It seems as though going to lakes in the summertime is simply a Berlin given, but it took me more…read morethan two years before I actually made it to a lake for the purpose of hanging out and swimming. This is actually not all that surprising, given that I am a saltwater girl. I grew up swimming in oceans and seas, not lakes, and although I have fond lake memories from my childhood, something about them has never completely sat well with me. Part of it is in regards to that slimy gross feeling on your feet when you wade into a lake, and part of it is simply the fact that you can't see what's in the water. But it was a hot day, with highs projected to be around 100, so we knew better than to stay inside our non-air-conditioned flat and instead opted to go swimming. Schlachtensee was the destination, chosen namely for its closeness to the S-Bahn station, but also because its water quality tends to rank a bit higher than many other Berlin lakes. We arrived at the S-Bahn stop of the same name, and nearly walked directly onto the beach. But I wanted sun, and a bit more of a quieter spot, so we set off in search of a place. Mind you, if you arrive at 2 p.m. on a hot weekend afternoon, you are probably going to have to walk a ways to find something. But we were persistent, and eventually found a spot exactly halfway around the lake (or a good 2-kilometer walk). We set up camp and spent the next few hours undisturbed in our mostly sunny spot. We also had easy access to the water, and I was surprised at home most of the shoreline spots have clear-ish water and sandy beaches, so I didn't have to get too squeamish. The lake is also very long but not so wide, and one could likely leisurely swim between the North and South sides within 5 minutes. Keep in mind that the North side is also the dog side, although the Germans, stickler for rules that they are, will conveniently ignore the signs where their dogs are concerned and they will be seen all over. Luckily, I only encountered happy dogs and zero dog shit, so good for the owners. Pro tip: If possible, walk to the Nikolassee S-Bahn if you're taking the S1 or S7 back into Berlin. That way, you will be guaranteed a seat on your ride home and be able to avoid the masses of people shoving onto the train at the Schlachtensee stop.

I love this Lake, doesn't matter what season it is, each one has its own little charm to the lake…read more In winter, if the ice is thick enough dare to do some ice skating or just walk around the lake and get some mullet wine or hot chocolate to warm ones icy finger s at the Fischerhütte Beer garden. But my fave is the summer, just take some snacks, a bottle of wine and look for a nice sunny spot with your friends and enjoy the lake and all its beauty. The lake is nice and clear for swimming or just rent a boot and take a sun bath in the middle of the lake defo highlight of the long summer months. It's easy accessible via U-bahn from U-Bahn Krumme Lanke or via the S-Bahn from the Stop Schlachtensee. Only recommendation don't stay right at the big lawn next to the SBahn stop its getting overcrowded and the Lake has way nicer little spot if you just start walking around it ;)

One of the few places, where you can get the beach feeling in Berlin. Do not expect crystal clear…read morewaters, matter of fact, on my last visit the water smelled pretty weird. But with the positive attitude, and the right company you can have an enjoyable time here. The food is average, and the prices are kind of high.

My family and I very much enjoyed our day at this "beach". It's well designed, so it feels like a…read morepark, with green space. And a beach, with clean sand. There are many food vendors along the walkway, and many clean-ish bathrooms. There are also showers. The cost is minimal, for a family to enter. A great day out.

Summer has finally decided to grace Berlin with its presence. To celebrate such a joyous occasion,…read moreI decided to head out to Krumme Lanke. An afternoon spent with a good book and a bag of crisps by the water--what more could a girl, plagued with the unavailability of an air conditioned apartment, want? Unfortunately--half of the city felt the same way. Therefore, half of the city was also plopped on the banks of the lake. Note to self for the next time? Arrive early to beat the crowd. By the time we got to the lake (around 12:30 on a Friday afternoon), most of the prime real estate was pretty much already settled in. The silver lining? We had the opportunity to enjoy a nice stroll around the circumference of the lake. We eventually found a nice shady spot a good 10 minutes from the entrance. Coming from the beachy state of California, the banks of the lake were far harder than I expected, but it wasn't anything that I couldn't get used to. As for the water, it was cold enough to shock you upon submersion, but not cold enough to dissuade you from staying submerged. On a 90F/32C day like today? It was an absolute blessing. As for the environment? I'd say the area we were at was pretty child-dense. It was rowdy and rambunctious in the most youthful and innocent kind of way. I wouldn't recommend bringing any serious reading or work, as you probably won't be able to rack up enough minutes of undisturbed focus to get any of it done or read, but leisurely light reading was absolutely perfect. I'm speaking from experience. We managed in a good few hours of water-play, journaling, reading, and casual-conversing, before the sun shifted and shone directly on us. It was essentially our cue to go. If you absolutely abhor the crowds, feel free to stay in the comfort of your own home. If you can't stand the heat--try the shopping centers. If you're more than willing to not only tolerate, but also embrace the crowds, in other words, if you're one with that more-the-merrier mentality, follow half the city to Krumme Lanke. The good times will be worth your while!

Very accessible lake in Zehlendorf for swimming and hiking/running around. I've run and biked…read moreseveral times there in all weather and seasons and the trails hold up to bad weather quite well. It's never too crowded, but usually always someone within eyesight. Can get a little crowded in the summer on the beaches, though almost always fewer people than at Schlachtensee next door. The water at the beaches on the side of the lake furthest from the Schlachtensee side is clear and clean... it looks to get a little murkier in the W or SW side of the lake. The big downside is the trash at the beaches, especially on weekend mornings during warmer weather. Clearly the area offers a sense of remoteness without being too far away from public transportation, so it's a gathering place for late night grilling and drinking... by people who have no intention of cleaning up after themselves. If you get to the area before BSR does, expect a field of beer bottles and pizza boxes to greet you -- but arrive a little later in the day and you can usually avoid this unpleasantness.