Pilgrimage Hike from Groß Köris to Bestensee (14 km)

Pilgrimage in Advent: Arriving – With Myself, With Others
Advent = arriving: start small and be really present. Reality is that we keep rushing and getting distracted. Who or what do you actually want to give your time to this December?

Join us for a one-day pilgrimage through the Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park, following the Way of Paul Gerhardt and the Pätzer Lakes. This route takes you along peaceful lakes, forest trails, and open landscapes, offering a quiet and scenic escape just outside Berlin.

📅 Date & Time

• Date: Saturday, 20 December 2025
• Start: 9:33 am at Groß Köris Station (Travel via RE7 towards Senftenberg)
• Finish: approx. 3:00 pm at Bestensee Station (Return via RE7 towards Dessau)
• Optional: Extension of the hike to Königs Wusterhausen (24 km total)

🗺️ Route & Highlights

• Komoot tour: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2612010806
• Following the Paul-Gerhardt-Weg (Way of Paul Gerhardt)
• Forest paths, lakeside trails, and open nature in the Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park
• Optional longer route to Königs Wusterhausen for those wishing to continue

🤔 Why this hike?
Pilgrimage is more than walking – it’s a conscious step out of daily routines into a slower, more mindful rhythm. We take time to pause, to connect with ourselves and with others, and to reflect on what truly matters in life. Along the way, there will also be a time of shared silence (about 30 minutes) as we walk together.

🔔 What to know & bring

• We walk at a steady, moderate pace, with breaks and care for one another.
• It’s winter, dress for the season and the weather. Important: hiking or running shoes, warm layered clothing, hat and gloves.
• Bring enough food and water for the whole day, as we won’t stop anywhere to buy snacks or drinks. A thermos with hot tea or coffee is highly recommended!
• Don’t forget your public transport ticket for the way there and back.
• Bring your pilgrim passport. There may be opportunities to collect stamps along the route.
• There may be an option for a quick winter dip. If you’d like to try it, bring swimwear, a towel and extra clothes to warm up afterwards.

📩 Questions & Registration
Reach out any time for more details or help with your travel plans. You’re also welcome to join our WhatsApp group, where we share updates and photos from the trail.
Feel free to contact Pilgrimage Guide Alexander via WhatsApp message (01575 – 7652601) or email (alexander.steinfeldt@outlook.com).

Waitlist = You're in! 😊
Currently, only 10 members can officially register on Meetup (due to the restrictions of the free version). However, you’re welcome to join the hike by joining the Whatsapp group for this event (Message me directly to confirm your participation and get the link for the Whatsapp group).