Now that it’s finally getting a bit warmer again, you’d like to treat your four-legged friend to a day in the countryside or—even better—by the water. But for those who understandably find the Baltic Sea and its dog-friendly beaches too far away, there’s fortunately a great spot right here in Berlin. A green paradise for dogs and their owners!
From the nobility to the middle class
As the name suggests,Grunewald Lake is located at the eastern tip of the Grunewald forest and boasts a long and, above all, stately history that is closely linked to the Prussian nobility and less so to dogs. Originally, the lake and the surrounding forest served as an exclusive hunting ground for the Brandenburg electors and later Prussian kings.
Elector Joachim II had the hunting lodge “Zum Grünen Walde” built right on the shore of Grunewald Lakeas early as 1542. The lake was part of the prestigious backdrop and provided fresh fish for the court’s table. Furthermore, the Grunewald hunting lodge is the oldest surviving castle in Berlin!
It wasn’t until the late 19th century, as Berlin grew rapidly, that their purpose changed. The nobility withdrew, and the lake became a popular recreational area for Berliners. Before the lake was “taken over” by dogs, there was even a public outdoor swimming pool around 1900. Today, swimming in the lake is officially no longer permitted for humans due to nature conservation reasons and heavy use by dogs .
When dogs came into the picture
Grunewaldsee was officially designated a dog-walking area as early as 1971 and is now Berlin’s largest and most popular spot for dogs. The absolute highlight for four-legged friends is the expansive dog beach on the north shore: Here, dogs are allowed to run free in the water year-round, swim to their heart’s content, and socialize. While the dogs enjoy the cool water, the scenery surrounding the historic hunting lodge offers a unique panorama.
But the area also offers first-class relaxation for people. Anyone looking to stop for a break after a long hike through the pine forests of the Mark Brandenburg will find the perfect spot at the historic Paulsborn tavern, right on the lakeshore. The spacious terrace is a wonderful place to relax while letting your gaze wander over the water. Although the high volume of visitors occasionally sparks discussions about nature conservation and the wear and tear on the shoreline vegetation, for Berlin dog lovers and nature enthusiasts, Grunewaldsee remains an indispensable recreational paradise with charm in the middle of the forest.
A quick tip: Since the area is very popular, I recommend visiting during the week if you prefer it a bit quieter. On weekends, the “dog density” is legendary!
Have fun throwing sticks!
