Chiefly thanks to its many clear lakes and romantic brooks, Naturpark Barnim has been a popular destination for getaways or hiking excursions since the 19th century. For over 100 years, the Heidekrautbahn has also brought guests directly from Berlin to their destinations in the heart of the park. On some of the lakes, locals still catch vendace, a fish considered a local delicacy. You can also observe the birds and the animals that make their home in the park, trek through the flowering heathlands, explore the mysterious moors, or savour the fresh forest air provided by the native pine, beech, oak, and alder trees. Remains of Slavic and German castles are scattered throughout the richly varied landscape. Impressive stone and brick buildings bear witness to ancient craftsmanship and historic waterways such as the Finow Canal reflect the turbulent history of the local economy. Germany is home to more than 100 nature parks, which together cover one-fourth of the whole country.
