What makes a lake a THE BEST is open for debate, but these are our Berlin best family-friendly lakes. Why not comment and tell us about yours?
In other news, I’m starting to update all my Google Maps which I personally find so handy for inspiration. You can click directly on the location title below and download our handy Google Map “Berlins Best Family Friendly Lakes”
I have found this beautiful book “Take Me to the Lakes – The Berlin Edition: English Edition” very inspiring in my research. By CLICKING our link we receive a tiny part of our purchase from the goliath that is Amazon. This is Oscars ice cream fund so purchase one for a friend too 🙂
WANSEE STRANDBAD
Germany is quite fond of Strandbad’s and these are a common feature in our area. They are basically a fenced off area of a lake that usually has some sort of dock, slide, swimming buoys, a small restaurant and some shower/WC facilities. They are kept clean and are (most of the time) well signposted. Some come with lifeguards too but that’s the basic idea. They rank pretty high in qualifying as a Berlin best family-friendly lake.
Strandbad Wannsee is a very large stretch of sandy beach on Lake Wannsee. The lake is shallow at the edge and perfect for small children and sand castle building. There is a restaurant here and a large grass area above the beach where you can picnic and avoid the sand if you want.
IS THERE SHADE? – Yes, but it’s limited to one giant tree.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING? – A spade + an inflatable
DOWNSIDE – Strandbad’s are NOT FREE although this one is for under 5’s
HOW DO I GET THERE? – Download our Google Map by clicking the location name.
More information can be found here https://www.berlinerbaeder.de/baeder/strandbad-wannsee/
TONSEE
We went to this lake for the first time this weekend. Why? I’m not sure how we missed this one but now we are hooked and its right up there on our list of Berlins best family-friendly lakes.
The unique thing about Tonsee is the crystal clear water and multitude of secluded tiny coves you can basically set up camp in and be all alone. If you are a little more social the campsite on the lake has a medium sized sandy beach where families are very welcome. There is also a small restaurant here which serves basic food until 6 pm. They are SO rude here I will not be recommending them but they are there, in an ice-cream emergency I guess. It’s extremely easy to walk the entire lake which has a pretty footpath circumferencing it. One corner has a large green meadow to sit in just to the right side of the main car park when you face the lake. Great for a game of badminton!
IS THERE SHADE – Yes lots, the lake is tree-lined and on the outskirts of a pine forest. Fresh air galore.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING – A SUP board, badminton and a really BIG PICNIC, you will want to stay all day!
DOWNSIDE – Walking from the train station or bus stop. If you can take a bike or stroller.
HOW DO I GET THERE? – Download our Google Map by clicking the location name.
MÜGGELSEE
The story goes that this is one of prettiest tram rides you can take outside of Berlin. I have to agree. There is something very magical about leaving a town and then immediately driving through a lush green forest. Added bonus the tram stops directly outside the entrance to the lake. This is another Strandbad, however, we didn’t pay an entrance fee here. One of our favorite things at Mügelsee was the FANTASTIC inflatables shop. I’m not a huge fan of plastic but we had a lot of fun checking out all the crazy floats.
There is classic German food served at two little cafes and ice-cream of course. We really enjoyed the playground a little further down a paved walkway. The added bonus of grass seating was nice too. Sand, kids, picnic, ice-cream don’t often mix well. The water here is medium clear but clean. Slightly more on the muddy side as you get deeper.
IS THERE SHADE – Yes the area to the right as you go in has a grassy tree-lined bank.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING? – You could actually come empty-handed. Everything can be got here LOL.
DOWNSIDE – The water isn’t crystal clear. Sorry but I’m a tough customer. Grew up by the sea in Croatia.
HOW DO I GET THERE? – Download our Google Map by clicking the location name.
STRANDBAD ORANKESEE
Ok I admit, it doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue but while everyone is cramming themselves onto the banks of nearby Weißensee you will be sitting in possibly the cutest beach chair ever. Bring on those photo opportunities. My child will not entertain such a thing, but good luck!
The beach here is sandy and gently slopes into the lake. The water is extremely clear and clean considering this our CLOSEST Berlin best family-friendly lake. There is also a restaurant here with beer on tap as well as showers and WC’s. There is a lawn if you want to picnic and avoid actual sandwiches. For us this 30-minute cycle ride but it is also fully accessible by public transport which stops very close by. Just click on the location name above to download our special “Berlins Best Family Friendly Lakes” Google Map.
IS THERE SHADE – Yes, you absolutely NEED to rent one of those stripy basket thingies.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING? – A bucket and spade and armbands as the water does get deeper.
DOWNSIDE – Its pretty small I’m sure it sees some overcrowded days in peak season.
HOW DO I GET THERE? – Download our Google Map by clicking the location name.
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A GUIDE TO BERLIN’S BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKES www.mywelltraveledfriend.com
