This weekend’s hike was a 30 kilometre walk between Neuruppin and Rheinsberg. It took 4 trains to get there over one and a half hours. This photo shows an entrance to Ruppiner Lake, one of many the trail follows on its way north. The string of lakes is in a forested area known as Ruppiner Schweiz and right now it is brilliant green and incredibly lush. Although the trail is part of the E10 long-distance trail, it is not very well marked, rather insufficient to navigate without the help of a map. I used Schöne Heimat #125: Rheinsberg, Neuruppin, Ruppiner Schweiz.

I tempted the weather on this hike: forecasted 25% chance of rain in the morning but likely thunder and lightning storms in the early afternoon. If all went to plan I would find myself in Rheinsberg before the storms. Didn’t happen. I was crossing the fields heading into Braunsberg when the rumbling started and looking back I could see the stormfront advancing. I picked up my speed attempting to make it back into the forest but I was about one kilometre out before it all hit. Wild rain, wind, thunder and a bit of lighting. Finally made it into a dense woods and things quickly calmed down as the front moved east.

Overall, a beautiful hike with pleasant towns to wander through and a few places to eat along the way if necessary. I stayed overnight in Rheinsberg and took the early trains home to Berlin. Great workout and wonderful trails.