Karow Ponds

The Karower Teiche lie at the far northeastern edge of Berlin in the Pankow district, named after the neighboring Karow area to the east. Since June 20, 1994 the roughly 318 acres (128.6 hectares) have been a protected nature reserve, with the open water itself taking up about 36 acres (14.6 hectares). The area developed out of ice-age fen: in the 19th century the streams were straightened and peat was cut, leaving behind these shallow ponds, on average only about three feet deep. The land later served as a sewage farm for Berlin's wastewater until that operation ended in 1985, and in 1986 the Lietzengraben was dammed to stabilize the water balance again.

Today the Karower Teiche count among the most important bird habitats in the capital. Around 90 of the 151 bird species that breed in Berlin occur here, including reed warblers, great crested grebes, rails, harriers, bitterns, swans and geese. During spawning season up to 2,500 common toads migrate through the site, and 22 dragonfly species have been documented. That significance as habitat for amphibians, dragonflies and waterfowl makes this a rewarding destination for anyone after Berlin's wild side.

Several paths lead through and around the reserve, among them the Pankeweg and the Barnimer Dörferweg. Four observation platforms let you watch the bird and amphibian life without disturbing it. Stay on the paths, pack binoculars, and come in the early morning or at dusk, when the birdlife is most active. From the Berlin-Karow S-Bahn station it is roughly a 20 to 30 minute walk into the area.