of the Maaß brickworks on the Oder-Spree Canal. (Source: Eisenhüttenstadt and its Surroundings, Klaus-Dieter Gansleweit, Akademie-Verlag Berlin, 1986)

In the middle of the Brandenburg Forest, where the pines filter the light with their long needles and the blackberry vines have long since taken over, it still stands – a picnic shelter seemingly out of time. The wood is weathered, the roof crooked – and yet: a place made for a sandwich with a view. No Instagram filter can convey what this place has to say. The journey here isn't an event, but a transition. Old waterworks paths, the occasional crackling in the woods, an information board that has long since fallen silent. You don't come for the view, you come because you don't want to be seen for a change. And that's precisely why this shelter is so beautiful. It stands there as if it no longer wants to prove anything to anyone – and in doing so, it's doing exactly the right thing. The wood creaks when you sit down. The wind plays with the roof, as if testing whether it will hold today. And the stream that flows through the grounds somewhere back there doesn't make a sound. Anyone who sits here not only has a break, but also a moment of clarity: The world is complicated – but a wooden bench in the forest can be quite simple. Perhaps a buzzard will pass by. Maybe just a mosquito. Maybe you just stay seated because there's nothing to do. And at some point you realize: That's enough.

The stream, which rises at the goldfish ponds and runs partly underground, flows into the Oder-Spree canal. A detour to the Garden Stream is definitely recommended and is an insider tip, and not just for art lovers. With around 20 sculptures, the Garden Stream is home to the largest number of over 100 works of art in the city.

There is a large picnic area on the Kingfisher Trail, which is ideal for school classes and larger groups. The rest area is in the forest and is covered by a sturdy wooden structure, which offers protection from sun and rain. This rest area creates a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for a relaxing break during the hike. The spacious space, which is also sufficient for larger hiking groups, is particularly practical. An ideal place to enjoy nature together and relax after a walk.

The horseshoe loop is a particularly picturesque stage of the Kingfisher Trail near Pohlitz. This section leads along a small, meandering stream, the banks of which are framed by dense ferns and lush greenery. The gentle rippling of the water that runs through the landscape creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Here, hikers can immerse themselves deeply in nature and discover the diversity of flora. The path follows gentle curves and occasionally opens up to small clearings that invite you to linger. This path is ideal for nature lovers who want to enjoy not only the exercise but also the peaceful surroundings. With its varied, green views, the horseshoe loop offers a refreshing nature experience and an insight into the wild, romantic landscape around the horseshoe ponds. A perfect place to take a break and take in the beauty of the surroundings.

On the Kingfisher Trail in Pohlitz, you are greeted from afar by a splashing sound that comes from the small water wheel on the Pohlitz Mühlenfließ. Driven by the steady flow of water, the wheel turns tirelessly and adds a pleasant sound to the quiet surroundings. It is a small but beautiful stop on the hike where you can take a moment to admire the simple interplay of water and technology. The gentle sounds of the water wheel accompany the hikers and create a calming atmosphere. A place that invites you to linger and observe - and maybe even to relax and reflect.

The mine railway embankment on the Eisvogelpfad trail leads hikers along a historically significant route on a former railway embankment that once transported coal from the mines near Pohlitz to Schönfließ. This section of the route begins near the former excursion restaurant Schierenberg and winds its way past the horseshoe ponds, through dense forests and marshy areas. What was once a busy transport route for the coal industry is now an idyllic hiking trail that only hints at the traces of the past. The path is surrounded by lush greenery, and the thicket of nature has reclaimed large parts of the route. Small relics of industrial use repeatedly appear, reminding us of the coal mining that once shaped the life of the region. Especially in the shady sections of the forest, you can feel a pleasant tranquility, and the path offers numerous opportunities to be carried away by the silence of the surroundings. This section of the Eisvogelpfad is not only a natural experience but also a journey through the history of the Lusatian lignite industry. The vegetation that has reconquered the terrain creates a special atmosphere that appeals equally to nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Another highlight of the Kingfisher Trail is the wood identification station. Here, hikers can test their knowledge of local tree species. The types of wood are clearly shown on trunks, and you can try to identify them by their appearance. Whether fir, beech or robinia - this interactive station is particularly exciting for families, because young and old can discover together how different the bark structures and types of wood of the trees are. The boards also provide information about the correct solutions, so that everyone can check at the end whether the classification is correct. It is a simple but educational way to learn more about nature while exploring the trail.