Mona and Andreas work with a lot of passion and commitment

You can quickly tell that both of them have fulfilled a dream by moving from the outskirts of Berlin to Stegelitz and buying the old school. In addition to the old schoolhouse from 1786, there is also the guest house built with natural materials with a total of eight rooms, a circus wagon that is currently being renovated, a small sauna with relaxation room and an imposing village church from 1297, for which the two directly have founded a development association. With so many projects it becomes clear that Mona and Andreas are working on a project that is really close to their hearts. “That can only be done with passion,” they say, and rightly so. And they quickly infect us with this passion.

The association that was founded is a complete success after a short time

The association "Friends of the Feldsteinkirche Stegelitz eV“Has made it its goal to make the dilapidated church accessible again. A meeting point should be created that is so important for a good coexistence in a community. And with that, Mona and Andreas hit a nerve. Within a very short time the association has 120 members and in the meantime enough money has been collected to renovate the old roof structure.

There are already first usage concepts for the church: soon cultural events are to take place here, at which villagers and travelers alike can come together. Mona and Andreas already organize an Advent market in front of the church every year. Craftsmen and artists from the region offer their products here. There is also live music, a handicraft room for children, a warming fire bowl and homemade ginger schnapps, mulled wine, stews and grilled meats from the region.

Where people used to study hard in the past, they now have a hearty breakfast

We find out all of this while the two lead us through the old school building. Where people studied hard in the past, today you can have a hearty breakfast and meet other guests. In addition to the cozy lounge with fireplace and old piano, there is a seminar room for concentrated work and a self-catering kitchen with a view of the school garden. Here, among other things, pumpkins and zucchinis grow in the raised bed and numerous herbs that you can take care of yourself.

In the near future, Mona and Andreas also want to offer their guests various cooking baskets with recipes and ingredients from their own garden and the region for self-catering. Until then, it is advisable to equip yourself with the bare minimum, because the nearest supermarket is around 17 kilometers away. So it's good that we are equipped with pasta, pesto and other nibbles. So we can also look after ourselves wonderfully in the late evening when the restaurants in the region are already closed.

Go out and try regional specialties

With all the self-sufficiency, however, you should definitely not miss trying the regional cuisine, because the Uckermark is part of the largest contiguous organic farming area in Germany and you can taste it. How convenient that there is one right next to the old school Courtyard snack with delicious potato soup that uses the farm's own potatoes.

The smoked fish at "Embers & shavings“In nearby Gerswalde and the cakes and pies in the neighboring one Café in an old greenhouse, which is run by two Japanese women and they serve excellent teas. Until then it is a good 30 minutes by bike that leads through the middle of the hilly landscape of the Uckermark. Admittedly, I have cursed my old bike for a while because of the lack of gears.

Lots of space on the way, few people and a lot of nature

But all exertion is forgotten at the latest when you can let yourself roll down the hill. While the wind blows through your hair, your leg muscles relax, your breath gradually calms down and you can let your gaze wander over the vast landscape.

Because although the Uckermark is the largest district in Brandenburg in terms of area, it is comparatively sparsely populated and so it can happen that you don't meet a soul for a long time. Instead, you drive past brightly colored flower meadows, fields, many lakes and forests and listen to numerous bird calls. A true natural paradise that is worth discovering.

Pure relaxation with a glass of wine

So much exercise in the fresh air makes you tired. Therefore, we are happy to be able to end the evening relaxing with a glass of wine back at the accommodation. Each room has its own small balcony and while the sun goes down, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Uuckmarket landscape.

We realize that this will not be our last visit to the Old school Stegelitz will have been. This region with its special people, who work with a lot of heart and commitment, simply deserves to be visited again. However, one thing is already certain: the next time the gear-shifting bike has to go with it.

You can find more information here

Photo credits: Andreas Winter & Lisa Klakow