The most beautiful lakes in and around Berlin - AWESOME BERLIN (2023)

Berlin and its neighboring state of Brandenburg can also "the land of 3000 lakes“. With more than 30,000 kilometers of waterways, the area is the largest water landscape in Germany and, together with the northern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, forms the largest closed inland water system in Europe. That's definitely enough water to cool you down on those long-awaited summer days!

Whether you are on a boat, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, swimming or just relaxing on the water you are safe. The waters are known for their high quality standard and are constantly measured by the water authoritiesBerlinmiBrandenburg.

Easily accessible by public transport or by bike, most lakes within the city limits can get very crowded, especially on weekends and bank holidays. Yes, locals love to spend their free time in the water. Who can blame us?

To make you feel like you're in the country or even on the beach while still being in the city, we've selected some of the best lakes in and around Berlin. If you prefer a parking experience, check out our guideThe best parks in Berlin.

Wannsee

The Wannsee is the most famous lake in Berlin. Surrounded by towns and yacht clubs, Wannsee actually consists of two lakes, Kleiner and Großer Wannsee. They are separated by the Wannsee Bridge, which crosses the Havelbucht. The Wannsee lido is a lido with one of the longest inland beaches in Europe. The beach/lido area is located on the eastern part of the Großer Wannsee.

Built-inNew objectivityThe artificial beach opened in the early 1930s and uses sand reclaimed from the Baltic Sea. Entry is €5.50 but you get some amenities including a playground, toilets, showers, food stalls and Strandkörbe, the pretty wicker chairs typical of German Baltic Sea beaches.

There is also a very gay-friendly nudist area on the east side of the beach, which is full of keen nudists. Get off at Nikolase S-Bahn station and walk 10 minutes to the entrance.

If that doesn't appeal to you, you might as well walk around the pond and find little spots here and there to park your bike and sit by the water. there is even onebeer garden(Loretta am Wannsee) nearby which we think you should try.

twisted wire

Named for its curved shape, the lake on the edge of the Grunewald forest in south-west Berlin is very popular with Freie Universität students and middle-class families in the Dahlem and Zehlendorf districts. A 2.5 km loop runs along the shore of the lake and is popular with runners and Nordic walkers.

The lake also has a nudist area, on a small sandy beach next to Fischerhüttenstrasse, and entry is free.

It is a 1 km walk from the Krumme Lanke underground station.

Schlachtensee

Located just off the south side of the Krumme Lanke, this very green lake is popular with anglers for its quality water and the variety of fish species that live in its crystal clear waters.

We prefer a location on the east side next to the beer garden to avoid the constant noise of passing trains.

Admission is free. In the vicinity of the beer garden there is a children's playground and a boat rental.

Walk a few steps from the Schlachtensee S-Bahn station and you're there.

Tegel lake

Part of the Havel, the second largest lake in Berlin, is not far from the airport of the same name. This lake is a favorite in the northern part of town. It is very popular with boaters and surfers. There is a small lido on the western shore that is usually full on weekends. The lake has seven islands that can be visited on a boat trip. Some of them are connected by bridges and can be visited on foot.

To get there, get off at Alt-Tegel underground station and walk about 1 km to Greenwich Promenade. This beautiful promenade is dazzling with colorful tulips in spring. there is also an amazing onestreet art projectaround Bernauer Strasse curated byurban nation. It's worth a visit!

seaport

Located right next to the northern part of Tegel Airport, this lake is not only a good place to watch planes landing and taking off, but also a good spot for sunbathing. Here, surprisingly, you hear birdsong instead of aircraft engines.

To get there, get off at the Otisstrasse U-Bahn station and walk 15 minutes to the beach area.

Plätzsee

This small lake, named after the nearby prison, is certainly not the first thing that springs to mind when we think of a dip in a lake. However, it has a nice atmosphere. It's mostly frequented by traditional families and the occasional honeymoon hipster. Be warned it gets quite crowded on warm weekends. However, during the week it is quite nice and quiet.

With an entrance fee of 4 euros you get access to some services including sandy beach, beach chairs, showers, children's playground and snack bar.

It's a 20-minute walk from the Westhafen S-Bahn station to the lido.

Müggelsee

If the Köpenick district is the “eastern version” of the elegant Zehlendorf district, we dare say that the Müggelsee is the East Berlin version of the Wannsee. With a length of 4.3 km and a diameter of around 20 km, the Müggelsee is the largest of Berlin's lakes. This is a very popular summer meeting place and also one of the main water suppliers for the eastern part of the city.

The small, free lido has a nudist area on the right-hand side and offers some amenities such as a snack bar and toilets.

For lovers of water sports you can rent all kinds of boats around the lake.

From Friedrichshagen S-Bahn station, take tram 60 for five stops to the "Licht- und Luftbad Muggelsee" stop. Or bike and hike around the lake until you find the perfect spot. Müggelsee also has several small restaurants and bars/beer gardens to choose from.

Habermannsee

This is an "insider tip". It is one of the lesser-known Berlin lakes in the extreme east of Berlin. You probably won't hear any language other than German there, as it's mostly frequented by locals.

This artificial water point, created in the 1930s, is one of three lakes in the Kaulsdorf district and is surrounded by a nature reserve. A very green landscape.

The water is very calm and crystal clear, making it ideal for swimming or stand up paddling.

There are no services or late night shops nearby so take everything you need for a picnic/snack. And of course, don't forget to pick up the junk you produce!

Go to Berlin-Mahlsdorf S-Bahn station, then take the 62 bus towards Wendenschloss for four stops. Get off at Ledebourstrasse and walk 15 minutes until you reach one of the entrances at Kressenweg.

Sacrover Ver

Located on the other side of Lake Wannsee in Potsdam and part of the Havel waterways, this lake is less frequented than its famous sister lake, Wannsee. It used to be one of the natural borders separating West Berlin from Potsdam (then East Germany). There is a small but fine sandy beach surrounded by the royal forest.

To get there, take the ferry across the Havel from Wannsee train station and then walk along Weinmeisterweg for about 15 minutes.

Liepnitzsee

Very popular for three years, the Liepnitzee is one of the most beautiful lakes in the north of Berlin. It has a beautiful central island and is a short ferry ride away. The island is also an idyllic spot for camping.

From the Bernau S-Bahn station you cycle 30 minutes (almost through the middle of the forest). You will not regret it. It is simply beautiful!

*This article was written by Domingos Lepores and edited by Tulio Edreira.

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