Görlsdorf: Forest, Bats and Cranes

Görlsdorf combines nature observation, quiet paths and a remarkable village history. Görlsdorf Forest in particular makes the village interesting for travelers who want to spend their days outdoors while discovering unusual animal species. This nature experience is complemented by the village church with its medieval core and by the view of Lake Schlabendorfer See from the Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Center Wanninchen.

Rare Animals in Görlsdorf Forest

Fourteen of the 18 bat species native to Brandenburg can be found in Görlsdorf Forest. This includes the barbastelle, one of Germany’s rarest species. The forest’s old oaks also provide a habitat for the hermit beetle, stag beetle and great capricorn beetle. Those traveling with children can use such details as an opportunity to perceive nature not merely as a landscape, but as a habitat for different species.

Görlsdorf is therefore particularly suitable for travel planning in which observing and discovering are just as important as physical activity. A holiday apartment or holiday house in the village can serve as a peaceful starting point for your own day plans, without restricting your stay to a single attraction.

Cranes and Expansive Views at the Nature Experience Center

At the Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Center Wanninchen, the view from the observation platform extends across the newly formed Lake Schlabendorfer See and protected shoreline and shallow-water areas. During the bird migration, thousands of cranes settle there. In September and October, the Nature Experience Center regularly offers public crane-watching sessions. These months provide a clear seasonal focus for your travel plans if you would like to experience the large migratory birds.

The observation platform can also be accessed via a ramp with strollers and wheelchairs. This provides practical guidance for families and travelers who look for an accessible platform at individual excursion destinations. The Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Center Wanninchen can be reached by car or bicycle via Görlsdorf, a district of Luckau. The access road is signposted from the local connecting roads Görlsdorf–Garrenchen and Görlsdorf–Beesdau.

Paths for Different Day Plans

The Kornradenweg runs mostly along quiet local connecting roads and farm tracks. Some sections are sandy and, depending on the weather, may temporarily be difficult to cycle on. If you are planning a bike tour, it is therefore worth taking the current weather conditions into account when planning your day. For a relaxed stay with several age groups, it may make sense to choose between a bike tour and an excursion to the observation platform rather than insisting on combining both activities.

Village Church and Manor Complex

Görlsdorf’s cultural history also offers an independent reason to visit. In the western section of the nave, the village church preserves a medieval fieldstone core, presumably dating from the 14th century. In 1782/83, it was extended to the east; in 1891, the church was expanded with transept-like box pews to form a cross shape. On the south wall is a high-quality sandstone epitaph commemorating Hans Adam v. Stammer (†1753) and his wife Johanna Eleonora Sophia, née v. Pflug (†1755). The epitaph was restored in 2016.

The manor complex in Görlsdorf includes a manor house. Together with the church, this creates a cultural contrast to the forest, lake and birdwatching: you can focus your stay on nature and at the same time discover historic buildings in the village.

Discover Görlsdorf as a Place to Stay

When looking for accommodation in Görlsdorf, you can decide which focus should define your trip: the species-rich forest, crane watching in autumn, a bike tour along the Kornradenweg or the village church with its multifaceted architectural history. For further orientation within the wider area, you can also discover Egsdorf.

To the overview of the wider travel area: Luckau.