Schwielowsee

It is the peaceful calm which draws city-tired Berliners to lake Schwielowsee. And those who arrive here for the first time know why. "Malerdorf", painter's village, says a plate behind the place-name-sign of Ferch, which is situated directly at the waterfront. Picturesque indeed. "Malerdorf" is a reference to the Havelland artists' colony founded by Karl Hagemeister and Carl Schuch in the 19th century. The painters, just like those in Worpswede or Ahrenshoop, were looking for the quiet of nature they portrayed in their works. Lake Schwielowsee covers an area of 786 hectare and belongs to the chain of lakes of the middle Havel. It is 5,4 km long and has a largest width of 2 km.