The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Schlabendorfer Lake
4.5
(253)
963
hikers
121
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Schlabendorfer Lake traverse a unique landscape shaped by former lignite mining, now undergoing extensive renaturation. This area features a diverse terrain of newly formed forests, expansive sand dunes, and dry grasslands. Hikers can explore paths offering scenic views of the lake, which serves as a central feature of the region. The landscape provides a dynamic environment for outdoor activities, showcasing ecological recovery and varied habitats.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Schlabendorfer Lake
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Wanninchen Orchard Meadow loop from Wanninchen, a 6.5 miles (10.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 38 minutes to complete. This route leads through orchards and offers insights into the area's natural transformation.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Schlabendorfer See – View of the Mining Lake loop from Wanninchen, an easy 3.8 miles (6.1 km) path. This trail provides direct views of the lake and highlights the region's mining aftermath landscape.
- Local hikers also love the Schlabendorfer See – Marina Schlabendorf am See loop from Schlabendorf am See, a 5.4 miles (8.7 km) trail leading through varied terrain around the lake, often completed in about 2 hours 12 minutes.
- Hiking around Schlabendorfer Lake is defined by its mining aftermath landscape, diverse habitats including forests and sand dunes, and scenic lake views. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy, accessible paths to moderate routes.
- The routes in Schlabendorfer Lake are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 230 reviews. More than 900 hikers have used komoot to explore Schlabendorfer Lake's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
3.7
(6)
12
hikers
10.5km
02:40
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
16
hikers
6.12km
01:33
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
hikers
16.1km
04:04
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
10
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Protestant village church of Beesdau is a fieldstone church in Beesdau, a district of the municipality of Heideblick in the Dahme-Spreewald district in the state of Brandenburg. The parish belongs to the Lower Lusatia church district of the Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia.
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This was the centre of the village of Wanninchen until 1985, when it, like five other villages, fell victim to open-cast lignite mining.
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The marina is full of water, there are enough jetties and moorings. What is missing are the boats. Only two were here today.
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Fieldstone building from the 14th century with rich sandstone fittings from the 16th and 17th centuries.
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The Beesdau manor is located in the town of the same name in Brandenburg. Its origins can probably be traced back to the 14th century, perhaps even earlier. It is possible that the manor already existed at the beginning of the 13th century, as many towns and communities developed from these manors. Even then, the town was dominated by agriculture, and the manor did the rest. Between 1400 and 1798, the town belonged to the Polenz family, who lived in the manor house for a long time. In 1841, the manor, which consisted of the actual manor complex and the manor house mentioned, was bought by councilor Johann Gottlieb Koppe, who had a castle built there in the Gothic style. Since then, the manor has also been known as Beesdau Castle. The property survived the Second World War almost unscathed. After 1945, it was used as a cultural center for a long time, and is now privately owned.
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The town of Wanninchen was demolished in 1985 to make way for open-cast lignite mining. The last remaining house now houses the Sielmann Foundation. It has purchased 3,300 hectares and is allowing nature to take its course.
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These shovels were used to get rid of brown coal. In 1985, the village of Wannichen had to make way for mining. Today, the Schlenzdorfer Lake is being prepared.
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Numerous golden rose beetles could be seen on the flowering lilac.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are there around Schlabendorfer Lake?
The Schlabendorfer Lake region offers a wide variety of hiking trails suitable for families. You'll find over 120 routes in total, with more than 60 of them classified as easy, making them perfect for outings with children.
What kind of landscape can we expect to see on these family hikes?
The landscape around Schlabendorfer Lake is truly unique, shaped by its past as a lignite open-cast mine that has undergone extensive renaturation. You can expect a fascinating mix of newly formed forests, expansive sand dunes, dry grasslands, and sandy heathlands. The trails often provide picturesque views of the lake itself, offering a diverse and engaging backdrop for your family adventure.
Are there any easy circular routes suitable for families with younger children?
Yes, there are several easy circular routes perfect for families. A great option is the Schlabendorfer See – View of the Mining Lake loop from Wanninchen. This easy 6.1 km trail offers lovely views of the lake and insights into the area's mining history, making it an engaging walk for all ages.
What interesting sights or landmarks can we discover along the family-friendly trails?
Many trails offer glimpses into the region's unique history and natural beauty. You can discover the fascinating post-mining landscape, enjoy views of Lake Schlabendorf, or visit the Marina Schlabendorf am See. Some routes even pass by remnants of the mining past, like the Bucket Wheel Excavator Buckets, offering a unique educational experience for children.
Can we bring our dog on the family hiking trails around Schlabendorfer Lake?
Generally, the trails around Schlabendorfer Lake are dog-friendly, making them ideal for family outings with your furry companion. However, it's always a good idea to keep your dog on a leash, especially in areas with sensitive wildlife or near other hikers, to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
What is the best time of year to visit Schlabendorfer Lake for family hikes?
The Schlabendorfer Lake region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for family hikes. In spring, you'll see nature awakening, while autumn offers stunning colors. These seasons often provide milder temperatures, which are ideal for hiking with children. The area is also a significant roosting spot for cranes and geese during migration periods, making autumn an exciting time for birdwatching.
Are there any longer, but still family-friendly, routes for more active families?
For families looking for a slightly longer adventure, the Wanninchen Orchard Meadow loop from Wanninchen is a great moderate option. At about 10.4 km, it takes you through beautiful orchards and offers a rewarding experience without being overly strenuous, perfect for families with older children or those used to longer walks.
Where can we park our car when visiting the hiking trails?
Parking is generally available at common starting points for the trails, such as near Wanninchen or Schlabendorf am See. Specific parking information can often be found on the individual route pages on komoot, helping you plan your visit efficiently.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in this area?
The hiking routes around Schlabendorfer Lake are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 230 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique post-mining landscape, the diverse scenery, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Can we combine our hike with a visit to a nature center?
Yes, the Heinz Sielmann Natur-Erlebniszentrum Wanninchen is a key attraction in the area. It offers visitors deeper insights into the local ecosystem and the fascinating renaturation process of the former mining landscape, making it a great educational stop for families before or after a hike.
Are there any trails that offer good opportunities for wildlife spotting?
Absolutely! Schlabendorfer Lake is a significant ecological area. Hikers, especially those with keen eyes, can often spot diverse birdlife. Sand martins breed on its islands, and seagulls and sea eagles are frequently observed. During migration periods, it's a popular roosting spot for cranes and geese, offering exciting opportunities for wildlife observation.
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Most popular attractions around Schlabendorfer Lake
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