The European Long-Distance Path E10 through the Dahme-Seenland Region

Despite being largely flat terrain, this long-distance path through Brandenburg is by no means monotonous. The E10 crosses the state from north to south and has a total length of about 450 kilometres. The stages of the route take the hiker through a varied landscape with many cultural attractions. Most of the landscape with its many lakes was formed during the Ice Age and is today characterised by water and forest areas. Many glacial erratics and field stone constructions bear witness to the Ice Age.
The countryside of Brandenburg is mostly sparsely populated and impresses with avenues and unspoilt countryside. The E10 often takes you past castles and manor houses with their stunning parks. On its way through Brandenburg, the E10 crosses many regional hiking trails as well as the E11 and the 66-Lakes Hiking Trail.
The 5,500-kilometre long E10 is a European long-distance path which takes you through Europe and starts in Kap Arcona on the island of Rügen and ends on the coast of Monaco.
It takes you through the Dahme-Seenland region from Kallinchen / Motzen via Groß Köris and Märkisch Buchholz to Köthen and then into the Spreewald nach Krausnick. In the Dahme-Seenland region, some parts of the E10 are easy to get to by public transport, which is why it is divided into three hiking sections. The E10 can also be combined with local hiking trails and the 66-Lakes Hiking Trail.

Stage 1: From Motzen to Groß Köris
Start: Kallinchen / Motzen / Finish: Groß Köris station
Length: about 10 kilometres, hiking time: about 2.5 hours

Route characteristics
A varied hiking route through forests and marshlands and past Lake Motzenersee, Lake Töpchinersee and Lake Zemminsee. Parts of this section of the E10 run parallel to the Fontane hiking trail and can be easily combined with a hike around Lake Klein Köriser See. 

Sights
Postal milestone, Glockenulme elm tree and mulberry trees in Motzen, Groß Köris drawbridge

Stage 2: From Groß Köris to Märkisch Buchholz
Start: Groß Köris station / Finish: Märkisch Buchholz
Length: about 14 kilometres / hiking time: about 3.5 hours

Route characteristics
The section of the E10 between Groß Köris and Märkisch Buchholz takes you along quiet paths through settlements, forest and along the uninhabited banks of the Dahme. The river gently meadows through picturesque forests and meadows. Märkisch Buchholz is a charming small town and considered the gateway to the Spreewald. 

Sights
Groß Köris drawbridge, Hammer forester’s lodge, church and market square, first and second world wars memorial, Franz-Fühmann stele on Platz an der Breiten Strasse, cascade weir in Märkisch Buchholz

Stage 3: From Märkisch Buchholz to Köthen & to the Wehlaberg
Start: Markt Märkisch Buchholz / Finish: Köthen
Length: about 14 kilometres / hiking time: about 3.5 hours

Route characteristics
This hike takes you through a unique landscape with many magical lakes to the Wehlaberg observation tower, which affords a beautiful view over the region and its many lakes. This section can be easily combined with the Köthener Heideseen Hiking Trail or the 66-Lakes Hiking Trail.

Sights
Church and market square, first and second world wars memorial, Franz-Fühmann memorial site and Franz-Fühmann stele on Platz an der Breiten Strasse, cascade weir in Märkisch Buchholz, observation tower on Wehlaberg (144 metres)

Recommended Literature/Maps

• “Wanderungen durch Brandenburg - Unterwegs auf den Europäischen Fernwanderwegen E 10 und E 11“, 
  Manfred Reschke,Trescher Verlag, ISBN 978-3-89794-033-7
• Rad-, Wander- & Gewässerkarte, Dahme-Seenland, Königs Wusterhausen, Teupitz, 1:35.000, Grünes Herz, ISBN: 978-3-86636-176-8, 4,95 Euro
• Radwander- und Wanderkarte "Flutgrabenaue und Umgebung",
  1:35.000, Dr. Barthel Verlag, ISBN 978-3-89591-097-5, 4,90 Euro
• Radwander- und Wanderkarte "Naturpark Dahme-Heideseen" Ausflüge zwischen Märkisch Buchholz, Teupitz, Königs Wusterhausen, Storkow (Mark),
  1:35.000, Dr. Barthel Verlag, ISBN 978-3-89591-092-0, 6,90 Euro