The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Fassung Pohlitz

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)

Here you can compare your jump with that of the forest animals.

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.

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.

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 horseshoe ponds along the Kingfisher Trail offer an idyllic place for a break in the midst of nature. Surrounded by dense forest and reflective water, this quiet place invites you to linger. A small shelter not only offers protection from sudden changes in the weather, but is also a cozy place to take in the peaceful surroundings. The narrow path that lines the ponds meanders through the greenery and repeatedly opens up beautiful views of the calm water in which the trees are reflected. It is particularly nice to linger here for a while, watch the birds and simply enjoy the silence. An ideal place to take a quick breather and gain strength for the rest of the hike.

The mine railway embankment on the Kingfisher Trail takes hikers on a route steeped in history along a former railway embankment that once transported coal from the mines near Pohlitz to Schönfließ. This section of the route begins near the former Schierenberg tourist restaurant and winds its way past the horseshoe ponds, through dense forests and swampy 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 keep cropping up, reminiscent of the coal mining that once shaped life in the region. A pleasant sense of calm is felt, particularly in the shady sections of the forest, and the path offers numerous opportunities to be carried away by the silence of the surroundings. This section of the Kingfisher Trail is not only a nature experience, but also a journey through the history of the Lusatian lignite industry. The vegetation that has reclaimed the terrain creates a special atmosphere that appeals to nature lovers and history buffs alike.

The Kingfisher Trail, nestled in a lush green forest, invites you to a hike of approximately 3,500 meters. The route begins directly at the trailhead parking lot, located about 500 meters from the main road, and is clearly described on the information panel. The panel provides a comprehensive overview of the trail and the area where the rare kingfisher can be found. The path leads through diverse natural landscapes, inviting you to absorb the many impressions of the surroundings. The tranquil atmosphere that accompanies the hike is particularly appealing – away from the hustle and bustle, you can immerse yourself in the forest and discover the beauty of nature. Along the way, you'll be accompanied not only by birdsong and the rustling of the trees, but also by the chance to catch a glimpse of the kingfisher, whose colorful plumage may be visible on the quieter sections of the trail. For those seeking peace and quiet amidst nature, the Kingfisher Trail offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the landscape on a well-marked route.