We had a great time last summer doing the round-trip walk near Zossen in Brandenburg with its lush lakeland, sizzling hot and fragrant pine forests and the cloudless sky. To get there take the RE5 from Südkreuz six stops to Neuhof bei Zossen (for a 42 minute journey time). In addition to wonderful nature, the day trip includes a stop at a wonderful little ice cream shop serving the wildest sundaes and other creamy indulgences. But, first things first some exercise: the path is certainly shady but home to lots of hungry mosquitoes, making repellant a must (if you do get bitten, rubbing ribwort on the bite will prevent itching and swelling). After a 5km walk through the pine forest, you reach the first lake on the route: Möggelinsee. It’s home to water lilies and old wooden posts on the shore, presumably from former jetties. During our visit, not a single soul crossed our path – only a cuckoo wanted to be our companion with its constant calls.
After a short rest you can head for the next lake, through a forest with a floor covered with thick ferns and young birch trees. Zeschsee has fresh, clear water, making it ideal for a swim. The small bathing bays in the shade of the alder trees are just enough for a towel – but absolutely sufficient for us. From here it is just a stone’s throw to the small town of Zesch am See where the ice cream shop was waiting for us. We filled our bellies with cream puffs, berries, cream and iced coffee. Newly fortified, we continued our journey out of civilization and back into the green solitude. Like its smaller counterpart, the Großer Zeschsee has accessible water perfect for cooling off (ideal preparation for the subsequent walk if it’s a hot day). Southern Brandenburg always feels like a getaway: the forests are home to few people, with just the occasional holiday home to remind you of a bygone era. Add to that some more sensory impressions: scents of jasmine and elderberry and the sound of the cuckoo who just doesn’t tire of filling the forest with his calls.
Text & Photos: Laura Iriondo
Walk by Zossen – you can find the tour on Komoot here.
@fortunaforest
