The Mill Tour – a route full of contrasts leading to an ecological highlight

Along the route, you’ll find historic mills nestled amid protected landscapes—lovingly restored and given new life—as well as high-tech wind turbines that generate renewable energy.

The Sernitz Lowlands, with their restored marshland, are undoubtedly the natural highlight of this tour full of striking scenery. Here, wildlife thrives just as Mother Nature intended. It’s an ideal breeding and feeding ground for rare bird species. And the water buffalo feel right at home here, too.
Don’t forget your binoculars!

Close Enough and Far Enough—Cycling Through the Uckermark from Angermünde

Just a 50-minute train ride from Berlin, Angermünde is the ideal starting point for exploring the sparsely populated Uckermark region—shaped by the Ice Age—by bike. The Mill Tour begins at Angermünde’s Friedenspark. Cycle toward Mündesee.

Just before the lakeside promenade, turn right onto the Mündeseerundweg trail and follow it to Dobberzin, continuing on the paved path around the lake. At the rest area near the “Lighthouse” sculpture, a view opens up over the lake with the city skyline in the background. The route continues via Kerkow to Welsow.

Sustainability and tradition come together

In Welsow, it’s worth taking a detour to the Breitenteicher Mühle nature reserve (about 1.5 km along a dirt road). It’s idyllically tucked away behind the small bridge over the Welse River—on the left is the restored mill, and on the right is the miller’s former home, which now houses an art studio. The mill building is a listed historic structure and has been restored using eco-friendly building materials. The water from the Welse River drives a waterwheel connected to a generator that supplies the house with “green” electricity.

Tell me about the bog! The Sernitzmoor—one of Germany’s largest spring bogs

From Welsow, the bike tour follows an avenue lined with fruit trees through Bruchhagen into the Sernitz Lowlands, past the castle ruins to Greiffenberg.

The Sernitzmoor, located east of Greiffenberg, is one of Germany’s largest spring bogs, covering approximately 800 ha. It is the largest sub-area within the EU LIFE project site and thus constitutes one of the most valuable bog complexes in Brandenburg. Due to the size of this area, which has been unused for years, it provides space for the reestablishment of animal and plant species that had long since been displaced.

Tip! Kid-friendly – Tell me Moor:

The Kavelwiesen Bog Nature Trail near Greiffenberg offers a vivid illustration of the climate-regulating effects of an intact bog along an approximately 2-kilometer loop trail. It’s a great place to explore on your own!

Greiffenberg – a small town with many faces

Be sure to set aside some time for one of Germany’s smallest towns. Several cultural gems await you in and around Greiffenberg.

• Burgruine Greiffenberg: Ten meters above the Sernitz Valley—on the old trade route between Angermünde and Prenzlau—stand the picturesque remains of the ancient, strategically important border fortress between Brandenburg and Pomerania. The Günterberg Association for the Preservation of Historical Monuments (Förderverein Denkmalpflege Günterberg e.V.) has secured the German Foundation for Monument Protection as a sponsor. The extensive restoration work on this historically significant monument is in full swing.
• The VERN e.V. display and propagation garden is a true plant paradise for all lovers of rare cultivated plants. With its beautiful, wild, yet wonderfully organized show garden, the association makes a valuable contribution to species conservation. True to the motto: Experience nature today and preserve it for tomorrow. As a souvenir of your bike tour, why not pick up a small packet of seeds for your balcony planter or garden?
  By the way: The Gruminser Organic Distillery in Altkünkendorf is a big fan and partner of VERN.
• Revitalizing an Old Milling Heritage: A few hundred meters outside the village, the Greiffenberg earth-and-wood windmill stands majestically atop a hill. From the mill hill, the open landscape offers a magnificent view of the protected Sernitz Valley. Few people know that the Uckermark is also home to moorland landscapes. The sails, which are intended to capture the Uckermark winds once again, are still missing. The mill association is working tirelessly to continue restoring the mill and bring it back into operation for demonstration runs.
  Tip: Every year on Whit Monday, there’s a Mill Day with a flea market.

Peetzig: Water Buffalo and Swimming

Cycle back toward town a short distance, then turn right toward Peetzig. Behind the “Zum Kirschbaum” inn (
), you can get a good view of a herd of water buffalo from the hill.

Turn left at the street and you’ll come to the crystal-clear Peetzigsee. This clean lake, with its small sandy beach, is a popular swimming spot, especially for families with children. You’ll find an idyllic place to stay in a small vacation rental not far from the lake.

As you walk through the forest past the village of Görlsdorf, between the fish ponds, and past the fishing farm, a true nature experience awaits you. The NABU Blumberger Mühle Nature Experience Center provides information about the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, its rich biodiversity and variety of species, and its unique landscapes. In addition, it playfully raises awareness among visitors of all ages about environmental and social responsibility in the Uckermark region. Experience the great outdoors live!

The foundation walls of the old watermill can be found at the Blumberger fish ponds. Among other species, sturgeon—which are threatened with extinction—are raised here to be released into the Oder River. The best way to explore the area is on your own, experiencing the beauty of nature with all your senses. Wildflowers, marsh turtles, and white-tailed eagles are waiting to be discovered. At the Blumberger Mühle restaurant, you can enjoy organic regional dishes before taking a leisurely bike ride back to Angermünde via Kerkow.