There is nature in the middle of the city, no question about it. Just 20 km from the city center, you can already reach Berlin’s largest lake with hidden forest refuges or the city’s only completely preserved baroque palace with a dreamlike palace park. But we only call it a real break when you’ve really gotten out of the city, left big city life behind, and can immerse yourself in other worlds. Brandenburg is perfect for this – it hides a 340-year-old spa town and much more. Today, we would like to introduce you to Nonnenfließ in the Märkische Schweiz nature reserve and Barnim Nature Park from our Brandenburg series.
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The Nonnenfließ is a small, near-natural river (flowing water) in northeastern Brandenburg. It is around 11 km long and its catchment area covers approximately 89 km². The watercourse runs from south of Tuchen (Breydin municipality) to Spechthausen (Eberswalde), where it flows into the Schwärze. Via the Schwärze, Finow Canal, and Alte Oder, it belongs to the Oder river system. The term “Fließ” is typical for small-scale watercourses in Brandenburg.
The Nonnenfließ was formed at the end of the last ice age around 15,000 years ago. It runs through a deeply incised valley on the Barnim Plateau, in places almost like a small low mountain range – with steep slopes, gullies, meanders, and spring moors. The landscape is particularly varied: old beech and sessile oak forests alternate with wetland biotopes and moorland areas as well as clear freshwater biotopes. This diversity ensures an exceptionally high variety of structures and habitats.
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The Nonnenfließ and its valley are among the most ecologically valuable watercourses in Brandenburg. Its diverse flora and fauna include fish and aquatic life such as the bullhead, brook lamprey, and stone loach – all rare species that depend on clean, oxygen-rich water. In addition, birds and mammals such as the white-throated dipper and grey wagtail live here; various species of bats are also found in the area. Special plants in the river valley include the wood cranesbill and the spiked devil’s claw – also rare species.
The Nonnenfließ and Schwärze valley has been under protection since 1977 and has been officially designated as the “Nonnenfließ–Schwärzetal” nature reserve since 1996. It is part of the Barnimer Heide landscape conservation area and is embedded in the Barnim Nature Park. The aim of the protection is to preserve the largely natural state of the water and to provide a permanent refuge for rare species.
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The name “Nonnenfließ” is shrouded in an old regional legend. According to legend, there was once a nunnery on the river that was washed away in a flood. Only one nun is said to have survived; she erected a cross on that spot, which is now known as the Liesenkreuz or Eliesenkreuz.
Today, the Nonnenfließ Valley is a popular hiking area with idyllic circular trails and nature paths. Particularly recommended are the 7–10 km long routes along the river and a 15 km circular hiking trail through the Schwärzetal valley (starting point at Eberswalde Zoo). The trails are considered natural and have a low to moderate level of difficulty – ideal for experienced walkers and nature lovers.