East of Storkow, a string of shallow lakes and reed beds known as the Groß Schauener Seen forms one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the region. Ospreys, sea eagles, cranes, bitterns and many ducks breed or rest here, and an observation tower gives a view over the water and the reeds. The lakes have been fished for centuries, and a traditional fishery on their shore still sells smoked fish, a delicious lunch for anyone passing through.
The landscape around here is classic eastern Brandenburg: pine forests, small fields, quiet villages and lakes of all sizes. The soils are sandy, left by the glaciers and their meltwaters, and in places there are dunes, now covered in pine. The Dahme-Heideseen nature park stretches to the south and west, with dozens of lakes and few people. To the east, the Scharmützelsee and the Rauen hills offer a more lively scene, with spa towns, beaches and restaurants.
The riding here is quiet and relaxed. The roads are mostly flat, running dead straight through pine forest and only bending where a lake gets in the way. Traffic is light, especially on weekdays. Watch for sand on the road at forest edges, for wildlife, and for cobbles in the villages. On summer weekends, the roads near the Scharmützelsee can be busy with motorcycles and cars.
Fuel is available in Storkow, and the fishery and the villages offer simple meals. Smoked eel, trout or whitefish with bread and a salad is the local speciality. The Uckermark lies far to the north, on the other side of Berlin.