One of Berlin’s greatest assets is its enormous variety of lakes. Whether small and secluded, untouched by development, or featuring a beach and recreational activities—there’s a perfect spot for every taste. In addition to the well-known classics like Wannsee, Müggelsee, or Schlachtensee, it’s also worth exploring the many smaller lakes in Berlin and Brandenburg. Some of them delight with crystal-clear water, idyllic forest backdrops, or quiet coves away from the crowds. Here are our favorites for the perfect way to cool off on hot summer days.
Bernsteinsee
Since Bernsteinsee is just under 80 kilometers from Berlin’s city center, those with a car have a clear advantage. Several coves and two large sandy beaches offer plenty of space to spread out; the water of this gravel lake is clear and pleasantly cool. Even though the lake is no longer a complete hidden gem, a day trip is definitely worth it!
A little further south, you’ll find Liepnitzsee with its striking Großen Werder. You can reach it either by ferry or by swimming. The atmosphere is intimate, and beautiful piers jutt out into the water everywhere, creating a charming ambiance—definitely worth a visit. Once there, you can cool off either in the designated swimming area or simply along the wooded shores.
Equally unspoiled and significantly smaller is Tonsee. The path to the lake leads through a beautiful forest, past a campground. You can either sit in the forest, on the main meadow, or enjoy a bit more privacy at lovely spots around the lake.
The three Kaulsdorf lakes are quarry lakes situated in the middle of a water protection area and, as such, are not officially designated swimming lakes. Let’s hope the district office continues to tolerate their use. One of them is Habermannsee, which is actually two lakes in one, divided by a peninsula. A paradise for swimmers and sunbathers, sandy beaches and shady spots offer a good balance here.
For anyone looking for a little more action, Plötzensee in Wedding is the place to go. You can chill out at the beach, rent a boat, or strip down at the nude sunbathing pier. The atmosphere here is always lively.
Jungfernsee
The Jungfernsee is fed by the Havel River and begins at the Glienicker Bridge. Most of its area belongs to Potsdam, except for a small triangle that is part of Berlin. Near Cecilienhof Palace, there are two swimming spots that are easily accessible. Unfortunately, its northern shore offers no opportunity to enter the water.
Groß Glienicker See
Shimmering in every shade of blue, this neighbor of Jungfernsee lies between Groß Glienicke and Kladow. The water is extremely clear, with visibility up to 4 meters! Two swimming spots on its north side, with fine sand, invite you to linger.
Langer See
Lange See is truly long: 11 km. The advantage is that you’ll find countless spots along the water here. If you take the S-Bahn to Grünau, you can either take the tram along the lake from there or walk through the woods by the lake. There’s also a beautiful, newly renovated beach.
Müggelsee offers just about everything your heart desires. A quaint beach resort with a GDR vibe, boat rentals, and secluded spots where you can be completely undisturbed. Thanks to its size, you sometimes almost feel like you’re at the sea.
