Westhavelland Nature Park
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Westhavelland Nature Park - by lcrms from Pixabay
Description
The Westhavelland Nature Park is a large nature park and reserve covering over 1,300km2. It is notable for its lakes and rivers (the Havel and its tributaries), wetlands, wide lowlands, small villages and serves as a habitat for many endangered species such as waterfowls, beavers, otters, white-tailed eagles and red kites. The park is also Germany's first dark sky park; it restricts artificial light pollution, thus favouring astronomical observations. Typical activities include hikes and bird / animal watching.
Access & Transport
The reserve is located 70km west of Berlin and best accessed by car with the villages of Havelsee, Premnitz, Rathenow, Rhinow and Neustadt strung from south to north along the B102 and the park's central axis. Rathenow in particular can be reached directly with the RE4 regional train from Berlin Central Station in just under 1h.
Instructions & Recommendations
Don't forget to wear proper walking shoes and carry some water with you. If you have some binoculars, make sure to take them with your to better observe the wildlife
Environmental & Social
Eco-friendly activity Socially marginally positive as it provides some economic activity from tourism to the local villages
Conclusion
Westhavelland Nature Park is not spectacular enough to warrant a dedicated trip from afar but is a nice area for a day trip or weekend getaway for travellers on a regional road trip or Berlin residents. We recommend combining a "drive-through" with an extended hike or two.
Key positive
Easy to get to from Berlin
Not busy
Key negative
No standout natural feature
Suitability
We rate this as partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility: can be toured by cars and some but not all paths will be smooth enough
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:4h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo