The 5 best lakes in Berlin for wild swimming

Best for families

Lie on the sandy beach at Strandbad Wannsee to watch the sailing boats dart up and down the River Havel, and you’ll be partaking in an experience enjoyed by Berliners for nearly a century. The waters of the Wannsee (an inlet of the river) are extensive and, in summer, warm enough for comfortable swimming; there’s a strong current, though, so don’t stray beyond the floating markers. Between May and September, there are boats, pedalos and two-person wicker sunchairs, called Strandkörbe, for hire, plus a playground and slides. Service buildings house showers, toilets, shops, cafés and kiosks. Children love it here.

Best for hiking 

Officially Berlin’s largest lake, Müggelsee in the east is over 4km (2.5 miles) long and 2.5km (1.5 miles) wide, so hiking around the lake is a great way to stretch your legs. If you’re planning to do the whole circuit, you’ll have to take the tiny ferry between Müggelwerder and Müggelhort, which runs once an hour in summer; the crossing takes 10 minutes. Once over, follow the lake around, and after 30 minutes, you’ll come to a lovely beer garden. There are plenty of sandy little spots to take a dip, but if you’re looking for facilities, head for Strandbad Müggelsee – although the large colony of ducks here can make swimming a challenge! 

Best for skinny-dipping

This small lake in the Grunewald is surrounded by a pleasant green meadow, ideal for stretching out. On the lake itself, floating rafts draw swimmers who compete for space with the ducks. Prudes beware: naked swimming and sunbathing are common here, and we aren't just talking about the ducks.

Best for rowing 

A circuit of the Schlachtensee is 5.5km (3.5 miles), which is the perfect distance to work up an appetite that you can happily sate at the excellent Fischerhütte (no prizes for guessing what they serve there). In summer, there are rowing boats and paddle boards for hire, and the clean waters are ideal for a dip. The lake is just across the road from the station, but you may have to walk a few minutes along its perimeter to find a secluded spot.

Best for sunset swimming 

Only 30 minutes from Alexanderplatz, Plötzensee is the perfect spot to relax with a swim after a strenuous day’s exploring. The Strandbad has 740m of sand, and there are plenty of refreshments on offer, so you can have a dip, crack open a beer – and still be back in the centre in time for dinner.