Summer may already be over, but that shouldn’t stop us from exploring the surrounding area of Berlin. A trip to one of the most beautiful lakes in the immediate vicinity will brighten up even gray November days! The Tonsee near Groß Köris is a real insider tip and offers the perfect combination of natural tranquillity and exceptional water quality.
Crystal-clear water and fine sand
The Tonsee lake, officially located near Groß Köris (Klein Köris district) in Brandenburg, is a real natural paradise. As its name suggests, the lake was formed from a former clay pit. It was shut down at the end of the 19th century and filled with groundwater. This is why the clay lake has such exceptionally clear and clean water today.
The quality of the water is regularly monitored and is considered excellent. You can often see several meters deep! This makes the Tonsee one of the cleanest lakes in the whole of Brandenburg and perfect for diving. On the 19 meter deep bottom you can still find remains from the time of the clay pit, such as old trolleys and tracks.
On the eastern shore is the popular natural bathing area with a wide, fine beach. Here you can fully immerse yourself in the Mediterranean vacation feeling! Further south are unofficial sections that are often used as nudist areas. And if one day at the Tonsee is not enough, you can spend the whole weekend here – there are two campsites right by the lake.
A lake in the middle of a nature park
The 9-hectare lake is surrounded by the Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park. This location also ensures that the Tonsee remains in its natural state. If you have had enough of swimming and sunbathing, the park is perfect for hiking and enjoying the pine forests.
An approximately 3 km long circular trail leads around the lake and is perfect for relaxing walks or bike rides. And you can hardly avoid the nature park on the way there either. If you take the train (RE2) to Groß Köris, it will take you about 30 minutes to walk through the forest to the lake.
But the short hike also has its advantages: Because the Tonsee is not so easy to reach by public transport, far fewer tourists come here. You will therefore find noticeable peace and quiet on the sandy beach.