Wendisch Rietz: Lakes, Kneipp Park and Fishing Tradition
Accommodation in Wendisch Rietz
Lakes and waterways define the landscape around Wendisch Rietz: the 13.9-square-kilometre Scharmützelsee lies north of the town, the Glubigseen chain in almost untouched nature lies to the south, and Lake Storkow lies to the west. Since 1732, the Rietzer Graben has connected it to Scharmützelsee. This brings nature and a specific historic waterway together here. These differences can help you decide how to plan your stay: would you rather focus on the landscape and hiking trails, or plan to visit specific attractions in town? You can also choose a holiday apartment to match your preferred focus.
Trails and Waterways
The 9 km circular route around the town starts and ends at the Haus des Gastes. This gives you a set starting point and finish for a walk around Wendisch Rietz. Another hiking option is the 66 Lakes Trail, which connects the Glubigseen south of the town. The distinction is practical: one is a circular route with a named start and finish, while the other focuses on connecting lakes.
The lock is also part of the history of the waterways. It was built in Wendisch Rietz in 1862 and provides a direct shipping route from there to Berlin. This brings together two different ways to experience the town: hiking along the lakes and exploring its historic connection by water.
Kneipp Facilities and Swimming Area
The Kneipp Park brings together exercise, play and more peaceful activities. Its facilities include Kneipp pools and foot and arm baths for all ages, a barefoot path, an outdoor fitness trail and fitness equipment for independent use. A meditation meadow and a playground round out the facilities. In the herb garden, visitors can learn about the healing properties of local herbs. At the Kneipp corner, a water feature and an arm basin invite visitors to enjoy Kneipp treatments.
Wendisch Rietz also has beaches, sports facilities and playgrounds. The Festwiese swimming area on Scharmützelsee has a well-maintained sunbathing lawn, a small sandy beach and step-free access to the water for wheelchair users. If this access is important for your plans, check the current facilities before your visit.
Play, Animals and Canoeing
The Scharmuntzelland leisure park is located at the entrance to the town and features an adventure playground and a petting zoo. The animals there include ponies, alpacas, donkeys and others. If the park is a key part of your plans, check its current opening status before you travel.
For the water lily tour, you can rent a canoe at the starting point from Surf & Fun in Wendisch Rietz. Before setting off, check that the rental service is currently operating and that a canoe is available. This makes it easy to distinguish this option for your day from the circular route around town and the facilities in the Kneipp Park.
Fishing and Local History
Fishing traditions continue to this day at Fischland Scharmützelsee. Fresh fish and local smoking techniques have shaped this part of town for many years. The remains of the former Schwarzhorn hunting lodge can be seen in the woods on Schwarzhorner Weg; the grounds are not open to visitors. These offer two different ways to explore local history: fishing is a living tradition, while the hunting lodge is present only through its visible remains.
The Haus des Gastes is centrally located in town and houses the tourist information office and “Books & more.” Its selection includes novels, children’s, young adult and non-fiction books, a children’s play corner and a small selection of board games. Alongside the lakes and outdoor activities, the town also has a place to stop in for books and games.
Getting Here and Finding Your Way
A train connection runs from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Wendisch Rietz via Königs Wusterhausen: first take the RE7, then the RB36. Check current timetables before your trip. The Haus des Gastes is both the starting and finishing point of the circular route around town and a centrally located point of reference with a tourist information office. When choosing your accommodation, you can first consider whether you would like your days to focus more on hiking, Kneipp and play facilities, or the themes of waterways and fishing.
Discover more destinations: Berkenbrück, Friedland, Rauen, Jacobsdorf, Siehdichum, Selchow, Wiesenau, Storkow.
See the regional travel guide: Oder-Spree.
