Over 300 lakes lie in the Oder-Spree lake district – close to Berlin, offering ample space for leisurely cycling, expansive lake views, and refreshing swimming breaks. At its heart lies the shimmering Scharmützelsee: nestled in the Saarow hills, with clear water and known as the "Brandenburg Sea" since Fontane's time. This relaxed day trip circumnavigates Brandenburg's second-largest lake, offering exciting contrasts: the sophisticated spa town of Bad Saarow, the Nordic-inspired harbor atmosphere of Wendisch Rietz, and countless beautiful spots for swimming.
Start / Finish: Bad Saarow train station
Length / Duration: 33 km / 54 km / approx. 3 - 3,5 hours / 4 - 4,5 hours pure travel time
Character: A scenic route, mostly on paved cycle paths, offering stunning lake views. Predominantly flat with a few gentle hills for variety.
Course: Bad Saarow, Dorf Saarow, Bad Saarow Strand, Wendisch Rietz, Diensdorf-Radlow, Pieskow, Bad Saarow
Extra tip: Don't forget your swimwear. Many great swimming spots await you for a refreshing dip.
Arrival / Departure:
Public transport: RE1 to Fürstenwalde, then RB35 to Bad Saarow.
Cars: For example, public parking lot Ulmenstraße or Pieskower Straße, Bad Saarow.
Directions
Bad Saarow – a feeling of arrival
Just under an hour east of the capital and well-connected by train, Bad Saarow provides an elegant start to this lakeside tour. Between the spa gardens and the lakeside promenade, the route meanders gently along shady paths beneath ancient trees, past verdant lawns. At the Kurfürstensteg footbridge, the view opens up, revealing what makes this place so special: the Märkische Meer (Lake Märkische) in all its vastness.
Hidden coves and beaches: on the west bank via the Silberberg
Beyond Bad Saarow, the path enters adjacent wooded areas. The former railway line is perfect for getting into a good rhythm. A stop at the bathing area by the Lustgarten in Saarow village is highly recommended. A few kilometers further on, a lake access point leads to the historic "Neptun" lido. Those looking for refreshments will find the perfect atmosphere next door at "Das Dorsch." With a strong pedal stroke, you'll quickly reach the Silberberg hill, from where the route descends to Wendisch Rietz.
Wendisch Rietz – Scandinavian colors at the harbor
At the southern end of the lake, Wendisch Rietz welcomes visitors with a relaxed holiday atmosphere. The lakeside promenade leads to the small pier and on to the harbor. Colorful wooden houses line the shore. A few pedal strokes further on, the Wendisch Rietz fish house beckons with the enticing aroma of smoked fish.
Villages with their stories
Beyond Wendisch Rietz, the route crosses to the eastern shore of the lake. In the small village of Radlow, the stork's nest is worth a look. A stop at the old school barn is also recommended. Shortly before reaching the destination, Cecilienpark, with its expansive beach, beckons. The beer garden at "Freilich am See" is the perfect place to enjoy the later daylight.
Attractions
- Bad Saarow: Spa gardens, Villa "Paolo"
- Wendisch Rietz: Scharmützelsee Leisure Park
- Diensdorf-Radlow: Old school barn, water sports rest area
- Near Wendisch Rietz: Home port with Uwe
- Wendisch Rietz: Eddy's am Kanal, Fischhaus Wendisch Rietz
- Dahmsdorf: country inn at Dolgensee
- Near Storkow: Restaurant Alter Weinberg, Netti's Pantry
- Storkow: Café Burgstübchen
- Hubertus Heights: Fisherman's Cottage by Ben
- Diensdorf-Radlow: Theo's in the Märkisches Meer
- Freilich am See
- Tourist Information at Bad Saarow Station
- Tourist Information at Storkow Castle (Mark)
- Tourist information in the "Haus des Gastes" in Wendisch Rietz
- Cycling brochure "Your bike. Your time out. Your flow.", available in the Seenland Oder-Spree online shop
- Leisure map of Scharmützelsee, Storkower See and surrounding area with street index, hiking routes and excursion tips. 1:25 000, Scharmützelsee Tourism Association eV (ed.): Kartox Menzel, Wendisch Rietz 2019, 5,90 euros
