Berlin may well be a landlocked state, but that is not to say we’re running low on water around these parts. Whether it’s the Spree or the numerous canals or the many periphery lakes, you’ll still find plenty of the stuff in the city. But our advice is to head up north from Miniloft, where you’ll find one of our favourite all-year-round lakes, Tegeler See.
Tegeler See is Berlin’s second largest lake, surpassed in size only by the enormous Mügelsee out by Köpenick. With 4.6 kilometres of water, there is space to do it all – take a swim on the West Bank, sail or surf during finer days, meander round the tree-lined edges during the autumn or explore some of the seven islands in the middle. For those looking for even less exertion, make your way along the Greenwich promenade and take a steamboat ride around the whole lake, which stretches up to connect with the Havel.
Whilst you are there, be sure to head up to the northern part of the lake to glance upon one of Berlin’s oldest residents – the 900-year-old oak tree affectionately known as Dicke Marie (Fat Marie). Having lived through times of real life Brandenburg bears, the plague and visits from Goethe and the Humboldt brothers amongst many others, Dicke Marie may be a little gnarled and rough round the edges, but she is one of the very few to have witnessed the birth – and continuing growth – of this city we call home.
Tegeler See
Greenwichpromenade
13507 Berlin Reinickendorf
Copyright: Nick Simpson