The ponds north-west of the town of Neuhardenberg are part of the Märkische Schweiz European bird sanctuary. On the edge of the Oderbruch, where the Stöbber flows into the "Alte Oder", a large number of shallow ponds were created between 1968 and 1972 by damming and embanking, of which the Kietzer See is the largest at around 200 hectares. Since the extensification of carp farming, the bird life here has changed, and today it is more like that of a shallow lake. Around 600 cranes use the area as a roosting water in the autumn, but a few breeding pairs can also be observed. So far, more than 120 species of birds have been identified here, including common terns, black-headed gulls, herring gulls, lapwings, cormorants, goosander, sea eagles and ospreys, and great egrets.
Tip: From the observation tower on the lake shore, you can easily see the colonies of common terns that have settled on artificial breeding rafts. In September and October, great egrets, white-fronted geese and bean geese can be observed.
Directions: Take the B167 to Altfriedland, then follow the main road through the town to the end. From the car park, a signposted hiking trail leads to the tower by the fish ponds, which is 10 minutes away.
Tour recommendation- Birdwatching at the Altfriedländer Teiche
Restaurant recommendation- Distillery - country inn in Neuhardenberg Castle
