Bike or Hike to Berlin's Dazzling Lakes

Berlin is renowned for its dark underground boxes pumping with techno, but it has just as many places of space and peace—thousands of vast, glistening lakes. Known as “the land of 3,000 lakes” together with the neighbouring region of Brandenburg, Berlin is home to the largest water landscape in Germany, giving Berliners the chance to very easily jump out of the city and dive into a natural oasis.

The lakes closest to the central districts are, of course, far more popular—in fact, they're often extremely crowded on the hottest days of summer. But they’re still good to go to if you want a short pedal out after work to meet with friends and watch the sunset, relatively hassle-free. A little further away from the city, the possibilities of lakeside peace and tranquillity become endless. Hop on a train to Brandenburg, and you will hit lake after lake, often without seeing another soul.

This guidebook has a series of rides and hikes to the most delightful lakes in and around Berlin. The lakes and routes have been cherry-picked by a local, and the list covers all areas within easy access from the north, south, east, and west of the city. Read through, and you will find that there is a Berlin lake for every summer mood and occasion: Sunday BBQ, naked swim, boat ride, long peaceful walk, time alone in nature, or feeling Berlin’s buzzing celebratory atmosphere.