Temperatures are rising, and with them the desire for outdoor activities and short getaways outside the city. So why spend your days off in the hustle and bustle of the big city when the weekend offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge your batteries? The best place for this is nature: few things are as restorative as time spent in the great outdoors, and we are fortunate that the Brandenburg region has so much of it to offer. From pristine forest landscapes straight out of a fairy tale to sprawling lakes where, with a little luck, you might even spot ospreys. And that’s not all: Lake Liepnitz near Wandlitz in Brandenburg is one of the most impressive bodies of water in the region.
Lake Liepnitz covers an area of about 1.17 square kilometers, reaches depths of up to 17 meters, and has a shoreline of approximately 8 kilometers. Geologically, it is a relic of the last Ice Age and part of the Wandlitz Lake District. The lake owes its distinctive shape to the centrally located island of Großer Werder: It makes the body of water appear almost ring-shaped—a feature that has earned it the nickname “Donut Lake.” The forested island is accessible on foot and can be reached either by the small ferry “Frieda” or by swimming. It is precisely this structure that gives the lake an almost surreal, secluded aesthetic.
The water quality is also exceptional: with visibility of up to four to five meters and a shimmer that is often turquoise to aquamarine in color, Lake Liepnitz is one of the cleanest lakes in Brandenburg. The clear water creates an almost Mediterranean swimming experience —right in the middle of Germany.
The atmosphere around the lake is calm and unspoiled. Dense pine and beech forests line the shore, with small, hidden swimming coves opening up here and there. Compared to better-known lakes like the Wannsee, Lake Liepnitz is significantly less developed and thus seems almost mysterious. It is precisely this blend of seclusion and untouched nature that makes it particularly attractive for anyone seeking peace and quiet.
In addition to swimming, the lake offers numerous recreational opportunities. Whether swimming to the island, gliding across the water by boat or stand-up paddleboard, circling the lake on hiking or biking trails, or discovering secluded spots in the forest—the choices are diverse. An official forest swimming area with sunbathing lawns complements the offerings, as do natural beaches and scattered nude areas.
The island of Großer Werder rounds out the experience. It features small beaches as well as simple dining options like a beer garden or kiosk. Once reserved only for select GDR elites , it is now freely accessible
