All is not well in Brandenburg… But while blue-green algae dominate Berlin’s waters, the situation at Lago is still good as the summer draws to a close. Ready for one last swim in 2024? Sure, you know the big bodies of water and your favorite lakes, but if you want to take a dip somewhere different, I liked Kölpinsee. The bathing area behind the snack bar Grillstulle offers plenty of shady spots, but the best thing is the snack bar itself. Emily and Moritz are the owners and, as the name suggests, grilled sandwiches are on the menu (or Grillstulle, as they say in Brandenburg). The food is served on discarded tractor tires and there are waffles for kids. Whether you go before or after the lake is up to you, but if you want to round off the evening, this Friday the mobile cinema is stopping by to show “Poor Things.” Back to swimming: I recommend the other bathing spot in the forest, a little beyond the village boundary — the view of the lake with the long wooden jetty is particularly beautiful here. The small sandy area is perfect for families. Plus, there’s a dog beach a little further into the forest. If you’re out and about on a Friday, it’s worth making a detour to the Stegelitz weekly market, which is open from 16 to 18h and is incredibly charming.
Right next to the church, you’ll find more good things. Fantastic fresh cheese from Irmi at the Ma Petite Chevre goat farm, the best vegetables directly from Umbio, and maybe a bouquet of local flowers (or seeds to sow yourself) from Vern, an association for the preservation and recultivation of useful plants. And grab a popsicle from Olaf, the maker of the Paradieschen Bar — the cucumber and yogurt-quince are my favorites. Afterward, linger in Stegelitz for an after-work beer (if you’re not driving) at Die Braut, a small village brewery owned by Johannes Petraschek and Sarah Raimann. Of course, the beer is tapped fresh from the barrel on-site, with varieties ranging from “Mandy Ale” (an old German Helles cold-hopped) to the dark “Oatmeal Stout.” Or take the “tasting board” and find your favorite variety — which you can take bottled back to Berlin (each bottled and labeled by hand) and plan your next trip from your balcony while enjoying your collection of Uckermark delicacies. Or, simply stay for dinner and enjoy local food at Marie and Bert’s Herberge in Groß-Fredenwalde. Seasonal, regional and creative dishes are on the menu here (be sure to book). Either way, a little late summer country getaway will prolong your summer feeling.
Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Robyn Steffen
Grillstulle, Götschendorf 35A, 17268 Milmersdorf; map
Kölpinsee, Badesteg, 17268 Milmersdorf; map
Wochenmarkt Stegelitz, Dorfstraße 39B, 17268 Flieth-Stegelitz; map
Dorfbrauerei Die Braut, Dorfstr.12, 17268 Stegelitz; map
Herberge, Ort Groß Fredenwalde 13, 17268 Gerswalde; map
@bar_paradieschen
@dorfbrauerei_die_braut
@grillstulle
