What could be more soothing than being surrounded by water? Hardly anything else manages to satisfy wanderlust for a moment while radiating pure tranquility. When the big city gets too noisy again, we long for more green and blue around us. Around Berlin, you can discover not only extraordinary natural sites and wildlife parks but also beautiful water landscapes—from a Mediterranean-inspired waterfront oasis to a town nestled between three lakes. Our absolute insider tip, however, is the Teupitz Lake Chain. It is one of Brandenburg’s most beautiful water landscapes and is best known for the fact that you can paddle across more than ten interconnected lakes in a single day by canoe or kayak .
About an hour south of Berlin, nestled in the heart of the Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park, lies an exceptionally peaceful river and lake landscape of narrow waterways, hidden coves, dense pine forests, and small islands—perfect for a summer day trip.
Particularly popular is the roughly 18-kilometer-long canoe route from Prieros to Teupitz, which is officially considered one of the most beautiful day trips in the nature park. The route passes through a total of ten connected lakes and small waterways, linking several of Brandenburg’s most idyllic landscapes. Instead of staying at just one swimming lake, you’ll spend hours here moving through ever-changing natural scenery—from open water areas and narrow canals to reed beds and tranquil forest sections.
The lakes along the route include Streganzer See, Dolgensee, Hölzerner See, Schweriner See, and Große Teupitzer See. Many sections feel surprisingly secluded and almost untouched, even though the region is relatively close to Berlin. Especially in the morning or during the week, an exceptionally peaceful atmosphere emerges there, almost reminiscent of Scandinavian lake landscapes.
Unlike classic summer hotspots around Berlin, the Teupitz Lake Chain thrives less on beach clubs or large beach areas and more on the slow exploration of nature. That’s exactly what makes the route so special. Instead of a single destination, the focus here is on the journey itself. As you paddle through the water landscape, wide lakes constantly alternate with narrow passages and small, natural shoreline areas.
In terms of scenery, the region is also one of Brandenburg’s most beautiful water areas. Large parts of the route run through the Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park, which is known for its clear waters, extensive forests, and diverse wildlife. With a little luck, you can spot herons, kingfishers, or other waterfowl along the way. Especially in summer, the dense pine forests and reed beds are impressively reflected on the calm water’s surface.
