To see rare landscapes, we don’t have to go far from Berlin. Brandenburg is home to hidden waterfalls, enchanted lakes, and even a ski resort. And a heathland is also part of what the state has to offer. The Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide in northwestern Brandenburg is one of the most expansive and fascinating heathlandscapes in Central Europe. The vast area between Wittstock, Rheinsberg, and Neuruppin is so special because it represents a rare exception in the otherwise densely forested landscape.
A heathland landscape with a military history
The Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide is inextricably linked to the military and civilian resistance. Starting in 1952, the Soviet armed forces used the area as a military training ground and bombing range, which earned it the name “Bombodrom.”
Even after the troops withdrew in 1994, the German Armed Forces planned to continue using the area as Europe’s most modern air-to-ground firing range . But the people of the region fought back for over 17 years. Time and again, there were protest marches and lawsuits—with success. It wasn’t until 2009 that nature conservation prevailed, whereupon the Heinz Sielmann Foundation took over large parts of the area to preserve it as a natural heritage site for the future.
Observing animals, plants, and stars in the heath
Today, the heath is a valuable refuge for rare animal and plant species and offers visitors a vast expanse that opens up a view to the horizon, quickly making them forget the hustle and bustle of city life. The absolute highlight is the heath bloom in August and September, when the hills transform into a sea of bright purple.
You also shouldn’t miss the Sielmann Hill near Neuglienicke. Here you’ll find a barrier-free observation tower that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the approximately 12,000-hectare area. Whether hiking or biking, you can enjoy the undisturbed solitude along the marked trails.
And our insider tip: Due to the extreme darkness in this sparsely populated region, the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heath offers you an incomparably clear view of the Milky Way at night .
