A chain of shallow lakes and wetlands in Brandenburg protecting reed-fringed waters, fens, and rare inland species.
Groß Schauener Seenkette
The Groß Schauener Seenkette is a protected chain of six shallow, interconnected lakes in the district of Oder-Spree in Brandenburg, Germany. Situated near the town of Storkow (Mark) and incorporated into the larger Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park, the area covers roughly 2,125 hectares and has been formally protected as a nature reserve since 27 April 2000. Together, the lakes, surrounding fens, wet meadows, and forest mires form a remarkably undisturbed wetland mosaic in the otherwise heavily managed landscape of eastern Brandenburg.
Ecologically, the reserve is notable for its undisturbed character, which has allowed sensitive species such as the Eurasian otter to thrive. It serves as an important breeding, resting, and wintering site for waterbirds, while nearby power-line pylons function as nest platforms for ospreys. Part of the preserve is now owned and managed by the Heinz Sielmann Foundation as Sielmanns Naturlandschaft Groß Schauener Seen, ensuring long-term conservation of this lowland lake landscape.
Culturally and recreationally, the Seenkette offers a 35-kilometre cycling loop around the lakes and is linked to the historic Salzweg hiking trail that begins at Storkow Castle. Inland saline meadows (Binnensalzstelle) on the Marstallwiesen north of Schaplowsee add an unusual botanical dimension, while a nearby fish restaurant hosts an exhibition about the reserve and its wildlife.
