Literatursommer Brecht-Weigel-Haus Buckow

Brecht-Weigel-Haus — Summer Residence Becomes Museum

The Brecht-Weigel-Haus in Buckow (Märkische Schweiz) is a literary sanctuary on a surprisingly intimate scale. Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel bought the house on the Schermützelsee in 1952 as a summer residence; until Brecht's death in 1956, the couple spent many summer weeks here. During this time, the "Buckower Elegien" were written — Brecht's late, concise, and critical poems reflecting on the GDR's early years and his own position within them. The house has been a museum since 1977 and the venue for the Literatursommer since 1998.

Märkische Schweiz — Hilly Forest and Lake Region One Hour from Berlin

Buckow is located in the Märkische Schweiz Nature Park in the Märkisch-Oderland district. This hilly, forested lake region, 60 km east of Berlin, has been a popular summer retreat for Berlin's artists and intellectuals since the 19th century — Theodor Fontane, Heinrich Mann, and of course Brecht were regular visitors. With the Schermützelsee right by the house, the rolling, wooded surroundings, and the typical Märkisch summer climate, Buckow offers a contemplative setting for literary events.

Format of the Literatursommer

The Literatursommer is not a festival in the classic sense — but rather a series of readings, discussions, and concerts spread over the summer weeks, mostly held in the house's garden, or indoors in case of bad weather. The programme typically includes: contemporary German-language novelists, poets with a connection to Brecht, international guest authors, discussion panels on political and literary topics, and chamber music and song recitals featuring Brecht settings.

2026 Programme — Exhibition KÖzwölf

The exact 2026 programme will be published by the Brecht-Weigel-Haus on its official website (www.brechtweigelhaus.de) in the spring of 2026. Already announced: the special exhibition "KÖzwölf" to mark the 100th birthday of Käthe Reichel (1926–2012) — an actress, long-time performer at the Berliner Ensemble, and a close associate of Brecht in his final years. The exhibition will feature contributions on Reichel's life story and stage work.

Museum with Original Furnishings

Visitors to the house will see it largely as Brecht and Weigel left it: furniture, books, manuscripts, and personal belongings. In summer, the garden by the lake is accessible — a simple orchard with old trees and a view of the Schermützelsee. Many readings take place here, often in the late afternoon with the characteristic light of the Märkisch summers.