Buckow (Märkische Schweiz): Lake, Hiking Trails and Brecht-Weigel House

Buckow (Märkische Schweiz) combines literary history with lakes and hiking trails. To plan your stay, you can weigh up three main attractions: the places associated with Bertolt Brecht, the circular trail around Lake Schermützel, or a day by the water.

Literary history in Buckow

In 1953/54, Bertolt Brecht wrote his last cycle of poems, the “Buckow Elegies,” in Buckow, overlooking Lake Schermützel. The Brecht-Weigel House has been a museum since 1977. As a literary museum, it hosts readings, concerts, talks, discussions, films, exhibitions and special tours throughout the year; individual offerings vary. The literary focus therefore encompasses both Brecht’s historical connection to Buckow and a year-round program of events.

Lake Schermützel and protected landscape

The approximately 335-hectare Schermützelsee Special Area of Conservation (SAC) includes Lake Schermützel and Lake Weißer See, as well as the wooded western shore of Lake Schermützel. This shore includes the ravines formed by erosion: Schwarze Kehle, Langer Grund, Grenzkehle, Buchenkehle and Fischerkehle. The landscape extends beyond the water: the wooded shore and erosional features are also part of the protected area. For those interested in nature and geology, the ravines have specific names and a defined formation process, while the two lakes mark the area’s geographical boundaries.

Hiking: circular trail and “Adventures with Stobbi”

The circular hiking trail around Lake Schermützel runs along the northern shore, crosses the Sophienfließ stream, passes through the town of Buckow on the E 11 hiking trail, goes by the Brecht-Weigel House and follows the shore of Lake Weißer See. The route thus links several different points of interest: a lakeshore, the Sophienfließ, the town and a literary landmark. If you’re looking for a hike that combines nature with a connection to the town, this sequence is a useful starting point for planning.

Since 2024, Buckow has also had the 3 km-long hiking route “Adventures with Stobbi” for people with cognitive disabilities. It is designed for this audience and, at three kilometres long, offers another specific starting point for planning a tour. The two hiking options in Buckow thus differ in the points of interest described: the circular trail passes a lake, stream, town and the Brecht-Weigel House, while “Adventures with Stobbi” focuses on the route’s length and intended audience.

Water activities and planning your stay

Lake Schermützel has a beach swimming area and a boat rental right next to it. You can include both water activities in your day’s plans. Check the latest information on opening and access before your visit so that your plans reflect the conditions in effect at the time.

Märkisch-Oderland in the wider region

In the wider Märkisch-Oderland region, you can explore the 17 km-long Natura Trail and the certified Märkische Schweiz Nature Park Route, which is just under 21 km long. The different route lengths offer a practical comparison when planning a hike; check trail conditions locally. Cycling tours along the Oder-Neiße Cycle Route are also possible in Märkisch-Oderland. The main route of the Oderbruchbahn Cycle Route runs from Fürstenwalde/Spree, or alternatively from Müncheberg, to Wriezen. It passes through the quiet landscape of the Oderbruch and also offers a thematic connection to the early 20th century and the history of rail travel.

Discover more destinations: Petershagen/Eggersdorf, Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf, Garzau-Garzin, Georgenthal, Falkenhagen, Märkische Höhe, Strausberg, Buchholz

Back to the main travel overview: Märkisch-Oderland.