Swimming in Berlin: The best natural swimming spots for hot summer days!

Swimming in Berlin: The best natural swimming spots for hot summer days!

The hot summer days of the year invite you to explore the refreshing waters of Berlin. While outdoor pools are often overcrowded, natural swimming areas offer an excellent alternative for city residents and visitors. Before swimming, however, it is important to check the water temperature and water quality, as dangers such as blue-green algae or oak processionary moth may exist, such as Qiez reported.

The Berlin lake landscape with its diverse bathing areas offers both peace and leisure activities. For nature lovers, places such as the Bernsteinsee in Ruhlsdorf, the Teufelssee in Grunewald and the Schlachtensee in Zehlendorf are particularly attractive.

Natural bathing areas at a glance

Let's start with the Bernsteinsee, which is about 40 km northeast of Berlin-Mitte and has a large parking lot for 400 vehicles on the eastern bank. Entry to the organized Bernstein Velten lido is 3 euros. The water quality is very good in early summer, but there will be diversions due to road construction until mid-July 2025.

The Teufelssee in Grunewald is known for its good water quality and is often used for skinny dipping. It can be reached via forest paths from the Grunewald S-Bahn station. The size of the lake is around 2 hectares. Interestingly, the Grunewald is also often mentioned as an ideal place for winter excursions, with hikes lasting around three hours to the Teufelsberg, where spectacular views of the surrounding area await ( The Berliner ).

The Schlachtensee in Zehlendorf is a popular swimming lake that offers an almost 6 km long circular route. The lawns in Paul-Ernst-Park are sociable and create a relaxed atmosphere. However, you should pay attention to the risk of cercarial bath dermatitis at water temperatures above 20 degrees. There is a Fischerhütte beer garden nearby, ideal for refreshment after swimming.

Other recommended lakes

The Krumme Lanke, also in Zehlendorf, is a quieter swimming area with excellent water quality and can be reached in just 15 minutes on foot from the subway station of the same name. Caution is advised on the steep banks. Another popular place is the Großer Müggelsee in Köpenick, the largest lake in Berlin with clear water and many leisure options such as nature trails and bike tours.

The Groß Glienicker See in Kladow is family-friendly, where there are DLRG bathing areas and various leisure activities such as beach volleyball and boat rentals. The Bürgerablage Oberhavel in Spandau is known for its wide beach landscape and natural sun protection. Another recommended place is the airport lake in Tegel, an artificial body of water with small beaches and a quiet environment that no longer has any noise from aircraft.

In summary, it is important to always check the water quality before going swimming, especially when it is very hot. If you would like to view the current water values, you can access them from the State Office for Health and Social Affairs. So nothing stands in the way of a relaxing day on one of Berlin's beautiful lakes.