Brandenburg's Switzerland: A dreamy place for a summer vacation
The terms Brandenburg and Switzerland are, at least topographically, contradicting each other. Switzerland is a mountainous country, Brandenburg - a perfectly flat plain. Still, Brandenburg's Switzerland (Die Maerkische Schweiz) is the official name of the area located east of Berlin, in the neighboring federal state of Brandenburg. Most of the area is a nature reserve with spectacular scenery of forests, streams, alpine meadows. If such a name is justified, so is the nickname of the town of Buckow: "the pearl of Brandenburg's Switzerland" (1,700 inhabitants) located about halfway between the cities Berlin and Frankfurt-am-Oder.
So if you plan traveling to Berlin, or happen to be there, Brandenburg's Switzerland, and its pearl could be a good idea for a cool vacation. Just imagine: being in Switzerland without having to climb anything.
Buckow's picturesque houses are standing on seven hills. It has been more than 150 years a popular vacation resort. The area is characterized by peace and quiet, and even more by the clear air. According to a written document, The Prussian King Frederick, the 4th (who ruled his country from 1861 to 1840) was told by his physician: Your Excellency, in Buckow - the lungs are smooth as velvet.
The best evidence for the town's historical fame is the abundance of baths, spa hotels, guest houses and a sanatorium. The most prominent intellectuals who became residents were the celebrated playwright Bertolt Brecht and actress Helena Weigel. The couple was fascinated by the landscape and acquired in 1952 one of the houses on the shore of the nearby lake Schermuetzelsee.
Brecht wrote there his book of poems "Buckowian elegies" (Buckower Elegien). By the way, anyone who is interested in Brecht and his work may also visit the memorial site of Brecht-Weigel in Berlin (address: Chausseestrasse 125, Mitte).
Today, the Brecht - Weigel site not only serves as a memory but also as a cultural center, with reading evenings and concerts.
The best hotels in Buckow can be found and booked by clicking here.
In the northern part of Brandenburg's Switzerland, the village Ihlow is located. There are many art courses and workshops there. For several years, people from across Germany have settled down in the vicinity. Abandoned houses and barns were converted into art workshops, organic farms, and a used book store which is the largest in east Brandenburg. West to the nature reserve, the village Garzau is situated. The site used to be an estate of the Order of Cistercians. On a hill surrounded by a typical English landscape, stands a pyramid, built by Count Schmettau, a close friend of Frederick the Great' King of Prussia. Over the years, the pyramid collapsed into rubble. However, a German ophthalmologist, who spent his childhood in Garzau, initiated the restoration of the building, with private donations.
Arriving from Berlin to Brandenburg's Switzerland
Regional Train
The NE26 regional railway line, departs from Berlin-Lichtenberg station once an hour, through Rehfelde and Muencheberg. From Muencheberg station take the bus line 928 to Buckow.
On weekends and public holidays during the summer, bus line 930 is available from Muencheberg..
There is also a local train called the little railway (Kleinbahn). The train connects the stations Muencheberg, Waldsieversdorf and Buckow. The travel time is 12 minutes. The train has been disabled for a while because its rails were stolen, but has since resumed its operation. Urban Train (S-Bahn) Line S5 goes from Berlin to Strausberg-Hegermuehle station or Strausberg-Nord. From these stations take a bus or ride bicycle (European bike route R1)..
Car
The area is located approximately 30 miles from the center of Berlin. There are two driving options. One of them is the route B1 / 5 to Hohenstein, Ruhlsdorf, Oberbarnim or Buckow. Another option is to take route B 1 / 5 towards Frankfurt / Oder (Frankfurt / Oder) to Muencheberg through Waldsieversdorf, Buckow, Oberbarnim.
You can find much more information about Brandenburg's Switzerland and other cool places in Berlin and Germany in my web site http://www.berlinwalking.com
Walking routes in Brandenburg's Switzerland
The walking paths in the region have a total length of 90 miles. The landscape is diverse: deep canyons and high (well, relatively high) hills. There is only 1.2 mile distance between Mount Krug (Krugberg), the top of which is located 390 feet above sea level, and lake Schermuetzelsee, where you have to dive 140 feet before you reach its bottom.
Two miles away, in Roten Luch, there is a watershed, from which the river Stoebber flows to Baltic Sea and the North Sea. On its way it crosses Buckow.
One of the best tracks goes around Lake Schermuetzelsee,, which is one of the most beautiful pieces of landscape in the whole region between the rivers Spree and Oder. The track's length is 5 miles, and is very easy for walking. The height difference between the lowest and highest place on the route is 90 meters. The departure and final points are at the Schermuetzelsee beach.
On our way, we arrive at the guest house "Johst am See". We continue to walk along the beach, passing by several beautiful inlets, to a restaurant called "fishermen creek" (Fischerkehle).
Another option is to walk through the scenic trail, along the southern shore of the lake, passing by the youth hostel, to the east coast of the White Lake (Weissen See), and from there northwards to Brecht-Weigel house, on Bertolt Brecht street, and Wriezener Street - and then back to the beach.
Bathing Options:
White lake beach; Schermuetzelsee beach.
Rest possibilities on our way: Heidepark; the scenic trail (Panoramaweg)..
Museums in Buckow
Brecht-Weigel House Museum
Address: Bertolt-Brecht-Strasse 30. Open summer days Wednesday-Friday, 13-17; Saturday-Sunday 13-18. Winter: the museum is opened later and closed at 16 already. There is an entrance fee. Website:
This is a permanent exhibition on 100 years of the local railroad. Address: Buckow's railway station, Hauptstrasse. Open: May to October, on Saturdays and Sundays, at 10-16. There is an entrance fee. Website: http://www.buckower-kleinbahn.de/
Hotels in Buckow
Click here to book the hotel that suits you in Buckow.
Tourist Information
Buckow's Tourist Information Center is located in the center of town. The beautiful building was in the past a border fortress, then a mill, and finally was used for public baths. It is currently providing tourist services, including booking overnight stays and a gallery. The center is open all week around at 9-12:30, 13-17. On Saturday and Sunday the centre is closed an hour later.
