Buckow (Märkische Schweiz)

Schermützelsee and protected landscapes

The approximately 335-hectare Schermützelsee FFH site includes Schermützelsee and Weißer See, as well as the wooded western shore of Schermützelsee. The site also includes the ravines Schwarze Kehle, Langer Grund, Grenzkehle, Buchenkehle and Fischerkehle, which were formed by erosion. The landscape can therefore be explored through more than just the two lakes: the wooded stretch of shore and its ravines are also part of this protected area. Buckow is explicitly located in the eastern part of the FFH site.

Hiking trails and activities by the water

The circular hiking trail around Schermützelsee follows the northern shore, crosses Sophienfließ and passes through Buckow along the E 11 hiking trail. Along the way, it passes the Brecht-Weigel-Haus and then follows the shore of Weißer See. Its route therefore takes in the lakeshore, the stream, the town and the museum. Another option is the 3 km “Abenteuer mit Stobbi” (“Adventures with Stobbi”) hiking route, established in 2024 and intended for people with cognitive impairments. The different lengths and the explicitly stated target group are practical factors to consider when choosing a route; the information does not specify how long the trails take or how difficult they are.

The lido and boat rental are right next to each other on Schermützelsee. Swimming and boating activities are therefore close together. If you want to include either in your day’s plans, check the latest operating information beforehand.

Brecht, literature and the museum

In 1953/54, Bertolt Brecht wrote his final poetry cycle, “Buckower Elegien” (“Buckow Elegies”), in Buckow, with a view of Schermützelsee. The Brecht-Weigel-Haus has been a museum since 1977. Its year-round program includes readings, concerts, talks, discussions, films, exhibitions and special guided tours; individual offerings may vary. If you are planning your visit around a particular event, it is worth checking the latest schedule. The connection between the lake and literary history gives a trip to Buckow a cultural focus that can complement the hiking trails.

More ways to explore the wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland

The wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland offers further ways to explore nature and follow different routes. You can explore Märkische Schweiz on the 17 km Natura Trail and the certified Märkische Schweiz Nature Park Route, which is just under 21 km long; check local trail conditions beforehand. Together with the 3 km “Abenteuer mit Stobbi” route, these stated lengths offer a concrete starting point for comparing the trails. On their own, however, they do not indicate walking time or difficulty.

The Oderbruchbahn Cycle Route is another distinct regional attraction. Its main route runs from Fürstenwalde/Spree or, alternatively, from Müncheberg to Wriezen. The route passes through the quiet landscape of the Oderbruch and links the ride to the early 20th century and the history of rail travel. This regional cycling route and the hiking trails of Märkische Schweiz offer different ways to explore Märkisch-Oderland; neither should be confused with the circular hiking trail in Buckow.

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide what you would like to focus on: would you like to make Buckow—with Schermützelsee, hiking trails and the Brecht-Weigel-Haus—the main focus, or would you also like to consider other routes in the wider destination of Märkisch-Oderland? This helps you choose accommodation that suits the kind of stay you are planning.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Rehfelde, Georgenthal, Hönow, Letschin, Seelow, Hennickendorf, Neuenhagen, Küstriner Vorland.

Back to the regional travel overview: Märkisch-Oderland.