Just 1.5 hours from Ostkreuz, on the largest lake in “Märkische Schweiz,” you’ll find the 116-year-old summer house of Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel

Escape the hustle and bustle of Berlin: Your perfect weekend awaits at Schermützelsee and the Brecht-Weigel-Haus Museum.

Portraits of Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel in the foreground, with the facade of their summer house blending into the reed-lined shore of Schermützelsee in the background. — Images: Creative Commons

Moritz Klein

– Editor

· July 7, 2026

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Just under 50 kilometers east of Berlin, tucked away in “Märkische Schweiz,” lies the ideal destination for your next short getaway: the picturesque Schermützelsee in the small spa town of Buckow.

Here, unspoiled nature meets a major chapter of German literary history —the perfect setting for a relaxing weekend. (And if you’re into the finer things in life, why not stop by this concert on your way back?)

In the Footsteps of Bertolt Brecht at Schermützelsee

The white Brecht-Weigel House with its red-tiled roof, picturesquely nestled in a spacious, sunny garden with mature trees. In the foreground stands an inviting green park bench on a lawn. — Image: Creative Commons

As early as the 1950s, the famous playwright Bertolt Brecht and the actress Helene Weigel appreciated the idyllic tranquility away from Berlin. They chose a beautiful estate right on the lakeshore as their summer home.

Today, the Brecht-Weigel House is a museum. Here you can tour the original living and working quarters and see the place where Brecht wrote his “Buckow Elegies” about the popular uprising of June 17, 1953.

The sprawling garden, with its old trees, sculptures, and private boat dock, is a magical place to pause and take a deep breath.

The Most Beautiful Spots by the Water

A narrow, rustic wooden walkway leads through dense, tall reeds directly into the tranquil Schermützelsee, evoking a sense of absolute stillness and connection with nature. — Image: Creative Commons

Lake Schermützel is the largest lake in Märkische Schweiz and boasts crystal-clear water and dense forests along its shores. Don’t miss these spots:

Buckow Beach: The perfect spot to cool off on hot days. The beach exudes a wonderful nostalgic charm.
The Panoramaweg: A well-maintained, nearly 7.5-kilometer-long circular hiking trail takes you all the way around the lake—great vantage points through the trees let you gaze out at the shimmering water.
Boat rentals on the promenade: Rent a rowboat or pedal boat (starting at €7.50) to enjoy the tranquility of the lake and discover hidden coves.
Culinary Tip: After your museum visit, treat yourself to a slice of cake at one of the charming cafés in the town center, or try fresh, regional fish at the restaurants right on the lake promenade.

Practical Tips & Getting There

The historic Buckow narrow-gauge railway with a nostalgic look: A red-and-cream-colored electric railcar from the museum railway stands at a rural stop on a sunny day, surrounded by lush greenery. — Image: Creative Commons

Buckow is very easy to reach from Berlin:

By public transit: Take the RB26 regional train from Ostkreuz to Müncheberg. From there, continue on bus 928.
Highlight: On weekends during the warmer months, the historic Buckow narrow-gauge railway runs between Müncheberg and Buckow. A great experience!
By car: Take the B1/B5 toward Müncheberg, and you’ll reach your destination in about an hour. Parking is available in the center of town.

But be careful! ⚠️ Schermützelsee (with an “e”) in Buckow should not be confused with the much larger Scharmützelsee (with an “a”) near Bad Saarow.

The latter lies a good 50 kilometers further south and is often called the “Märkische Meer.” Both bodies of water are fantastic destinations for a day trip, but your date with the history of Brecht and Weigel awaits exclusively at Schermützelsee!