Autumn is just around the corner and with it we are once again embarking on exciting excursions to the Berlin hinterland, now that the weather is settling back into walkable temperatures. As a wonderful destination for a day trip, we can warmly recommend the monastery and the surrounding lands of Chorin in the Uckermark.
Theoretically, you can easily get to the monastery by car, but we recommend taking the RE3 towards Stralsund! This will take you from the center of the city in around an hour through lots of forests and fields to the tranquil village of Chorin, near which you can also find the aforementioned monastery. You can also rent bikes on site!
The journey is the reward: how to find Chorin Monastery
In the village you will find the first highlight of your trip: in the middle of the village is a village church with an interesting vibe that is perfect for photos. Afterwards, take a dirt track into a small wood, from the edge of which it will take you about 30 minutes to walk to the monastery. Along the way, there are lots of trees and, in particular, a small swamp, which is creepy but somehow also captivating. Further on, you will find the Amtssee lake, where you can refresh yourself in warm temperatures. There are several official bathing spots with ladders or you can simply jump in all natural from the lake shore. On the path and by the lake, you can discover tree frogs, kingfishers, newts, ducks and many other animals for your explorer spirit.
Just behind the lake on a hill lies Chorin Monastery, whose bright red bricks contrast beautifully with the surrounding nature. There are also some exciting places to explore in the area around the monastery itself, such as the former cemetery of the complex or the ruins of an adjacent mill in the middle of a wild field.
Explore the monastery from the 13th century
Behind a ticket booth is the entrance to the actual monastery grounds, which are really sprawling. Right next to the entrance, you will also find a small café that offers a great selection of cakes and organic products. You can then enjoy your selection either inside, on the terrace or on the many benches on the grounds.
Freshly fortified, you can then devote yourself entirely to your mental energy, which you will certainly need to explore the medieval building. In addition to an art exhibition with predominantly Christian symbolism, you will also find stations of the permanent exhibition in the centuries-old walls, which will bring you closer to the life of the monks. If that’s not enough of an incentive to visit, you might be tempted by the calendar of events at Chorin Monastery. Regular events such as open-air concerts, theater or art events await you there.
By the way, you can get back via a small detour around the Amtssee lake, whose otherwise hidden side you can explore via a separate hiking trail. We wish you lots of fun!