Top 20 Natural Monuments around Strausberg

The region around Strausberg offers diverse natural features. The Straussee is a significant lake known for its clear waters and the historic electrically propelled passenger cable ferry. You can also discover the dramatic Wolf Gorge (Märkische Schweiz), a 250-meter long glacial notch valley with a significant altitude difference. Another unique feature is the trail Along the Stobber, where the river's brown-colored water is due to its high iron content, and it's notable for its connection to both the Baltic and North Seas.

Yes, several natural monuments are great for families. South Gamensee features a beautiful hiking trail and small places to access the water, including a public swimming area at the campsite. The Great Tornow Lake is picturesquely located and part of a European bird sanctuary, offering a serene environment. The Straussee itself provides various recreational activities, and nearby, families can visit the CLIMB UP! Climbing Worlds adventure park.

The area is excellent for hiking. The banks of the Straussee are largely accessible for long hikes and are part of the 66 Lakes Hiking Trail. You can also enjoy a beautiful hiking trail around South Gamensee, or explore the scenic path Along the Stobber, which winds through Märkische Schweiz. For more specific hiking routes, you can explore the Easy hikes around Strausberg guide, which includes routes like the 'Lake Straussee – Straussee Loop Trail'.

Yes, swimming is possible at several locations. The Straussee offers natural bathing areas. At South Gamensee, there are small spots to enter the water and a public (paid) swimming area at the campsite. Additionally, Weißer See (Märkische Schweiz) has at least one unguarded bathing area, perfect for a spontaneous cool-off.

While the natural monuments themselves are the main draw, the region does offer historical insights. The Straussee Ferry, operating since 1894, is a listed building and a unique piece of local history. In the town of Strausberg, you can visit the City Museum, the historic old town with St. Mary's Church, and parts of the old city wall, providing a glimpse into the area's past.

The natural monuments, especially the lakes, are home to diverse wildlife. The Great Tornow Lake is part of a European bird sanctuary, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. The Straussee is rich in fish species like northern pike, zander, eel, and various perch, attracting both anglers and commercial fishermen. Along the Stobber, you might even spot signs of beavers.

Many natural monuments, particularly the Straussee, are easily accessible from Berlin. You can reach Strausberg via the S5 S-Bahn line in about 45 minutes or by regional train line 26 from Ostbahnhof. This makes it convenient to visit the Straussee and other nearby natural areas without a car.

Beyond hiking, the area around Strausberg offers various outdoor activities. The Straussee is popular for renting boats for water tours and angling. For those interested in cycling, the Cycling around Strausberg guide features routes like the 'Trail along the shore of Straussee'. Runners can find suitable paths in the Running Trails around Strausberg guide, including loops around the Straussee.

Visitors frequently appreciate the serene beauty and accessibility of the natural monuments. The clear waters and picturesque landscapes, especially around the lakes, are often highlighted for relaxation. The well-maintained hiking trails, like those around South Gamensee, are also highly rated for their scenic views and opportunities for immersion in nature. The unique features, such as the historic Straussee Ferry and the dramatic Wolf Gorge, also leave a lasting impression.

The Wolf Gorge (Märkische Schweiz) is a beautiful hiking trail. Be aware that it's a glacial notch valley with a significant altitude difference, so comfortable footwear is recommended. While hiking is popular, cycling might be challenging due to steepness, low-hanging trees, and large rocks. It's a great place to experience the unique geological formations of the region.

The Stobber river, which you can explore along the trail Along the Stobber, is quite unique. It's probably the only stream that manages to flow into both the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, explaining its strong branching. Its water has a distinct brown color due to a high iron content. Along the hike, you'll also notice old mill dams that were historically built to operate water mills.