The Berlin Bear at the Weißenstädter See is a reminder of the friendship between Weißenstadt and Berlin-Spandau.
For decades the Berlin Bear by the sculptor Lilly Voigt stood in the driveway of the school country hostel (Schullandheim), welcoming its guests until the hostel closed. It has now found a new home at the Weißenstädter See, where it is a reminder of more than five decades of wonderful, friendly cooperation.
In 1959 the town of Weißenstadt gave the Schullandheimwerk Spandau e.V. a plot of land at the foot of the Waldstein. By 1961 the association had built a school country hostel there, which it ran until 2013.
During those more than 50 years, not only did many Berlin schoolchildren come to visit and get to know Weißenstadt and the Fichtel Mountains, but many friendships also grew up between Spandau and Weißenstadt.
In gratitude for many happy years together
Town of Weißenstadt Schullandheimwerk Spandau e.V.
Information board about the Spandau school country hostel, next to the bear
Further information:
50 Years of the Spandau School Country Hostel in Weißenstadt 2.0, Part 1 (in German)
50 Years of the Spandau School Country Hostel in Weißenstadt 2.0, Part 2 (in German)
50 Years of the Spandau School Country Hostel in Weißenstadt 2.0, Part 3 (in German)