Lilienthal Path

🪂 When flying was still a real adventure. 🪂

Deep in Westhavelland, hidden behind the Gollenberg, aviation tradition is kept alive in the small town of Stölln. Through Otto Lilienthal's flight experiments, Stölln became known far beyond the borders of Havelland. Along the path, the range of aviation from its beginnings is shown, with an exhibition in the Lilienthal Center in the middle of the town to the IL 62 "Lady Agnes" at the foot of the Gollenberg. ⛰️ You start at the yellow airplane and first hike through the quiet Bürgerpark past several sculptures. Forgotten since the end of the war, the former manor park was renewed as part of BUGA 2015. 🌳

Along the way, you not only explore the life and work of Otto Lilienthal but also the flight technology developments triggered by him. 🪂 Historical illustrated information boards and some flight apparatuses designed by Lilienthal as models provide insights into the time when flying was still a real adventure. 🛩️

Passing the memorial stone for Paul Beylich, Lilienthal's assistant, the sandy path leads steeply up the Gollenberg. Around 1900, the mountain was almost bare. Today, the path winds through a sparse oak mixed forest. At the summit, you can, like the aviation pioneer once did, face the wind and let your gaze wander over the Havel lowlands to the horizon. ⛰️

Perhaps a breeze makes the wind harp behind you sound and you hear the vibrations of the tension wires on the glider that Lilienthal loved so much. From the take-off point, it is just a short detour down the escarpment to the spot where he died in a tragic accident in 1896. A memorial stone commemorates the event. 🪦

The Gollenberg is also a nature reserve. A nature trail informs about the animals and plants living here. Back at the aviator park, "Lady Agnes" is already awaiting your visit. Her landing on the far too short runway in 1989 was spectacular. 🛬

🪧 Trail marking: none
🛤️ Trail surface: 3.9 km unpaved, 0.8 km paved
⛅ Light conditions: 3.2 km shady, 1.5 km sunny
🪑 Rest areas: on the Gollenberg
🛝 Playgrounds: in front of the Lilienthal Center; at "Lady Agnes"
🌊 Water access: none
🏖️ Bathing possibility: none
🅿️ Parking: Lilienthal Center / foot of the Gollenberg
🚌 Public transport: Bus 684, 687 – Stölln village stop
🥾 Suitable for: families, seniors