It may be the first week of September, but it seems like everyone in Berlin is still heading to lakes to relax. Ask a friend for recommendations, and they’ll probably tell you to visit Mueggelsee, Wannsee, or may be Plotzensee. While these are beautiful lakes, they can swarmed with people trying to cool off, especially on the weekends. Why deal with crowds when you can travel out to the neighboring region of Brandenburg – home to 3,000 lakes? If you want something more relaxing for your day at the lake, take a moment to check out these spots in Brandenburg. Bonus: you don’t need a car to reach them.
1. Rangsdorfer See in Rangsdorf
Photo by Tom Koronowski on Wikimedia Commons
Located south of Berlin is the beautiful Rangsdorfer See. Here, you can swim, row, paddle, or fish. Rangsdorfer See is a nature reserve so there are many nearby hiking trails if you’d like to hike during your day there. If you do go for a small hike, check out the 62 meters high vineyard for a beautiful view of the surrounding villages and nature.
How to get to Rangsdorfer See from Berlin: From Ostkreuz, jump on the RE7 towards Wuenzdorf-Waldstadt and jump off at Rangsdorf. Take a local bus or a 1,5 km walk to the lake.
2. Ruppiner See in Neuruppin
Photo by Endless Autumn on Flickr
Ruppiner See is located northwest of Berlin and is the longest lake in Brandenburg. It is the water-athlete’s dream. You can swim, row, paddle-board, canoe, and kayak. It connects the cities of Neuruppin, Gildenhall, and Alt Ruppin. So you can make a day of canoeing/kayaking inbetween and visiting these small, charming towns.
How to get to Ruppiner See from Berlin: From Gesundbrunnen, get on the RE6 towards Neurrupin, Rheinsberger Tor. Once you reach Rheinsberger Tor, walk 1km to the lake! If you need to rent a boat, you can find rentals nearby. Tip: You can make the Ruppiner See a weekend trip and rent a house boat!
3. Flakensee in Erkner
Photo by Marcus Cyron on Wikimedia Commons
Travel a little east outside of Berlin, and you’ll flind Flakensee! On hot summer days when the sun is beating down on its white sand, it can be easy to forget you’re not in the mediterranean. This lake is great for those who want to lay out on a sandy beach, sipping on a cool drink. To get tho this lake, you’ll need to travel on a 100-year-old tram through the small town. There are also camping grounds near the lake. So pack a tent if you want to extend your mini-vacation a little longer!
How to get to Flakensee from Berlin: From Ostkreuz, take the S3 towards Erkner Bhf and get out at Rahnsdorf. Transfer on the tram 87 towards Woltersdorf (LOS) and jump off at Woltersdorf (LOS). The beach is a short walk from the tram stop.
4. Sacrowersee in Potsdam
Photo by Dreizung on Wikimedia Commons
While this lake can get a little busy on the weekends, Sacrowersee is worth a visit. It has clear waters, fine sand, and a nearby biergarten! On the off-chance there’s too many people for your liking, head off into the forest and find your own little bathing area. There are many surrounding this lake.
How to get to Sacrowersee from Berlin: From Westkreuz, take the S9 towards S Spandau Bhf and get out at Spandau. Them jump on the 638 bus towards Potsdam, Campus Jungfernsee. Jump off at Potsdam, F. Guenther Park and walk 15 minutes to the lake!
5. Beetzsee near Brandenburg an der Havel
Photo by Henry Richter on Flickr
Beetzsee is a large lake located just northeast of Brandenburg an der Havel. It’s made up of 4 large lake basins connected by channels, making this lake perfect for everyone. You can fish and go boating or you can swim and sunbathe. When the weather is just right, you can also go windsurfing. Pro tip: to avoid crowds, just head north.
How to get to Beetzsee from Berlin: From Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Take the RE1 towards magdeburg, Hbf. Jump out at Brandenburg Hauptbahnhof and transfer on the B/522 Bus towards Brandenburg/Fontanestr. You’ll need to jump out at Brandenburg, Werner-Seelenbinder-str. and walk a short distance to the lake.
6. Helenesee
Photo by Sebastian Wallroth on Wikimedia Commons
Known as the “kleine Ostsee” (or small Baltic Sea), Helenesee is a large, clear lake that was once an open-mining pit. Now, it’s the second-deepest lake in Brandenburg and is popular with divers, swimmers, boaters, and campers. (Yes, you can scuba dive here). Tip: If large crowds ever become bothersome, take a 5km walk or a quick kayak tour to Helenesee’s smaller sister, Kajasee. It is privately-owned, but sunbathers and swimmers are allowed as long as they don’t leave a mess.
How to get to Helenesee from Berlin: From Ostkreuz, take the RE1 towards Frankfurt (Oder) Bahnhof. At the Frankfurt (Oder) station, take the 986 bus towards Frankfurt (Oder) Helenesee. Once you jump out at the Helenesee stop, it’s a short 400 meter walk to the beach!
Berliners are lucky to live in a metropolitan city that is surrounded by the green wonderland of Brandenburg. Whenever you need a break from the noise of Berlin, plan a day to visit one of these beautiful lakes in Brandenburg. Just remember to clean up after yourself and leave nothing behind!
How to get to Helenesee from Berlin: From Ostkreuz, take the RE1 towards Frankfurt (Oder) Bahnhof. At the Frankfurt (Oder) station, take the 986 bus towards Frankfurt (Oder), Helenesee. Make sure to jump out at Helenesee and then it’s a short 400 meter walk from the bus stop.
Berliners are lucky to live in a metropolitan city that is surrounded by the green wonderland of Brandenburg. Whenever you need a break from the noise of Berlin, plan a day to visit one of these beautiful lakes in Brandenburg. Just remember to clean up after yourself and leave behind nothing, but your footprints!