Berlin has it all: from the world’s latest food trends to rave events amidst art installations to idyllic natural spots. But if you never leave the city, you’ll eventually feel the air getting thin. So it’s time to escape big-city life for a moment and recharge your batteries in Brandenburg’s quiet corners. That’s exactly why we have some tips for you—places that will send you back to Berlin feeling recharged after a visit. Lakes, in particular , have this power to bring peace. We’ve already introduced you to crystal-clear, deep waters and those that reflect Baroque castles. Now it’s time for Brandenburg’s deepest lake, whose bottom lies below sea level: Lake Werbellin in the Barnim district, about 60 to 80 kilometers northeast of Berlin, is nestled within the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve —one of Germany’s largest natural and forested landscapes.
The area around Lake Werbellin is largely untouched by human hands: dense forests, rolling hills, and a diverse array of wildlife shape the landscape, giving the lake a more Scandinavian character than the typical image of a swimming lake. It is about 9.5 kilometers long and reaches a width of up to 1.5 kilometers. With an area of about 7.6 square kilometers, it is one of the larger lakes in the region. Its maximum depth is over 55 meters, making it one of the deepest lakes in Brandenburg.
The lake was formed during the Ice Age as a so-called channel lake, shaped by meltwater. A unique feature is that its deepest point lies below sea level, which is rather unusual for lakes in Germany. The water of Lake Werbellin is exceptionally clear and ideal for swimming and diving. The lake is rich in fish species such as pike, perch, eel, and tench.
Werbellin Lake is surrounded by dense forests, reed beds, and a diverse array of wildlife, including deer and wild boars. This combination of exceptional water quality and largely untouched nature contributes to the lake frequently being ranked among the most beautiful in Brandenburg. Along the shore, there are numerous swimming spots, such as in Altenhof, Wildau, or at Süßen Winkel —ranging from classic sandy beaches to secluded natural coves.
The region also offers ideal conditions for active vacationers: The Berlin–Usedom bike path runs directly along the lake, while numerous hiking trails wind around the lake and through the Werbelliner Mountains. Round-trip hikes between 10 and 20 kilometers are particularly popular, offering impressive views of the lake at every turn.
