The water here is the point. Schermützelsee is the largest lake in the Märkische Schweiz, a long, clear glacial channel that runs alongside Buckow, and in summer the shore is dotted with small beaches, jetties and boat hire stations. The water is clean and refreshingly cool, edged with reeds and beech woods, and on a hot day it is hard to resist.
Swimming is straightforward. There is a public beach near the centre of Buckow, with a grass area and a kiosk, and quieter spots along the shore where locals slip in from the bank. The lake is deep in the middle, so be careful if you plan to swim out, and keep in mind that the water takes a while to warm up in spring. Boats and pedal boats can be hired in season, and a small passenger boat makes tours of the lake.
The setting is tranquil. The hills rise gently around the water, with villas and old trees along the shore, and in the early morning the lake is almost still, with mist lifting off the surface. In autumn the beeches turn copper and gold, and the reflection doubles the colour. Winter is quiet, with a skin of ice sometimes forming near the shore, and the village is a calm place for a hot drink.
For riders, the road to the lake is a pleasure in itself, winding through woodland and past small farms. Be careful about leaving kit unattended on the beach, as in any popular spot, and bring a towel, because you will not find one at the water. Fuel is in Müncheberg, about eight kilometres away.
If you go in high summer, aim for the morning or the late afternoon, when the day-trippers are fewer. A swim, a smoked fish roll and an hour in the shade make a very good break.