Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 1990, in Germany. About an hour’s drive from Berlin’s city centre, this sparsely populated landscape of lakes, forests and low hills is a leader in organic agriculture. Within the biosphere reserve are a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient beech forest of Grumsin, and the famous monastery ruins at Chorin, a prime example of Gothic brick architecture. Around 15,000 years ago, the last ice age shaped the area, creating a landscape of unique character and outstanding beauty that accommodates a wide variety of biotopes and habitats. It is one of the largest protected areas in Germany.