Bernau sits on the southern edge of Barnim Nature Park, a large protected landscape of forests, lakes, and glacial ridges stretching north and east from the city. The park covers around 750 square kilometres and is one of the principal green lungs between Berlin and the Polish border. Much of it is accessible on foot or by bicycle from Bernau's northern outskirts.
The terrain is classic north German glacial moraine: gently rolling, forested, dotted with small lakes (Seen). The Liepnitzsee, about 10km north, is a popular swimming lake with clear water and minimal development. Cycling trails connect Bernau to the park's interior and there are several well-marked hiking routes. In autumn the birch and beech forests turn a warm gold that makes the landscape particularly rewarding to walk through.