Picture this. A tranquil village nestled in southeastern Berlin. This is Müggelheim. Founded in 1747 by twenty families from Odernheim am Glan. They weren’t fleeing religious persecution as many believed. Their relocation was supported by King Frederick II. The king offered several privileges to these settlers. Life was tough. They faced years of backbreaking work clearing land and cultivating the poor sandy soil.
Müggelheim is more than just a pretty face. It’s a place steeped in history. Initially a small independent municipality. It eventually merged into Greater Berlin in 1920. It was the least populated at the time with only 186 inhabitants. The village remained remarkably small until the after-effects of World War II when many Berliners sought refuge here building weekend homes in the peaceful lakeside location.
The area boasts stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by the Berliner Stadtforst one of Berlin’s largest forests. Müggelheim is bordered by the tranquil waters of Seddinsee and Langer See. Within its boundaries lie three more lakes: the Große Krampe a small section of the Müggelsee known as Kleiner Müggelsee and the tiny Bauersee. These waterways provide a perfect backdrop to Müggelheim’s idyllic charm.
Müggelheim wasn’t without its darker moments. During the war it housed an Außenlager a subcamp of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. This somber chapter in Müggelheim’s history is a reminder of the region’s complex past.
The village is still relatively quiet. There is no urban rail service. The nearest S-Bahn station is in Wilhelmshagen. Müggelheim is easily accessible by bus or ferry. Three ferry routes service Müggelheim. They connect the village to nearby areas like Schmöckwitz and Rahnsdorf. Ferry F24 offers a unique experience. It’s a rowing boat aptly named Paule III.
Many famous people were associated with Müggelheim. This includes famous personalities like the writer Curt Grottewitz and the politician Fritz Selbmann. These figures added a layer of intrigue and prestige to this quiet village setting.
Today Müggelheim is a vibrant and thriving community. It is a blend of history nature and modern life. The original charm of the old village green has been preserved. Many of the houses around it are listed historical monuments. This unique blend makes Müggelheim a true gem of Berlin. A place where history nature and modern life converge in a perfect harmony. This place is truly worth exploring.