Hiking in Gartz (Oder)

Over 217 kilometers, the Märkischer Landweg leads with its 10 stages across the Uckermark and simultaneously through three National Natural Landscapes: the Uckermärkische Seen Nature Park, the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, and the Lower Oder Valley National Park. The German Hiking Association awarded the Märkischer Landweg the designation "Quality Trail Walkable Germany."

Through the enchanting and quiet northern surroundings of GartzAlong the Oder River, in the hilly area of Geesow with two landscape protection areas, there is a particularly charming natural gem

In the far north-east of BrandenburgThe Oder Valley is particularly attractive in the area around Gartz. It is partly bordered by alluvial landscapes, but also by striking, steeply rising moraines. However, the western hinterland of the river is no less attractive. Old avenues, quiet little river valleys and quietly breathing farmland over which birds migrate give this region a special, individual character. Then there are the sights of Gartz itself. Although the small town was badly devastated in 1945, there are still a few things worth seeing: the magnificent brick Gothic parish church, the Szczecin Gate, the remains of the town walls and the extremely picturesque Oder promenade.

On the Move in the National Park Between the Oder River ArmsThe unique floodplain landscape on both sides of the lower Oder and its arms in Central Europe has largely retained its untouched character after 1945 due to the border location between the GDR and Poland. After 1990, it became clear to the German and Polish environmental protection agencies that this habitat must be preserved and protected especially for the rare bird species. After Poland established the Lower Oder Valley Landscape Park (Krajobrazowy Dolina Dolnej Odry) in 1993, Germany followed in 1995 with the creation of the Lower Oder Valley National Park. It covers an area of 104 km², the Polish landscape park covers 60 km². Together with the Zehden Landscape Park (Cedyński Park Krajobrazowy) located further south, the three protected areas form a natural spatial unit. Depending on the season, the rarest birds can be observed along the path – in total, over 280 species are native to the national park. The Oder floodplains are breeding grounds for white-tailed and lesser spotted eagles, black stork, and crane. During the bird migration months, alone 200,000 waterfowl pass through the Oder region. But many rare reptiles, amphibians, and fish also find a home here.

A hike at the eastern end of Germany along the Oder from Schwedt to the Hanseatic city of Gartz.The tour is part of a hike from Saarland to Szczecin.

​Lower Oder Valley National Park: 1,726 plant species, 150 of which are on the Federal Republic of Germany’s Red List, and a breeding and resting area for 15,000 cranes Uckermark Lakes Nature Park: 100 km of water trails + more than 50 clear-water lakes + over 30 breeding pairs of ospreys Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve: with approximately 65,000 ha, one of Germany’s largest contiguous forest areas + more than 2,000 oak trees, 400–600 years old + 10% bogs and bog-like fensGrumsin Beech Forest: designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2011Dining recommendations: Kaffee Konsum Wolletz, Stadtcafé Hilde & Heinz, and Wildblume Naturkostbistro in Angermünde; Brauwerk Schwedt; Dorotheenhof Mescherin Art and Culture: Haus Uckermark and the Franciscan Monastery Church in Angermünde, Uckermärkische Bühnen Schwedt> Stage 1a: From Feldberg to Kolbatzer Mühle, 14 km—The trail along the Schmaler Luzin and continuing past Lake Dreetz and Lake Krüselin is a dream and makes for an excellent start to the tour.Stage 2a: From Kolbatzer Mühle to Lychen, 13 km – The town of Lychen is surrounded by seven lakes like an island, so you can almost circle it by water, orStage 1b: From Fürstenberg/Havel to Himmelpfort, 20 km—The waterfront town of Fürstenberg is situated on three islands between Lake Röblin, Lake Baalen, and Lake Schwedt.Stage 2b: From Himmelpfort to Lychen, 11 km – The route winds through the vast forests of the Uckermärkische Seen Nature Park, through pine heaths, past forest lakes, and on to the rafting town of Lychen...3.