On this half-day hike, relaxation begins the moment you step onto the tram. Two of Brandenburg's tram systems will transport you not through the urban jungle, but through the verdant city forest to the popular excursion spots at Kalksee and Flakensee, and back again! A hundred years ago, the region around Rüdersdorf and Woltersdorf was already the number one destination for city dwellers. Today, it's our top tip for families looking for a late-rising getaway!
Your highlights:
- Wide and clear: Great views and hidden swimming spots at Kalksee
- Easy Going: short and relaxed hiking tour
- Delicious treat to finish: Restaurants and cafes near the Woltersdorf lock
Goal: Woltersdorf Lock tram stop
Length: approx. 6 kilometers / approx. 2 hours
Directions: S3 to Friedrichshagen S-Bahn station, then take tram 88 to Rüdersdorf Marktplatz
Departure: Tram 87 to Rahnsdorf S-Bahn station, then take the S3 to Berlin
Quickly through the city forest and on to Rüdersdorf
Your tour starts with tram line 88 at Friedrichshagen S-Bahn station (S3). Through the Berlin Forest, the tram often reaches top speed, easily keeping pace with the cars driving alongside. Is it due to Finnish engineering? With a bit of luck, you might catch the trams that were recently running in Helsinki and some still bear Finnish markings. Get off at Rüdersdorf market square. If you didn't get up too late, you can also stop one stop earlier at the Museum Park. The Museum of Industrial History at the limestone quarry has many interactive exhibits that are also worthwhile for families.
On the 66 Lakes Trail along the water
Passing the Chau restaurant and the long-established Friedrich bakery, you quickly leave the town center and cross the impressive wooden bridge over the Kalkgraben stream. You now follow the 66 Lakes Trail, marked with a blue dot, and suddenly the enchanting view of the Kalksee lake opens up before you.
Here on the shallow eastern shore of this clear lake, also very popular with divers, you'll discover countless small, secluded swimming spots and charming rest areas. Traces of former restaurants and the old open-air swimming pool from the early 20th century are still visible. Today, Rüdersdorf's health campus sits perched above the lake. Down by the water, the long jetty offers a perfect view of the lake.
Great film and natural scenery
Something you probably didn't know: Lake Kalksee was a long-time filming location. For example, "The Tiger of Eschnapur" was filmed on its shores. Older residents of Rüdersdorf still tell stories about the animal extras at the lake, when elephants played supporting roles on set.
The hiking trail along the southern reed bed of the lake has a slightly primeval forest feel. Afterwards, the view opens up to the canal leading to the Woltersdorf lock. On its banks, you'll see villas from the 1920s, which still testify to the area's popularity with affluent summer visitors from the nearby metropolis of Berlin.
Culinary Reward
The area around the Woltersdorf lock has a relaxed holiday atmosphere, with restaurants, cafés, and snack bars beckoning you with delicious snacks or refreshments. The options range from the Hotel Kranichsberg restaurant and snack bars to the lock tavern with its own small brewery. Crossing the lock bridge, you'll reach tram stop 87. If you have a wait, watching the fascinating lock operation or enjoying an ice cream at the bakery will make the time fly by.
On one of Brandenburg's shortest routes, the Wolterdorf tram takes you through the Köpenick city forest back towards the city. You'll reach Rahnsdorf S-Bahn station comfortably and at a leisurely pace. You certainly won't miss your car this afternoon.
Plan your late-riser tour now to visit your Berlin garden neighbors in Rüdersdorf and Woltersdorf.
Worth seeing:
- Fieldstone bridge and old restaurants
- Rüdersdorf Museum Park with bell tower
- Favorite view at the Woltersdorf ferry
- Bakery Friedrich (Rüdersdorf)
- Restaurant Chau (Rüdersdorf)
- Restaurants at the Woltersdorf lock (including Schleusenwirtschaft, Café Knappe, Flakenseeterassen)
- Playgrounds: Woltersdorfer Schleuse, Kurpark S-Bahn station, Friedrichshagen
- Boat rental Spree Safari on Flakensee
- Family offers in the Rüdersdorf Museum Park
