Buckow

Welcome to your route to the Kneipp spa town of Buckow. You'll drive through the Seenland Oder-Spree region east of the capital Berlin, pass through the villages of Rehfelde and Garzau and the Märkische Schweiz Nature Park, before finally reaching your destination in Buckow.

You may have seen the signs for Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf near the motorway exit. The name Vogelsdorf (literally, "bird village") is no coincidence. Brandenburg's nature reserves and water landscapes offer birds an ideal habitat. Amateur ornithologists have the opportunity to study their feathered friends in many places here in the Seenland-Oder-Spree, for example at the observation sites in Altlandsberg, in the Märkische Schweiz Nature Park and not least in the Oderbruch. Even the best-selling American author and passionate ornithologist Jonathan Franzen took up residence here for this purpose, in the holiday flat converted from a former loading tower in Groß Neuendorf, on the Oder. He also wrote parts of his novel "Freedom" there.

You'll now see Lake Stienitz on the left. Surrounded by forests and meadows, it borders the Lange Dammwiesen nature reserve. There's a popular lido on this side of the lake. Speaking of Lake Stienitz: did you know that the 66 Lakes Hiking Trail, the most important in the state of Brandenburg, passes along its banks? At 400 kilometres long, it circles the capital city of Berlin in 20 daily stages and is one of the most attractive flatland hiking trails in Germany. The eighth section runs past here and crosses your route in Hennickendorf.

You're now driving through Hennickendorf. First mentioned in a document in the 14th century, the village now belongs to Rüdersdorf. At the beginning of the 20th century, life here was shaped by the flourishing brick industry. The village church, which you can see at the roundabout, is well worth visiting. It's a late-medieval fieldstone building that has been altered several times. The oldest parts date back to its time as a fortified church. Hennickendorf's landmark is the 28-metre-high Wachtelturm (Quail Tower), on the hill of the same name, which also appears on the village coat of arms. The tower was intended for several purposes, including fire brigade drills and hose drying, as well as a vantage point for walkers. Today, it's a welcome stop for participants on the 66 Lakes Trail. To enjoy the view, however, they first have to climb its 96 steps.

You're now driving through the village of Rehfelde, which lies on the Berlin - Küstrin-Grenze railway line. This is the part of the Royal Prussian Eastern Railway that remained in Germany after 1945. The Euroroute R1 cycle path, which connects six European countries over 3,500 kilometres, also passes through the village. On the right you can see the oldest building still standing in the village today, the Rehfeld church. It's a square-choir church with a fieldstone tower. The Heimatstube (local history room) in the 100-year-old school shows the everyday history of Rehfeld and the surrounding villages of Werder and Zinndorf, as well as the history of the former Eastern Railway. With a creative studio and gallery, art and creativity have also found their place in the village.

You're passing through the municipality of Garzau-Garzin, known as the gateway to the Märkische Schweiz Nature Park. Formed during the Ice Age, the region is now home to a chain of lakes surrounded by forests. On your left is the Bunker Garzau architectural monument, a former nuclear bunker of the GDR's National People's Army. It was built in the 1970s as an organisation and computer centre for national defence. The almost completely preserved building and civil protection technology allows an interesting insight into the functioning of the bunker, which can be experienced during guided tours on Sundays. Hidden in the forest on the right is the Garzau pyramid. The reconstruction of Germany's largest fieldstone pyramid is being undertaken by a sponsored association. It's part of a complex consisting of the early classicist Garzau Castle and the associated landscape park, which is now wooded.

You're now about 60 km from Berlin and driving through the Märkische Schweiz Nature Park. The area extends around Buckow and reaches from Garzau in the west to Altfriesland in the northeast. In addition to lakes, streams and forests, it's also characterised by gorges, valleys, moors and fish ponds. Almost the entire area of the nature park is a European bird sanctuary. With its diverse landscapes, the park is highly reminiscent of Switzerland. The Old Water Tower in Waldsieversdorf offers a splendid view from its lookout platform. Another place of interest in the village is the house once occupied by the artist John Heartfield. While his friend Bertolt Brecht spent the summer in neighbouring Buckow, Heartfield had his summer residence here.

You're now in Ruhlsdorf, a district of Strausberg. This tranquil village has fewer than 100 inhabitants. The church is one of its striking features, which you can see on the left, situated on a small hill in the middle of the village. With irregular fieldstone masonry and fragments of brick, the building probably dates from the second half of the 15th century. Its present appearance is the result of a comprehensive renovation in 1707, which included a brick extension of the west tower and a transformation of the nave into a Baroque plaster building.

You'll soon reach Buckow, the destination of your route, situated on the Schermützelsee. By the way, this lake should not be confused with Scharmützelsee, which is almost nine times larger and lies about 50 kilometres south of here. In Buckow, you'll find the Brecht-Weigel House, which has been a memorial to Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel since the 1970s. In 1952, the artist couple chose this place as their summer residence. The memorial gives an impression of their life and work together. Bertolt Brecht wrote his "Buckower Elegies" here, among other works. Even after her husband's death, Helene Weigel continued to use the property as a weekend home, away from her Berlin flat. A special feature can be found in the boathouse, where you can see the carriage built for the production of Brecht's play "Mother Courage and Her Children". While playing the role of Mother Courage, Helene Weigel pulled this carriage in no less than 405 performances.

In a few moments you'll reach Buckow, the only recognised Kneipp spa in Brandenburg. Theodor Fontane called this small town the "pearl of Märkische Schweiz". Because of its beautiful location on the Schermützelsee, which you'll see on the right, and its easy accessibility, this health resort became a popular destination for Berliners as early as the 19th century. What's more, there's hardly a more suitable place near the capital where the five principles of the Kneipp healing process can be experienced: water, plants, movement, nutrition and balance. Among other things, Buckow has six water treading spots on natural bodies of water, and one which is man-made. Another place for relaxation and recreation is the five-hectare castle park, designed as an English landscape garden. It's only a few steps away from the market square and invites you to take a walk and exercise, immersed in nature.

After turning left into Schulstraße you'll reach the signposted car park. From here you can explore the nearby Spa Park or one of the numerous Kneipp facilities on foot. A boat trip across Lake Schermützel is also recommended.
You have now reached the destination of this route. It is great that I was able to accompany you here. I hope you enjoyed the tour and wish you a pleasant stay and safe onward journey.