66 Seen weg: through forest and fields to Hennigsdorf

Stage 3 of the 66 Seen Weg

Day 3 of the 66 Seen Weg goes from Brieselang to Hennigsdorf through forest and fields, over some 23 kilometers. It starts with a loop through town so you can walk along a Havel Canal for a while. My book also shows a shortcut and I may as well have taken it since the walk isn’t very interesting thus far. It gets better when I leave the town and walk into the forest.

I have to cross a bridge on a busy road for about 100 meters. The road has a strong curve on the other side and it’s hard to see any cars coming. Then I dive into the forest again. It’s very quiet. I don’t see anyone until I hit the edge on the other side. A car comes from a dirt road on the left and then turns around. I go straight, in between the fields.

It’s interesting walking with a German guidebook. I’m learning all these new terms like ‘Forstweg’ (forest road), ‘Gabelung’ (fork in the road) and ‘Lichtung’ (clearing). At least my German is good enough to follow the directions. Without the guidebook I wouldn’t have found my way. The signage, a blue dot on a white background, is not always easy to find.

After the farmland I am back at the Havel Canal for a final stretch. I sit down on some steps leading to the water. On the other side stands a camper, two people in folding chairs having lunch in front of it. To the right of them sits a fisherman. The frogs start their concert, trying to be louder than one another. Then I get up and say my goodbyes to the canal.

Again I find a forest road. Often the paths you walk on are also bike routes, but since they are mostly sand or gravel I don’t actually see many cyclists. Apart from in the town of Schönewalde I am surrounded by forest. Unfortunately it’s turning into a muggy day as the clouds drift in. I’m sweaty and start attracting bugs. When I get to the final long road to Hennigsdorf I keep flapping my guidebook in front of my face and I am happy when I reach the town.

Freed from the flies I enjoy looking at the houses and the beautiful cemetery I walk past. The trail goes in between the houses through a big park where the city has made an exercise trail and a beautiful playground. Then I hit the main shopping street and find the gelato shop is open despite it being Sunday. Satisfied I walk my final meters with a cone of lemon and yoghurt in my hand.

Hennigsdorf is the start and end of the S25 train. Unfortunately there is a replacement bus this weekend until Tegel station. It’s a beautiful drive past many parks and forests. So there much more to explore on future walks!