BRANDENBURG LAKES & FORESTS
This region is a tranquil green and blue escape, where the vibrant cultural heartbeat of Berlin melts into Brandenburg’s vast expanse of shimmering lakes and ancient pine forests.
It offers a perfect duality: world-class history and art in the capital, seamlessly balanced by the peace of unspoiled nature, historic towns, and winding waterways.
Most Popular Attractions
Waterways & Lakes (Central/East):
Großer Müggelsee: Berlin’s largest lake, popular for swimming, sailing, and boat tours, located in the southeast.
Wannsee: A classic retreat with Europe’s largest inland beach (Strandbad Wannsee) and a famous setting for boat trips, situated southwest of Berlin.
Spreewald Biosphere Reserve: A unique UNESCO site with a vast network of natural canals, best explored by Kahn (punt) or canoe.
Scharmützelsee: Known as the ‘Märkische Meer’ (Brandenburg Sea), one of the largest and most scenic lakes, perfect for wellness and sailing.
Liepnitzsee: Located north of Berlin, famous for its turquoise, clear water and secluded setting within a beech forest, featuring an island for camping.
Tegeler See: Berlin’s second-largest lake with seven islands and a popular spot for steamboat rides and lakeside promenades.
Forests & Nature Parks:
Grunewald Forest: The largest forested area in Berlin, perfect for cycling and hiking, containing several popular lakes.
Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve: One of Germany’s largest protected areas, featuring ancient forests, moors, and clear-water lakes like Werbellinsee.
Westhavelland Nature Park: An internationally recognized “Dark Sky Park” known for its minimal light pollution, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities.
Beelitz Heilstätten Treetop Walk: A former sanatorium complex with a unique canopy walkway offering views over the historic, overgrown ruins and surrounding forest.
Müggelberge: A range of low hills offering scenic hiking trails and the Müggelturm observation tower for panoramic views of the water landscape.
Historical Sites & Culture (Potsdam/Brandenburg):
Sanssouci Palace and Park (Potsdam): Frederick the Great’s summer palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its terraced vineyards and rococo architecture.
New Palace (Neues Palais) (Potsdam): A monumental Baroque palace within the Sanssouci Park, built to celebrate the end of the Seven Years’ War.
Cecilienhof Palace (Potsdam): The site of the 1945 Potsdam Conference, famous for its Tudor-style architecture.
Potsdam’s Dutch Quarter: A charming district with red-brick houses and a distinctly Dutch feel, great for strolling and boutique shopping.
Brandenburg Cathedral (Brandenburger Dom): An important Romanesque and Gothic cathedral in the city of Brandenburg an der Havel.
Rheinsberg Palace: A beautiful Baroque palace on the shores of Lake Grienerick, a setting for literature and a popular cultural center.
Unique Attractions & Towns:
Neuruppin: The birthplace of writer Theodor Fontane, a scenic town on the Ruppiner See known for its classical architecture.
Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island): A romantic, UNESCO-listed island on the Havel River, home to free-roaming peacocks and a white, fairytale castle.
Straussee: A lake with a unique electrically-powered ferry running year-round, connecting the town center to the bathing area.
Kloster Chorin: A beautifully preserved Gothic Cistercian monastery located near the Schorfheide-Chorin Reserve.
Tropical Islands Resort: Europe’s largest indoor water park, housed in a former airship hangar in Krausnick, south of Berlin.
Activities & Experiences
Go Swimming and Relax at a Lake Beach: Spend a sunny day at one of the region’s hundreds of lakes. Popular spots include Wannsee and Müggelsee near Berlin, or the clear waters of Scharmützelsee in Brandenburg.
Kayak or Canoe the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve: Navigate the Spreewald’s unique, labyrinthine network of natural canals, either on a guided punt (Stocherkahn) or by renting your own canoe for a peaceful paddle.
Cycle the Berlin Wall Trail (Berliner Mauerweg): Ride sections of the historic trail that follows the former border, combining history with nature as you cycle through forested areas outside the city.
Explore Potsdam’s UNESCO World Heritage Palaces: Wander through the exquisite parks and palaces of Sanssouci and the New Palace in Potsdam, the former residence of Prussian kings.
Visit the Tropical Islands Resort: Spend a day indoors at Europe’s largest indoor water park, housed in a former airship hangar in Krausnick, south of Berlin.
Hike the 66-Lakes Hiking Trail (66-Seen-Weg): Attempt a section of this famous long-distance trail that circles Berlin, connecting 66 lakes and showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes.
Take a Boat Trip on the Havel River: Enjoy a relaxing cruise that connects the lakes around Potsdam and Berlin, offering stunning views of waterfront villas and natural parks.
Go Birdwatching in the Westhavelland Nature Park: As one of Germany’s darkest places, this park is perfect for stargazing and is a crucial habitat for migrating birds.
Visit the Historic Center of Brandenburg an der Havel: Explore this charming city on the Havel, which boasts beautiful red-brick gothic architecture, three medieval city cores, and a stunning cathedral.
Bake and Taste a “Baumkuchen” (Tree Cake): Sample this famous German layered cake, particularly in Salzwedel (though slightly further afield) or find local bakeries that specialise in this unique regional treat.
Discover the Bohemian Weavers’ Quarter in Potsdam: Stroll through the charming, preserved 18th-century homes and courtyards that were built for the Protestant refugees who settled in the area.
Go Forest Bathing in the Nuthe-Nieplitz Nature Park: Practice the restorative art of “Shinrin-Yoku” (forest bathing) in the extensive, quiet pine and mixed forests south of Potsdam.
Local Tips & Transport
Regional Train is King (The RE/RB): The most efficient and cost-effective way to explore Brandenburg from Berlin is via the excellent VBB (Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg) public transport network. Regional Express (RE) and Regional Bahn (RB) trains connect Berlin to major hubs like Potsdam, Cottbus, Eberswalde, and Brandenburg an der Havel.
The ABC-Ticket: For destinations just outside Berlin, a standard ABC Zone ticket will cover your journey. For deeper trips into Brandenburg, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to your specific destination.
Brandenburg-Berlin-Ticket: If traveling in a group (up to 5 people), the Brandenburg-Berlin-Ticket offers unlimited travel on regional trains and local public transport for a single day, a great value for day trips.
Bikes on Trains: Cycling is central to exploring the lakes and forests. You can take your bike on regional trains for an extra fee—look for the bicycle symbol on the carriage to find the designated storage area.
Car: A car is generally not necessary to visit the main hubs (Potsdam, Brandenburg city, Cottbus), but it provides the most flexibility for reaching smaller lakeside towns, remote hiking trailheads, or the more distant villages of the Spreewald.
Ferry and Water Taxis: Especially in the lake-heavy areas around Potsdam and the Havel, local ferries (often included in a standard VBB ticket) and water taxis are a practical and scenic way to hop between locations.
The German “Badestrand” Culture: Lakes are central to summer life. Most larger lakes have a designated “Badestrand” (bathing beach) or “Strandbad” (lido), often with a small entrance fee, offering clean facilities, lifeguards, and sometimes volleyball nets. For a free, wilder experience, look for quiet coves.
Embrace the Water: The region is defined by water. Don’t just look at the lakes; get on them. Renting a canoe or kayak is easy and affordable in nearly every town near the Havel River or the Spreewald. Reservations are rarely needed outside of peak summer weekends.
Food to Try (Spargel & Gurken):
Brandenburg White Asparagus (Spargel): If visiting between April and June, you must try the local white asparagus, particularly from the regions of Beelitz and Klaistow. Look for dedicated “Spargelhof” (asparagus farms).
Spreewald Pickles (Spreewälder Gurken): The Spreewald is famous for its pickled cucumbers. Stop at a roadside stand or a market to try the huge variety—from spicy chili to honey-mustard.
Bargaining is Uncommon: Prices for food, accommodation, and goods are generally fixed. The only exception might be on the last day of a flea market, but it is not expected.
Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences:
Potsdam’s Dutch Quarter: While in Potsdam, step away from the palaces to see this unique, brick-built neighborhood of about 134 houses, which feels like a piece of Amsterdam transported to Germany.
Filmpark Babelsberg: Located in Potsdam, this is Europe’s oldest large-scale film studio (where Metropolis was shot), now operating as a theme park dedicated to movie-making and stunts.
Chorin Monastery: North-east of Berlin, this beautiful, preserved 13th-century Cistercian monastery is a stunning example of North German Brick Gothic architecture, set in a tranquil, forested area.
Gärten der Welt (Gardens of the World): Located in Berlin’s Marzahn district (but near the Brandenburg border), this park features a breathtaking collection of international garden styles, including large Chinese, Japanese, and Korean gardens—a perfect escape from the urban core.
Top Restaurants
Hackethal’s [$20-$35] – A highly-regarded, no-frills Berliner pub in Mitte serving traditional, hearty German fare with very generous portions and its own brewed beer.
Max und Moritz [$25-$40] – A traditional Berlin Gastropub in Kreuzberg, open since 1902, with an Art Nouveau interior and a menu of German classics like pork knuckle and veal schnitzel.
Rübezahl am Müggelsee [$20-$35] – A traditional, spacious eatery with a large beer garden situated right on the wooded shores of the Müggelsee, known for traditional German dishes and its unique Schlemmerling (a kind of tarte flambée).
Fischerhütte am Schlachtensee [$30-$50] – An historic inn dating from 1723, offering a beautiful, idyllic setting directly on the Schlachtensee with a large sun-soaked terrace and classics like Wiener Schnitzel.
Gasthof Falkenhorst [$25-$45] – A former traditional Kneipe (pub) in Burig (near Erkner) that has become a hip vegan hideaway in the woods, serving plant-based versions of German classics like crispy schnitzel and stuffed knödel.
Jagdhaus Spandau [$30-$50] – A cozy country house restaurant on the banks of the Havel river in the Spandauer Forst, specializing in traditional German cuisine, regional fish (like Havel pike-perch), and game dishes.
Wirtshaus zur Pfaueninsel [$25-$40] – A popular, down-to-earth restaurant located directly on the shores of the Wannsee, offering heartfelt hospitality and German regional dishes.
Restaurant Neu Helgoland [$30-$50] – A cozy restaurant nestled in a small forest on the banks of the Müggelspree river, perfect for a peaceful meal outside the city with regional cuisine.
Bar Gagarin [$15-$25] – A beloved, local spot in Prenzlauer Berg for classic, unpretentious Eastern European dishes, especially Georgian and Russian fare, popular with long-time Berliners.
Zur Letzten Instanz [$30-$50] – Claiming to be Berlin’s oldest restaurant (since 1621), this historic spot offers authentic, hearty Berlin and Brandenburg cuisine in a rustic, traditional setting (worth the visit despite its fame).
Zur Haxe [$25-$40] – A classic Berlin spot in Charlottenburg known for its perfectly crispy pork knuckle (Haxe) and traditional German beer hall atmosphere, frequented by locals.
Die Fette Henne [$20-$35] – A rustic-chic restaurant in Kreuzberg focusing on regional Brandenburg cuisine with seasonal dishes and a cozy, down-to-earth feel.
Altes Zollhaus [$40-$70] – Located in a beautifully preserved former customs house in Neukölln, this restaurant offers refined regional German cuisine with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.
Marjellchen [$35-$60] – A charming, well-regarded restaurant in Charlottenburg specializing in East Prussian cuisine, offering traditional, comforting dishes in a cozy setting.
Alt-Berliner Wirtshaus [$25-$45] – A traditional pub-style restaurant in Berlin-Mitte offering classic Berlin food like Königsberger Klopse and Eisbein, maintaining an old-school atmosphere.
Alte Überfahrt [$80-$120] – A fine dining restaurant in Werder (Havel) with a beautiful setting, recognized by the Michelin Guide for its Modern Cuisine, often overlooking the water (reservation highly recommended).
Inspektorenhaus [$60-$90] – Located in Brandenburg City, this Michelin-listed restaurant offers refined Seasonal Cuisine in a historic setting, focusing on local produce.
AS am See [$40-$70] – A modern cuisine restaurant in Bad Saarow, recognized by the Michelin Guide, with a pleasant location on a lake.
Seebad Fredersdorf [$30-$50] – A lovely lakeside restaurant outside Berlin, popular with locals for its relaxed atmosphere and good quality German and Mediterranean food right by the water.
Clinton’s [$40-$70] – A Michelin-selected “Farm to Table” restaurant in Hoppegarten, offering a more rural, seasonally-focused dining experience outside the city.
Wilde Klosterküche [$40-$70] – Located in Neuzelle, this Michelin-selected “Farm to Table” restaurant focuses on simple, regional cuisine with ingredients sourced locally, often from monastery grounds.
Bootshaus Stella [$20-$40] – Located right on the Lietzensee in Charlottenburg, this spot offers tasty snacks and casual dining in a cozy wooden building with a charming lakeside terrace.
Hafenküche [$25-$45] – Situated right by the Rummelsburger See (a branch of the Spree), this relaxed spot in Lichtenberg is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a view of the marina.
Wannseeterrassen [$30-$50] – Located in the northern part of the Strandbad Wannsee, offering a stunning, slightly raised view over the Wannsee, with a bar, café, and full restaurant service.
Café am Neuen See [$20-$40] – A well-loved, long-established beer garden and restaurant by the Neuen See in Tiergarten, offering a beautiful, idyllic setting with pizza and German snacks.
Freischwimmer [$25-$45] – A popular, unique spot right on the Landwehrkanal in Kreuzberg, with a wooden deck over the water, serving simple, yummy food and a relaxed Sunday brunch.
RIVO Spreeterrassen [$30-$50] – An elegant restaurant in Kreuzberg with a direct view of the Spree and the Oberbaum Bridge, offering a wide selection of international and German dishes.
Gasthaus Lehnin [$35-$60] – Located in the town of Lehnin, near the famous Cistercian monastery and lake, serving elevated regional Brandenburg cuisine in a welcoming, historic atmosphere.
Kross-In Seeterrassen [$30-$50] – A well-regarded spot in Schmöckwitz with lakeside seating, known for its reasonably priced, good quality three-course menus and lovely views.
Otto [$60-$90] – A cool, modern neighborhood restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg with a strong farm-to-table concept, focusing on fermentation and smartly cooked, local Brandenburg ingredients.
ORA [$50-$80] – Housed in a stunning former 19th-century pharmacy in Kreuzberg, offering a unique setting for an Italian-leaning, casual fine dining experience with ingredients sourced from a local farm.
merold [$40-$70] – A newly mentioned Michelin-selected restaurant in Berlin that offers a modern take on German cuisine in a relaxed setting.
La Cantina [$15-$25] – A simple, old-school bar located in the bustling Markthalle Neun (market hall) in Kreuzberg, famous for its fresh fried fish and lively, local atmosphere.
Katz Orange [$60-$90] – Located in a beautifully restored brewery in Mitte, known for its ‘slow food’ approach, with consistently excellent cuisine focused on high-quality, sustainably-sourced ingredients.
KochZIMMER in der Gaststätte zur Ratswaage [$80-$120] – A fine dining spot in Potsdam recognized by the Michelin Guide for its Modern Cuisine, often featuring refined, seasonal tasting menus.
Sawito [$60-$90] – A Michelin-selected “Farm to Table” restaurant in Falkensee, offering a high-quality menu with a strong connection to local and regional produce.
Coda Dessert Dining [$120-$180] – The only two-Michelin-starred dessert restaurant in Germany, located in Neukölln, offering an avant-garde, unique dining experience with multi-course dessert menus paired with drinks.
Facil [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in The Mandala Hotel, featuring a beautiful atrium garden and light, refined cuisine with delicate, artistic plating. (High-end but worthy).
Tim Raue [$300-$450] – A high-end, two-Michelin-starred experience in Kreuzberg, featuring inventive Asian-inspired cuisine that is a true culinary blowout (exceptionally worthy and non-traditional German).
Lode & Stijn [$80-$120] – A well-regarded restaurant in Kreuzberg with a focus on modern, seasonal Dutch and Northern European cuisine, known for its excellent service and relaxed atmosphere.
Hallmann & Klee [$80-$120] – A Michelin-starred, sophisticated and creative fine dining location in Neukölln, known for its seasonal and unconventional menu.
Kin Dee [$50-$80] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Schöneberg serving authentic Thai cuisine that focuses on using local and seasonal Brandenburg ingredients, a unique farm-to-table approach.
Tulus Lotrek [$100-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Kreuzberg offering bold, playful, and creative German and French-influenced fine dining in a small, intimate setting.
Bandol sur Mer [$60-$90] – A Michelin-starred French restaurant in Mitte, highly popular and known for its high-quality ingredients and consistently excellent Parisian bistro feel.
Bricole [$50-$80] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg known for its modern global cuisine, excellent quality products, and uncomplicated, friendly atmosphere.
Cookies Cream [$80-$120] – A Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant and pioneer in the Mitte scene, offering inventive and high-end plant-based dining.
Horváth [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Kreuzberg focusing on Austrian-inspired cuisine with a modern, nature-focused twist, known for its creative vegetable dishes.
Remi [$60-$90] – A highly-regarded, modern European restaurant in Mitte known for its elegant, minimalist setting and excellent seasonal menus focused on simple, high-quality ingredients.
Juliette [$60-$90] – A Michelin-selected restaurant in Potsdam offering Classic French cuisine in an elegant setting.
Hasenpfeffer [$60-$90] – A Michelin-selected restaurant in Rathenow known for its Contemporary cuisine.
Gärtnerei [$40-$70] – A restaurant with a focus on fresh, seasonal food, often featuring ingredients grown nearby, offering a modern, farm-to-table experience in a more relaxed setting.
The CORD [$60-$90] – A modern, Michelin-selected restaurant in Berlin offering a contemporary menu focused on refined seasonal cooking.
Bar Saint Jean [$40-$60] – A trendy, French-inspired bistro in Mitte known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent, refined small dishes and wine selection.
Lovis [$100-$150] – Located in a former women’s prison in Charlottenburg, offering an intriguing, intimate, and experimental fine dining experience with a seasonal, vegetarian-forward set menu.
Katerschmaus [$40-$70] – Located in the alternative “village” of Holzmarkt 25, this cozy restaurant on the riverbank offers urban, modern fare with a unique, creative-village atmosphere.
Lalal [$20-$40] – A popular, authentic Vietnamese spot in Prenzlauer Berg, known for its fresh ingredients, flavorful broths, and bustling local crowd (non-touristy feel).
Irma La Douce [$80-$120] – A Michelin-starred spot on Potsdamer Straße for fine French cuisine in a sophisticated yet vibrant setting.
Rutz Zollhaus [$100-$150] – A wine-focused, high-end restaurant in Mitte with a Michelin Green Star, known for its commitment to sustainability and exceptional, refined cuisine.
Rutz Restaurant [$200-$350] – The main restaurant above Rutz Zollhaus, holding two Michelin stars, offering an avant-garde tasting menu experience with exquisite wine pairings.
Skykitchen [$100-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant on the 12th floor of the Andel’s Hotel, offering a modern, high-end German menu with fantastic panoramic views over Berlin.
Paolo Pinkel [$30-$50] – A spot in Neukölln offering a vibrant fusion of Cypriot, Thai, and Sicilian cuisine with a playful, non-traditional approach.
Shaniu’s House of Noodles [$15-$25] – An authentic, local favorite in Charlottenburg known for its delicious, hand-pulled Chinese noodles and northern Chinese dishes.