Bad Freienwalde is a spa town in Brandenburg, North East of Berlin, not far from the Polish border. It’s a small town with a cute square and some shops. As you leave the center of town, you will find villas that were clearly built in a different time. In the 17th century a spring was discovered here and word got out to the ruler at the time. The Kurfürstenquelle became a hot spot and attracted the rich. Villas popped out of the ground and in the 18th century a castle was added. The spas are still there and the town offers a refuge from a busy daily life. But I didn’t come for a spa day. I came to explore one of the many trails in the area.
My hike took me from the train station, through the center, past the castle, to the Moorbad Bad Freienwalde. Behind the big building I found the Kurfürstenquelle, the source of the spring water and the source of Bad Freienwalde’s fame. From this fountain you can explore a big network of walking trails. I followed my guidebook and connected some trails together for a 25km loop through a varied landscape.
There are many hills in this area and it suits well for training, but my walk led me through a little valley, the Brunnental. I was surrounded by tall trees, the roots of which stuck out on the side of the trail. I followed the valley, went up a hill and ended up at the Baasee. It’s a small lake with some lovely picnic areas. There is even a hut with restaurant at the other end. It’s the only place that was a little busier on this Saturday.
Still sleepy 
Big rock from the ice age 
What a strangely positioned bench
After another lake and a small settlement with interesting houses I ended up in a totally different landscape. There was a clearing in the forest and on either side of me I saw rolling hills. I walked through the Hutelandschaft until I reached a bigger open area. There, my route took a left and led between the train tracks and the forest. In the town Altranft I found another small castle and beautiful little church. I crossed a stream behind the castle and had to walk along a main road, which formed a stark contrast to the rest of my walk.
Once I’d passed this uninteresting straight section, I turned left onto a crumbling road on top of a small dyke. It followed the river Alte Oder. It was so peaceful, even though the wind was wild and dark clouds were looming. A few guys on motorbikes raced past and a bit further on I saw a fisherman at a small pond. Other than that I just saw birds, the river and the fields. The wind was so strong I imagined it carrying all the negative feelings away. It was a much needed escape from the city. It was very satisfying to be out and about again, even if it wasn’t so far away from home.
Baasee 
On the dyke 
Water behind the castle 
Bad Freienwalde Kurfürstenquelle 
Enjoying the wind 
Drama!
