Nature Reserve Guide
The district of Barnim is home to 6 nature reserves, protected areas defined by landscapes shaped during the last ice age. These reserves feature a diverse topography of glacial valleys, ancient beech forests, expansive wetlands, and numerous lakes and streams. The terrain provides a network of routes for outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, and jogging. This collection of protected areas offers a variety of natural settings, from the vast Barnim Nature Park to the UNESCO-recognized Grumsin Beech Forest.
923
Routes
4.6
(8661)
Average rating
36K+
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.6
(3469)
13,517
hikers
Biesenthaler Becken is an Ice Age-shaped nature reserve offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging routes through forests, wetlands, and glacial lakes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(2136)
8,321
hikers
Tegeler Fließtal is a Berlin nature reserve with diverse landscapes and flat paths, offering routes for hiking, cycling, jogging, and more.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(1238)
5,205
hikers
Finowtal-Pregnitzfließ is a nature reserve in Brandenburg, Germany, offering gentle, ice-age shaped terrain ideal for hiking, cycling, and jogging routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(902)
4,511
hikers
Nonnenfließ-Schwärzetal is a Brandenburg nature reserve with a unique ice-age landscape of varied topography, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and more.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(477)
2,305
hikers
Plagefenn is a nature reserve in Brandenburg, Germany, offering diverse routes for cycling, hiking, and running through woodlands, moorlands, and glacial lakes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.7
(439)
2,163
hikers
Kienhorst / Köllnseen / Eichheide is a nature reserve with diverse glacial landscapes, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor pursuits.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
The nature reserves in Barnim are protected areas featuring landscapes shaped by the last ice age, including glacial valleys, forests, and wetlands. This page aggregates 6 of these reserves, such as the Biesenthaler Becken and Nonnenfließ-Schwärzetal. They offer a network of routes for various outdoor activities.
The primary activities in Barnim's nature reserves are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Across the 6 reserves on this page, there are more than 900 routes available. Visitors can also find trails for jogging and road cycling.
The nature reserves in Barnim featured on this page offer a combined total of over 370 hiking trails. These routes explore a variety of landscapes, from the ice-age basin of Biesenthaler Becken to the stream valleys of Finowtal-Pregnitzfließ. A collection of routes is available in the Hiking in Barnim guide.
Yes, there are numerous cycling routes through the nature reserves. The Nonnenfließ-Schwärzetal is popular for both touring and mountain biking, with over 50 combined routes. The Berlin-Usedom Cycle Route also traverses parts of the Barnim Nature Park.
The Biesenthaler Becken is a nature reserve known for its distinct glacial basin landscape, shaped during the last ice age. It is a popular destination for hiking, with over 60 hiking trails exploring its moors, wet meadows, and forests. Cycling and jogging are also common activities in the reserve.
The Nonnenfließ-Schwärzetal reserve features a surprisingly varied topography with steep slopes and ravines, creating a 'low mountain range' character. The landscape is defined by a near-natural stream system that carves through dense forests of old beech and oak trees. This terrain makes it popular for hiking, trail running, and cycling.
Yes, there are routes suitable for families within the nature reserves. Many areas, such as the Tegeler Fließtal, feature flat paths that are ideal for easier outings. For a curated selection of routes, see the Family-friendly hikes in Barnim guide.
Hiking with dogs is possible on many trails within Barnim's nature reserves, provided they are kept on a leash to protect wildlife and the sensitive environment. Specific regulations may apply in certain protected zones, so it is important to check local signage. The Dog-friendly hikes in Barnim guide offers a selection of suitable routes.
Several nature reserves in Barnim are accessible via public transport from Berlin and surrounding areas. For example, the town of Biesenthal, a gateway to the Biesenthaler Becken, has a regional train station. For specific route suggestions starting from transport hubs, the Hikes from bus stations in Barnim guide provides options.
The nature reserves in Barnim can be visited year-round, with each season offering a different experience. The forests are particularly noted for their autumn colors. Spring brings blooming flora, while summer is ideal for exploring the numerous lakes and streams. Well-marked trails allow for winter hiking, though conditions can vary.
Yes, the Grumsin Beech Forest, located within the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, is a designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. This area is recognized for its vast, ancient beech forests that have remained largely untouched. Visitors can explore this primeval forest on marked hiking trails.

