5 things to do in Uckermark in Brandenburg, Germany

Kleptow hamlet in Uckermark, Brandenburg, Germany. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Uckermark is a convenient 20-minute train ride from Berlin. One can hike, canoe, explore quaint towns and eat regional cuisine. Our five things to do activities include:

1. Hiking in the Grumsin beech forest

March 21 will be celebrated as International Day of Forests. The Grumsin beech forest is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.  The landscape tells its own story of how it is the result of glaciers of the last ice age. One can learn about the flora and fauna of this German forest by taking a guided hiking tour. Forage for black berries and spot birds like white-tailed eagle, green sandpiper and greater mouse-eared bat.

Grumsin Beech Forest. (Photo: Khursheed Dinshaw)

2. Canoeing in the Lower Oder Valley National Park

The Lower Oder Valley National Park is Germany's only wetlands national park and a good way to explore it via a canoe. One can learn about endemic water plants, beavers and avifauna. The national park has over 145 breeding bird species and more than 40 fish species.

Canoeing in the Lower Oder Valley National Park. (Photo: Khursheed Dinshaw)

3. Explore the town of Angermünde

Angermünde is a historic town with picture-perfect houses, cafes and town hall. Step into one of the art studios, stroll to the marketplace or take a bike ride to a holiday farm.

The historic town of Angermünde. (Photo: Khursheed Dinshaw)

4. Discover the town of Schwedt/Oder

Schwedt/Oder is another charming town in Uckermark and one can stroll around to discover its architectural buildings, park, Church and promenade to watch steamers go by.

The charming town of Schwedt in Brandenburg is the largest town of the Uckermark district, located near the river Oder, which forms the border with Poland. (Photo: Khursheed Dinshaw)

5. Relishing wholesome regional cuisine

Restaurants including Zum Hungerstein in Angermünde serve dishes prepared using fresh local ingredients. Or for an evening well spent, drive to a tranquil holiday farm where you can sip freshly brewed coffee, eat freshly baked cake of the day and listen to birds chirp. There is also apple and quince juice prepared by the friendly German host. In Schwedt/Oder, late afternoons are meant to savour the toffees made from quince or an ice cream bought from an ice cream truck parked at the promenade.

Zum Hungerstein restaurant in Angermünde.