Summary
Lake Wannsee is situated about 20–25 kilometers southwest of Berlin. Everything from yachts to rowboats cruise through the shimmering waters. Crowds of beachgoers sunbathe on the sand. This is one of the hot spots of the summer season. Berliners have been coming here for more than 100 years.
Lake Wannsee
Its large beach area (more than 4,100 feet long and up to 260 feet wide) has white sand imported directly from the Baltic coast. It is officially Europe’s largest outdoor swimming area on an inland body of water. Its cool, calm waters are a welcome respite on a hot summer day.
In addition to its natural beauty, this beach boasts numerous amenities, including a water slide, dressing rooms, showers, a restaurant, playgrounds, and chair and boat rentals. Moreover, active beachgoers can enjoy engaging in beach volleyball or soccer games. This site also features a promenade, allowing visitors to refuel with pizza, beer, and the essential summer treat of ice cream after a busy day of swimming.
Furthermore, a family-friendly, clothes-free area (freikörperkultur or FKK) is available, welcoming those interested in more liberating experiences.
However, up to 30,000 bathers can enjoy the beach, which can feel crowded on hot days. Although locals sometimes voice complaints about the touristy atmosphere, it remains a destination truly worth visiting. Therefore, consider going on weekdays or arriving early to dodge the crowds.
Visitors may also take a leisurely walk around the lake—and perhaps dip into the refreshing waters without cost. The area is richly wooded and showcases impressive 1920s architecture, including stunning examples like the summer house of painter Max Liebermann.
Festival Berlin-Wannsee
If you seek more than relaxation, the annual Festival Berlin-Wannsee in mid-summer is quite the celebration.
Positioned in the center of the lake on the charming island of Lindwerder, the event presents something new each year. Taking a boat to the festival opens up a full day of music and dancing.
Visitor Information
Address: Wannseebadweg 25, Berlin
Getting There: Take S-Bahn S7 or S1 to Wannsee or Nikolassee. From central Berlin, it takes about 45 minutes. It is a 10-minute walk to the lake. Some visitors opt for the two-hour bike ride from the city center. Additionally, free parking is available for those driving in.
Beach Opening: Late March to mid-September (dependent on weather); 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. (Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m.)
Admission: 5.50 euros (3.50 euros reduced)
Amenities: Dressing rooms, showers, volleyball and basketball courts, table tennis, water slides, playground, rentals for sun chairs, umbrellas, and paddle boats.
Website: Strandbad Wannsee (in German)
House of the Wannsee Conference
Once you’ve adorned clothing again (or on a rainy day), immerse yourself in culture by visiting the nearby House of the Wannsee Conference (formerly known as Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz Gedenk- und Bildungsstätte).
This site served as the location where the terms of the “Final Solution” (i.e., the Holocaust) were devised and stands as one of the most significant WWII historical stops in the city. Tours are available in German, English, Hebrew, and various other languages. In addition to the memorial’s in-depth documentation, the Joseph Wulf Library and Media Resource Center provides further insights. Named after the historian who attempted (unsuccessfully) to establish a documentation center on National Socialism, it houses a vast collection of microfilmed documents, research, eyewitness accounts, and materials aimed at educating children and young adults about these historical atrocities.
Visitor Information
- Address: Am Großen Wannsee 56-58, 14109 Berlin-Zehlendorf
- Public Transportation: From Berlin’s S-Bahn, take the regional train to Wannsee. Transfer to Bus 114 to Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz. Street parking is also available.
Potsdam
The beach is situated closer to Potsdam than to central Berlin. You can explore the playground of Prussian kings, featuring numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, a Dutch quarter, the Bridge of Spies, and the magnificent Palace Sansouci, built for Frederick the Great.
To reach this area, take the S1 or S7 to Potsdam, which takes approximately 45 minutes from central Berlin and about 20 minutes from Wannsee.
