Start / Finish: Neuzelle
Distance / Duration: 120 kilometers / approx. 6.5 hours
Route logo / Trail marker: white monk on a bicycle
Trail condition / Surface: mostly paved cycle paths; partly unpaved trails in the Dorche and Schlaubetal areas
Route: Neuzelle, Schwerzkoer Mühle, Wellmitz, Coschen, Ratzdorf, Fürstenberg, Aurith, Brieskow, Groß Lindow, Müllrose/Kaisermühle, Siehdichum, Wirchensee, Treppeln, Neuzelle
Arrival / Departure:
- From Berlin Central Station with RE1 to Frankfurt (Oder), then continue with RB11 (towards Cottbus) to Neuzelle
Route Description
The Cistercian monks who founded Neuzelle Abbey in the Middle Ages had a strong sense for the special nature of this location. Today, it is one of the few completely preserved monastic complexes in Europe and is known as the “Baroque Wonder of Brandenburg.” A new museum – the Heavenly Theater – preserves the tradition of the Neuzelle Passion Plays. Monastic life continues here: Cistercian monks from Austria have founded a priory.
The route leads from Neuzelle to the Schwerzkoer Mühle, then through Coschen to Ratzdorf. Here, the Neisse River flows into the Oder – a waterway once used by the monks to transport timber.
In Eisenhüttenstadt, the twin-chamber lock (Zwillingsschachtschleuse) reflects the region’s technical history. In Groß Lindow, the route runs along the historic Friedrich-Wilhelm Canal. The Köhlerplatz (Charcoal Burners' Square) commemorates the charcoal production once carried out by the monks of Neuzelle.
The next stop is the Kaisermühle near Müllrose. In Müllrose itself, the Müllrose mill is the last still-active mill in the valley. The route continues to Schernsdorf with its Kupfermühle and Ragower Mühle, where a mill museum showcases traditional milling techniques.
While cycling through the romantic Schlaubetal valley, one can enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings and take a break at tranquil spots.
Tip: Choose seven places along the way to pause and reflect, just as the monks come together seven times a day for prayer and renewal.
Highlight: Seven times a day, the Neuzelle monks gather to chant the canonical hours.
Sights Along the Way
- Neuzelle – Baroque abbey complex, monastery brewery, “Strohhaus Neuzelle” museum
- Schwerzko – Schwerzkoer Mühle
- Coschen
- Ratzdorf – Bicycle church, confluence of Oder and Neisse
- Eisenhüttenstadt – Documentation Center for Everyday Life in the GDR, twin-chamber lock
- Groß Lindow – Friedrich-Wilhelm Canal
- Kaisermühle (near Müllrose)
- Müllrose – historical mill
- Schernsdorf – Kupfermühle, Ragower Mühle
- Chossewitz – timber-framed church, Klingemühle, Jankemühle
- Treppeln – Schlaubemühle
- Kobbeln – glacial erratics (Kobbeln boulder)
Where to Eat Well
- Wilde Klosterküche in Neuzelle
- Bollwerk 4 in the Deutsches Haus, Eisenhüttenstadt
- Hotel Kaisermühle in Müllrose
- Forsthaus Siehdichum
- Gasthof Köhler in Treppeln
Where to Sleep and Camp Comfortably
- Landhaushotel Prinz Albrecht in Neuzelle
- Motorhome stop and campsite in Ratzdorf
- Haus Katharinensee in Müllrose
- Campsite in Müllrose
- Schlaubetal Camping Schervenzsee in Schernsdorf
- Campingfreunde Chossewitz in Chossewitz
- Waldseehotel at Wirchensee in Treppeln
Possible Combinations
- Oder-Spree-Tour
- Oder-Neisse Cycle Route
Maps & Literature
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