Glienicke: Erratic Boulders and Building History

You can get to know Glienicke through a range of very different discoveries: the Heimchensteine lie nearby—two large erratic boulders with a history stretching back to the Ice Age. The late Romanesque fieldstone Church of St. Barnabas is also nearby, in Lübars. Natural history, local legends, and architectural history offer different points of interest for a trip, rather than focusing on just one destination.

The Heimchensteine and their long history

The two Heimchensteine rise about 2.5 metres above the ground. Their circumferences are approximately 14.5 and 12 metres: these measurements give an idea of the boulders’ size without reducing them to a single feature. About 20,000 years ago, during the Ice Age, the ice carried the stones here from Norway or Sweden. Their origins thus reach far beyond the present-day surroundings, offering a way to explore the region’s geological past.

Archaeological finds and local legends are also associated with the area. Both add other ways of engaging with the past to the story of the boulders: the Ice Age explains their geological origins, while the finds and legends form part of local tradition. For families who enjoy discovering and sharing stories together while travelling, these different topics provide conversation starters without requiring a single interpretation of the stones.

Observe nature and discover architectural history

The variety of trees and shrubs is another natural feature of the Glienicke area. Hikers can discover 33 different tree and shrub species along a relatively short stretch of path. This gives a walk a specific focus for observation: rather than simply covering the distance, you can also look out for different plant species. This way, the nature around Glienicke can be explored not only through its striking boulders but also through the smaller differences along the path.

The late Romanesque fieldstone Church of St. Barnabas in Lübars offers a different perspective. Its rectangular west tower dates from the 13th century. This brings two distinct subjects together: the Heimchensteine are connected with Ice Age geology, while the church is a medieval building with its own architectural form. Those interested in both can explore Glienicke and its surroundings from the perspectives of natural and architectural history.

Routes and travel interests

A 2019 account of a geological excursion describes the approach to the Heimchensteine as following, for the most part, a well-signposted nature trail. The route described there, between Klein Lübars and Glienicke, passes the grave of Johannes Klewitz and the so-called Opferstein (sacrificial stone). If you plan to use this route description for a visit, check the current route and signage in advance. The Alte Poststraße (Old Post Road), which runs from Magdeburg to Berlin, is another point of reference near Glienicke.

If you are also interested in architectural history, the fieldstone church in Lübars provides a separate point of interest.

Discover more destinations: Theeßen, Drewitz.

For the broader travel overview: Möckern.