Jakobsweg - from Angermünde to Chorin

There they are again—the traces of the Ice Age—which we’re walking right over on today’s pilgrimage stage. Glacial ice carved the hills of the terminal moraines into the landscape, through which we’re making our way, constantly going up and down.

ICE AGE: Geopark Groß-Ziethen Visitor and Information Center

And this glacial ice from the north left behind the millions-of-years-old granite boulders that we encounter in many places—and especially at our pilgrimage destination today in Groß-Ziethen—after it melted away. In the “Eiszeitland am Oderrand” Geopark in Groß-Ziethen, these rocks seem to literally “well up” from the steep slopes.

Strictly Protected: Buchenwald Grumsin, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site

The Buchenwald Grumsin, with its hall-like atmosphere, invites pilgrims to observe nature, engage in prayer, and reflect inwardly. Part of the Grumsin is under strict UNESCO World Natural Heritage protection. It has not been used for commercial purposes for over 20 years. The goal is to allow it to revert to a wild forest.
Entering the area on your own is strictly prohibited. The wild heart of Grumsin can only be experienced with a professional guide.

The Great Legacy of the Huguenots

In Groß-Ziethen (and also in the neighboring town of Klein-Ziethen), we encounter the Huguenots once again. Huguenot settlements were established here beginning in 1686; the Réfugies were in the overwhelming majority and, unlike in most other colonies, did not join the German Reformed congregation. In Groß-Ziethen, they rebuilt the destroyed village church in 1690, which houses a copy of the valuable Ten Commandments tablet (the original is in the French Cathedral in Berlin).

Across from the church stands the large parsonage, bearing the inscription, “Lord, keep your eyes open over this house day and night.” The pastor of the French Reformed congregation will be happy to tell you more and show you the churches in the Ziethen villages.

After a short leg of the journey, we reach the destination of our pilgrimage. It gives us time for encounters—first in the little village of Brodowin, which has made a name for itself far beyond the region as an ecovillage and the epicenter of the largest open-field experiment in organic farming.

Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve — Germany’s Largest Contiguous Organic Farming Area

One of the main goals of the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve is to practice and promote agriculture that is compatible with nature and the landscape. In Brodowin, pilgrims can experience what is often called “creation-preserving”—or, as it is often termed today, “sustainable”—farming at every turn. The village church, designed by Karl-Friedrich Schinkel, is open during the day from Easter through Harvest Festival.

Pilgrim Stamps and Travel Blessings at Chorin Abbey

The scallop shell marker guides pilgrims onward toward Chorin. Soon, the striking ridge turret—typical of Cistercian architecture—appears atop the monastery church, signaling the destination. Built in the 13th century by Cistercian monks, the monastery complex is today a gem in Brandenburg’s cultural landscape.

Once the day’s tourist bustle has died down, tranquility sets in, and the cloister invites visitors to engage in inner contemplation. Despite its secular nature, the former Chorin Monastery captivates visitors with its unique spirituality. In addition to a meditative walk, Chorin Monastery offers informative guided tours on its history. And feel free to ask for a pilgrim’s stamp and a blessing for your journey.

Continue the pilgrimage toward Berlin

If you don’t want to end your pilgrimage here, you can, of course, continue to follow the yellow scallop shell on a blue background, which will take you through Eberswalde, Melchow, and Bernau bei Berlin to Berlin (Mitte).