Krumme Lanke is a lake on the south-west edge of Berlin on the edge of the Grunewald forest. It’s still on the U-bahn, and is only a few stops from the zoo (and then about a 20 minute walk from the closest station).
When I was last in Berlin, I decided that I wanted to prioritise getting out of the city. Which might sound counter-intuitive, but I’d been to Berlin quite a few times, and never really explored the German countryside yet. I’d absolutely love to do a Brother’s Grimm-esque adventure through the Black Forest. As a life-long lover of fairy tales, it looms large in my mind and it’s 100% something that I will do one day.
However, it was not for this trip. I was in Berlin to see a show and I only had a few hours to enjoy nature before being at the theatre. So I needed to look inside the city to get a glimpse of the nature that I so wanted to see. And I was in luck. You might not realise it, but there’s a plethora of lakes and wild swimming inside the city.
I settled on visiting Krumme Lanke as I wanted to get an eye-full of forest as well. The lake has a circumference of 2.5 km and is a popular running/jogging/walking circuit route. I can attest to the fact that I saw loads of runners during my time there. But me? I had brought a box of my favourite vegan donuts (from Berlin’s Brammibals Donuts) with me to have an impromptu picnic. There was no running in store for me.
I did take off my shoes and wade into the lake up to my knees (the joys of traveling in a dress!) For September, the water still seemed very warm; and certainly warmer than any wild swimming I’d experienced in the UK and even in cities (I’m looking at you, frigid mixed pond on Hampstead Heath!)
It seemed to be a popular spot for families and picnickers both, and I imagine that it could get absolutely slammed in the summertime. But on this early autumnal day, I had it largely to myself and it was wonderful. (The website for the lake, says that the beach on the lake at Fischerhüttenstraße is open to nudists, but I didn’t spot any and trust me, I was looking.)
There’s even a dog-friendly area on the North-West side of the lake, that of course, I made a beeline to because whenever I’m away from Harold, I have to try to fill up that dog-sized hole in my heart by meeting other little woofers.
There aren’t any cafes, corner shops of food kiosks anywhere near the lake, so if you’re going and planning on spending a full-day or afternoon there, I definitely recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks with you.
It was just very refreshing to be on a city-break and still have a few hours of nature, quiet, and fresh air to help recharge my batteries.
Have you ever visited Krumme Lanke? What nature in Germany should I add next to my list?
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
24 Hours in Berlin
A Vegan Guide to Berlin
10 Things to Do in Berlin
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East Side Art Gallery
DDR Museum in Berlin
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