Nature in the middle of Berlin? Of course, there are some well-known parks and green oases. But Berlin is certainly not one of the most natural cities in the world. This makes the places that give us the feeling of being far away all the more impressive. The Eichwerder Steg is one of them. Located in northern Berlin (Reinickendorf), it gives you the feeling of standing in an untouched marsh and moor landscape. It is part of the Tegeler Fließ nature reserve and is considered one of the city’s most beautiful nature observation spots.
A moorland landscape with hidden gems
The Tegeler Fließ is a remnant of the last Ice Age and has been altered over the centuries by drainage and agriculture. It is one of themost impressive natural areas in northern Berlin andBrandenburg. Since the 1990s, efforts have been underway to restore the moor to its original state .
Since 2015, there has been a very special helper: Since conventional machinery would sink into the soft ground, water buffalo are used instead. These Asian cattle feel particularly at home in the mud, naturally keep the overgrowth in check, and have become the area’s secret stars.
Nature observation in slow motion
Stretching about 145 meters, the Eichwerder Steg takes you directly across the sensitive lowland bog without getting your feet wet. This offers a view of the flora and fauna that normally remains hidden.
From the Eichwerder Steg, you can look out over vast reed beds and open stretches of water. With a little luck, you might spot water buffalo grazing right next to or beneath the footbridge. The area is also a paradise for birdwatchers, as rare bird species such as the kingfisher, the red-backed shrike, and the bittern breed here.
The silence of the Fließ Valley, interrupted only by the chattering of waterfowl or the distant rustling of the trees, makes the Eichwerder Steg a perfect destination for anyone seeking a quick escape from Berlin’s concrete jungle —without venturing far beyond the city limits.
