You’ll find Oberkrämer in the Oberhavel District of Brandenburg. But, that means nothing if you don’t know why you would ever want to come here.
I can come up with at least four reasons, Burg Vehlefanz, Burg Botscheberg, Schloss Schwante, and Schloss Sommerwalde, all of which are registered monuments. Mix that with an old church, a romantic windmill, and an Buddhist retreat and the list of reasons for wanting to come gets longer and longer.
Oberkrämer is only 10 km northwest from the continental city of Berlin and as close as you are; you might as well be a galaxy away. It would be hard pressed to imagine the ruins of Castle Vehlefanz in the big city. Seems more appropriate out here in a country setting since all that remains is a mound of earth and a small section of bricks.
There isn’t all that much over Castle Botscheberg, either. And Schloss Schwante is a mighty big structure that was once used as a typhoid fever hospital. It’s a beautiful place, even though it sits empty today.
Hear me out before you go off thinking I’m a wee bit bonkers for wanting to come see the ruins of two castles and a abandoned third. All this leads up to the Schloss Sommerwalde.
Since 2008, Sommerwalde Castle has been the site of many meetings and Buddhist retreats. For real? Yes, for real and it’s easy to find your “zen” wandering around the grounds of this magnificent building — a cross between Tara of Gone With The Wind fame and the United States White House. At least that’s the way I see it. You might have your own comparison so let me know what you think.
The Brandenburg countryside is really pretty and you’ll notice a lot of it when you’re off visiting the Windmill in the village of Vehlefanz. Oh, the Vehlefanz Church is really gorgeous out there; so be sure to stop and visit — you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
Warm and welcoming is how it’ll be at the Village Celebration in June, too.
Sounds like there’s yet another thing to add to a long list of reasons for visiting Oberkrämer. ;-)