Heimatstube Gerswalde

About the museum

The Heimatstube is on the grounds of Gerswalde's moated castle (Wasserburg), whose origins go back to the 13th century. It is looked after by the Förderverein Wasserburg Gerswalde (friends' association of the moated castle), which emerged in 1996 from the association of Gerswalde village chroniclers and also maintains the castle complex.

The collection preserves memories of Gerswalde's craftsmen and tradespeople, with their tools and work equipment. Living and kitchen rooms, farm tools from the postwar years, and toys, linen chests, flatirons and waffle irons show the everyday life of earlier decades. A re-created classroom conveys school days from several decades, including a blackboard from the school in Böckenberg. A small section on everyday objects from the GDR brings back memories from Club-Cola to cassette recorders.

In the same building, the doll's parlor displays a collection of dolls from the GDR era and earlier. The fishing museum shows the work of fisheries master Horst Milling on Lake Oberuckersee. An audio guide with recollections from local residents explains selected exhibits.

Highlights

• Re-created classroom and living and kitchen rooms
• Section with everyday GDR objects and toys
• Doll's parlor with dolls from the GDR era
• Fishing museum on fishing at Lake Oberuckersee
• Audio guide "Gerswalder Geschichten"
• Moated castle with freely accessible castle grounds
• Wasserburgfest: large medieval festival every year in September

Permanent exhibitions

• Heimatstube – Crafts, housing, school and everyday life in the GDR era in Gerswalde.
• Fischereimuseum – Fishing gear and records of fishing on Lake Oberuckersee from almost 40 years of work by a fisheries master.
• Puppenstube – Doll collection from the GDR era and earlier, with insights into the Sonneberg toy industry.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Förderverein Wasserburg Gerswalde e. V.

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the friends' association, the rooms are not accessible for people with reduced mobility; the fishing museum is the exception. The toilet is accessible.

Kids & families

The doll's parlor and toys from the GDR era are part of the exhibition. The freely accessible castle grounds have tables and benches for picnics.

Getting there & parking

Gerswalde is in the Uckermark, between Prenzlau, Templin and Angermünde, about 80 km northeast of Berlin. Via the A11 to the exit "Pfingstberg" and then about 12 km further, or via the B109 toward Prenzlau, turning right just before Haßleben (6 km). For cyclists on the Berlin–Usedom long-distance cycle route, the detour takes about 30 minutes.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

No permanent catering; refreshments are available only at events.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Rooms can be rented for family celebrations. Weddings take place in the castle vault, which can also be booked on request for private events.

Plan your visit