Many Berliners will forgo a holiday abroad this year, preferring to stay in Germany for the summer. But you don’t have to miss the soft sand between your toes and cool, clear waters! We’ve done our research and collected the most beautiful beaches in Brandenburg — just outside Berlin — where fine sand and holiday vibes are guaranteed.
1. Helenesee
Helenesee has some of the clearest waters in Brandenburg and is a popular spot for diving. The water’s surface, on the other hand, belongs to swimmers, sailors and canoes. Two large public bathing pools, a bungalow settlement and a permanent camping site can be accessed for an entrance fee.
2. Beetzsee
Numerous water sporting events take place here. Nevertheless, those seeking rest and recreation will also find a place to bathe and relax. The rule of thumb is: the further north you go, the emptier it gets.
3. Schermützelsee
In the middle of the nature reserve Märkische Schweiz lies this beautiful bathing lake — also considered a good diving spot with its 42-metre depth and abundance of fish. A beautiful hiking trail leads around the lake (7.5 km). For sporty hikers, we recommend the panorama trail with fantastic views over the water. The lido in Buckow (adults €3, children €1.50) offers a sandy beach, diving boards, a separate non-swimmer area and rowing boat rental.
4. Großer Lienewitzsee
Like two lost siblings, the Lienewitz lakes are hidden in the forest of the Lienewitz-Caputh wetlands. The village of Lienewitz pushes itself to the almost-connected shores — in fact the village is nothing more than a former fishing farm with a few neighbouring house plots. Even on warm days the Lienewitz lakes are peaceful and tranquil.
5. Gorinsee
Between the scrubland and forests of Bernauer Heide, Gorinsee spreads out in a relatively compact arc. The small body of water owes its existence to the most recent ice age. Two popular public beaches are positioned around the lake, which is otherwise protected by reeds. The first one is small and located next to the restaurant garden of ‘Strandidyll’. The large bathing area on the eastern bank has space for parking.
6. Katjasee
Helenesee’s sister lake is linked by a narrow neck of water and is now privately owned. However, swimming and sunbathing on its banks is tolerated — and the opportunity to do so appreciated by visitors who don’t enjoy the noisy splashing at the neighbouring lake.
7. Schwielowsee
“Schwielowsee is vast, welcoming, sunny and has the gentle character of all wide-open spaces.” German novelist and poet Fontane thus described the lake, which lies in the immediate vicinity of Potsdam.
8. Peetzsee
Connected to Möllensee by a narrow stream, Peetzsee with its clear water continues the winding course of its predecessor. The village of Alt Buchhorst nestles on the banks of both lakes. Georg-Kaiser-Weg leads to the bathing beach of the village on the north side. From the road to Grünheide, another bathing area with a beautiful sandy beach is visible. There you’ll find a campsite, a volleyball court and a kiosk.
9. Senftenberger See
Senftenberger See was the first large flooding project in Lausitzer Land. From 1967 onwards, water from the Schwarze Elster river streamed into the 250-hectare pit. Six years later, the first visitors were sunbathing on the cleared beach section. The clear waters and their popularity shows that the switch from mining to tourism is possible. In the coming years, all former open-cast lignite mines are to be submerged and interconnected. Holidaymakers can already enjoy every imaginable water sport. Even fishing.
10. Großer Seddiner See
Swimming spots are to be found on the southern side of the lake — particularly beautiful is the beach near Kähnsdorf. Here the water is shallow and family friendly. The lake is also considered a good location for beginner windsurfers and sailors.
11. Talsperre Spremberg
You might not expect to find a large dam in the flat Brandenburg region, but it’s there: the Spremberg Dam covers almost 10 square kilometres of water surface and is located in a nature and landscape conservation area. This is the ‘Urlaubs- und Freizeitparadies Talsperre Spremberg’ (‘holiday and leisure paradise Spremberg Dam’), complete with two camp sites and a leisure park. There are bathing beaches with fine sand, volleyball courts, a miniature golf course, surfing lessons, climbing garden and riding stables nearby. Well maintained cycle and hiking paths lead directly around the lake.
12. Wutzsee
The little brother of Lake Gudelacksee lies secluded near Lindow. There are two beaches on the south bank — motor boats are not allowed. A hike around the lake takes two to three hours.
In search of summery spots closer to home? Here are 12 beautiful waterside places in Berlin — some you’ll know, some you won’t.
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