Wupatz's educational trail

The forest on the eastern outskirts of Erkner is home to the small forest gnome WupatzWith cheeky sayings he leads hikers, big and small, through the idyllic foothills of the Löcknitz ValleyAdventurous visitors can learn more about the local flora, fauna and landscape structure in a playful way at 16 stations using display boards and interactive modules. This not only challenges and promotes intelligence and skill, but also the senses and endurance.

The start of the almost 4-kilometer-long, interactive circular trail is right at the eastern entrance to the town, where there are also two spacious parking spaces. It is a roughly 2-hour adventure journey through forest, meadows and water. There are many places along the way to have a picnic or just take a deep breath - the trail itself is therefore worth a visit.

The path initially leads along the edge of the forest, with wonderful views of the colorful meadows along the Löcknitz. Framed by mystical groups of trees, the path circles around the Wupatzsee in an arc. However, the densely overgrown shoreline still allows you to catch a glimpse of the lake that gives the lake its name and its countless inhabitants.

At the Leistikowsteg, the extensive Löcknitz is finally crossed, which has also been discovered by excursion steamers and leisure captains. After a short section over the so-called Löcknitz Island, you finally reach the Hubertussteg. It leads over the old arm of the Löcknitz, whose banks, with low-hanging branches and lush greenery, create a rather primeval forest atmosphere.

On the southern side of the Löcknitz valley, the route then continues through a typical Brandenburg pine forest towards the forestry office and back into urban areas. After a short passage between the Erkner railway line and the gardens, the route takes the shortest route along Fürstenwalder Straße back to the car park.

By the way, parts of Wupatz's educational trail to the 66-lake hiking trail and the Way of St. James. The section up to the Leistikowsteg was even dedicated to the painter Walter Leistikow (1865–1908) a long time ago (Leistikowweg). In the summer months he often roamed the Brandenburg landscape and also brought motifs from Erkner to canvas. Leistikow was also friends with the most famous citizen of Erkner: Gerhart Hauptmann.

Note for families: To close the circular trail, the last 250 meters of the hiking route lead along a busy road.