Drawn to the water’s edge, here stands the Milchhäuschen. For over a century, this spot has been a place to relax. It is a place to enjoy the beauty of the Weißen See. The Milchhäuschen’s story began long before the current building. Back in the late 19th century, Weißensee was becoming a popular destination. People wanted to escape from Berlin.
Fritz Kretschmar sought permission in 1874. He wanted to build a “Copenhagen Tivoli”. This was an amusement park. Only a restaurant and a garden house were completed. The garden house was a timber-framed building on the Weißen See shore.
The municipality acquired the properties in 1905. The timber-framed house became a milk sales point in 1913. This is how the Milchhäuschen got its name. The building sold milk from the municipal cowshed. The cowshed was part of the infants’ hospital. It was located on today’s Hansastraße.
Over time, the Milchhäuschen evolved. It changed from a milk shop into a restaurant. The original building became dilapidated. It was torn down in 1965. A new restaurant was built in 1967. This is the building you see today. It opened in 1976.
After 1990, the restaurant faced legal challenges. It prevented its reopening for some time. Then, in the mid-90s, Oswald Wachenbrönner noticed the empty building. It had an idyllic location by the lake. He contacted the district office. Wachenbrönner developed a concept. He won the bid in 1995.
The building needed significant renovation. In May 1996, the Wachenbrönner family reopened the Milchhäuschen. They later expanded the restaurant. They also improved the terrace overlooking the Weißen See. Today, Sebastian Wachenbrönner, Oswald’s son, runs the Milchhäuschen.
The Milchhäuschen offers a mix of treats. You can find cakes and ice cream. There is also a wide selection of hot meals. These meals mainly come from traditional German cuisine. The large waterfront terrace is perfect for relaxing. It is especially nice in the warmer months. The interior has large windows. They offer lake views year-round.
Imagine sitting on the terrace. The sun warms your skin. The Weißen See sparkles before you. You sip a coffee or enjoy a hearty meal. The Milchhäuschen is more than just a restaurant. It is a place with a rich history. It is a place where memories are made. It is a Weißensee landmark.