About 6 kilometres south of Potsdam lies the small village of Caputh. This is where the famous scientist Albert Einstein liked to retreat in the summer months and enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Since 2005 it has been possible to visit the Einstein House in Caputh and thus get a small impression of the life of the Einstein family.
Einstein has a house built
Gustav Böß, the mayor of Berlin, had the idea of giving Einstein a house on a lake property for his 50th birthday. The search for a suitable property that the scientist and his family would agree to proved to be quite difficult, almost impossible. Even the attempt to donate “only” the plot of land so that he could design the house according to his own wishes failed. After more and more political disputes arose over what was actually a nice gift, Einstein gave it up.
He and his wife are now looking for a plot of land and have found one in Caputh. The property is located directly on the edge of the forest and at that time had an unobstructed view of Lake Templin. They had a summer house built there at their own expense.
Albert and Elsa Einstein pursued their very personal needs when designing the house in Caputh. The architect Konrad Wachsmann implemented these ideas and the company Christoph & Unmack realised them.
Since the property is on a slope, the architect took advantage of the gradient in his planning. The house did not have a full basement, but a covered garden terrace in one area. The wooden construction was initially built in a factory building. There it was pre-assembled, checked, disassembled and finally brought to Caputh and erected again. Within a very short time, the family was able to move in.
When did Albert Einstein spend time in Caputh?
From 1929 to 1932, the Einstein family lived in their summer residence from April to November.
Einstein loved that time there. It was one of the few places where he really felt at home. And so he only left Caputh when he was giving lectures or “had” to show himself in public. Albert Einstein often took hour-long walks in the surrounding area and loved the silence and tranquillity. Visitors were not so welcome, especially if they wanted something from him. But he liked to invite close friends and spend informal time with them.
After the National Socialists came to power in 1933, Einstein left Germany with his wife. He did not return.
What happened to the Einstein House in Caputh?
In the land register entry of the house, Einstein’s two stepdaughters were listed as owners. This initially prevented the confiscation by the owners of the time.
The family rented the house to the Jewish country school in Caputh. In 1935, the house was expropriated and sold to the city. At first, the town used the building as a kindergarten. During the Second World War, the Wehrmacht moved in.
After the Second World War, the house was initially rented out as a residential building. It has been a listed building since 1979.
On the occasion of Einstein’s 100th birthday, the Academy of Sciences of the GDR restored the building. It was then used as a memorial and guest residence.
For many years, Einstein’s heirs negotiated the return of the estate. Today, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is the main owner.
The Einstein Form manages the Einstein House in Caputh. Events are held here and it is open to the public on certain dates.
Visit to the Einstein House in Caputh
I don’t know exactly what I expected when we arrived at the Einstein House. Certainly not such a cute house from the outside with such a big garden. The house is not big, but it immediately seems inviting and cosy.
When we enter the house, I am surprised that the outer impression is not repeated. Here it is rather sober and functional, almost Spartan. But actually exactly as Einstein wanted it. Nothing influenced his mind here, nothing distracted him and, if you are honest, you don’t really need anything more.
The entire house is beautiful and simple. The walls, floors and ceilings are almost entirely made of pine. Unfortunately, the original furniture is no longer there.
We were first drawn to the upper floor. Here there are very small rooms that were used as bedrooms. There is nothing more than a built-in sleeping alcove and a built-in wardrobe. However, there is some luxury. Each room has its own washing facilities. This was cleverly hidden behind wooden doors.
I especially liked the large terrace that you can reach from the upper floor. A beautiful place for relaxing hours.
Albert Einstein had his room on the ground floor of the house. It was not only his study, but also his bedroom. From his desk he could see all the way to the lake.
I was impressed by the large living area of the house. Today you have a good view of the garden through a window front; in Einstein’s day you could probably see all the way to the lake. When it got cooler, the family was able to light a large fireplace. I can very well imagine that Einstein felt at home in Caputh.
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