Glienicke offers several very different points of interest: the Ice Age Heimchen Stones, a late Romanesque fieldstone church nearby, and specific route landmarks between Klein Lübars and Glienicke. This means the focus is not just on a single destination for an outing. Geology, building history, and nature observation offer different themes to consider when planning a stay. The Heimchen Stones in particular combine striking dimensions with their formation during the Ice Age, as well as archaeological finds and local legends.

The Heimchen Stones: Ice Age, Finds, and Legends

The Heimchen Stones, two large Ice Age erratics, lie near Glienicke. They have circumferences of about 14.5 metres and 12 metres, respectively, and both rise approximately 2.5 metres above the ground. The circumference describes the size around each erratic, while the height refers to the part above ground. Around 20,000 years ago, the stones were probably carried here by ice from Norway or Sweden during the Ice Age. Archaeological finds and local legends are associated with them. This offers different ways of looking at geological formation, traces of human activity, and local tradition.

St. Barnabas in Lübars

In the vicinity of Glienicke, in Lübars, stands the late Romanesque fieldstone church of St. Barnabas. Its rectangular west tower dates from the 13th century. The late Romanesque classification identifies the architectural period, while the rectangular west tower adds a specific feature of its design. This draws attention to building history and the structure’s appearance, while the Heimchen Stones represent the geological focus. If you are weighing nature against culture as themes for your stay, this contrast offers two distinct subjects to explore.

Routes and Nature Observation

During a geological excursion in 2019, the approach to the Heimchen Stones was mainly along a well-signposted nature trail. The route between Klein Lübars and Glienicke passed the grave of Johannes Klewitz and the so-called Opferstein (Sacrificial Stone). These names provide specific landmarks for navigating the route, in addition to the destination of the erratics. As the description refers to an excursion in 2019, it is advisable to check the signs and trail conditions before setting out today.

A relatively short route near Glienicke offers another perspective on nature: walkers can discover 33 different species of trees and shrubs there. The focus shifts from a single erratic to a variety of woody plants along a route. If you enjoy looking out for plants while walking, you can pair this theme with the geological distinctiveness of the Heimchen Stones. The themes offer different points of interest: a striking erratic in one case, and the variety of woody plants along a short stretch in the other.

The Alte Poststraße

The Alte Poststraße runs near Glienicke from Magdeburg to Berlin. Its endpoints broaden the geographical perspective: while the grave of Johannes Klewitz and the so-called Opferstein are specific landmarks along the route, the road is defined by a connection between two cities. This places local landmarks and a broader connection side by side as different geographical scales.

Discover more destinations: Theeßen, Drewitz.

For the broader travel overview: Möckern.