The Fläming Heath is a beautiful, gently rolling landscape which pleases the eye of the hiker. The pine forests, luminous yellow rape fields, lush green meadows and a smattering of castles delight those who hike in the region.

The Fläming Castles Trail is a circular hiking route with eight stages. An hour away from Berlin, you can enjoy Brandenburg's pearls of nature and culture on a perfectly signposted trail. Although the 15 metre high steep faces of the dry valleys – known locally as "Rummeln" – are nothing compared to the Grand Canyon, they are typical of the Fläming Heath. Our Castle Trail also traverses the habitats of the eagle owl, beaver and middle spotted woodpecker. Hikers pass four castles on sandy paths through fields and heaths. You can even live like knights and damsels for the night in the defiant Eisenhardt Castle in Bad Belzig. The grounds of Wiesenburg Castle are also sensational with a magnificent landscape park designed in the style of an English garden.

TIP: the castle brewery in Bad Belzig

Manuel Andrack, editor, presenter, author and hiking blogger:

"After the castle tour in Bad Belzig, visitors should definitely stop off in the castle brewery. I recommend sampling all three craft beers. Depending on the season, they also brew stout ale, whisky beer and Champagne beer. Cheers!"

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