Top 20 Lakes in Barnim

Barnim offers several excellent lakes for swimming. Liepnitzsee is renowned for its exceptionally clean and clear water, with numerous secluded spots and an island accessible by ferry. Lake Werbellin, the second deepest in Brandenburg, also boasts crystal-clear water and nine official bathing areas. Grimnitzsee is particularly family-friendly due to its shallow shores, while Parsteiner See offers very good water quality and long, shallow entry points at its beaches.

Yes, several lakes in Barnim are ideal for families. Grimnitzsee is popular for its shallow shores, making it safe for children. Parsteiner See also features long, shallow entry points at its beaches. Liepnitzsee and Lake Werbellin are also considered family-friendly, offering various recreational activities and designated bathing areas.

Barnim's lakes provide diverse water sports opportunities. Lake Werbellin is a popular spot for sailing, hosting regattas, and also suitable for canoeing and diving. Parsteiner See is excellent for swimming, diving, cycling, and kayaking, though motorized water sports are restricted in certain conservation zones to maintain its tranquil atmosphere. Many other lakes, like Liepnitzsee, are perfect for swimming and offer opportunities for quiet paddling.

Absolutely. The region is crisscrossed with hiking trails. A notable option is the Hellsee Shore Trail, an approximately 8 km varied path around a natural forest lake with hidden bays. Liepnitzsee is surrounded by extensive forest areas with well-developed hiking trails. A forest trail also runs along Grimnitzsee, offering continuous lake views. The Barnim Nature Park also features a 'Six Lakes Tour' with abundant natural bathing areas for hikers.

Barnim offers numerous cycling routes around its lakes. You can find routes like the 'Schorfheide Loop Trail' or 'Lake Werbellin – View of Lake Werbellin loop from Eichhorst' for touring bicycles. For mountain biking, consider 'Lake Liepnitz – View of Lake Liepnitz loop from Zepernick (b Bernau)' or 'Joachimsthal Imperial Station – Lake Grimnitz loop from Joachimsthal Kaiserbahnhof'. Gravel biking options include 'Forest trail at Lake Liepnitz – Teufelspfuhl loop from Bernau-Friedenstal'. You can explore more options on the Cycling in Barnim, MTB Trails in Barnim, and Gravel biking in Barnim guide pages.

For a more tranquil experience, consider Hellsee, described as a very natural and less crowded forest lake. Mühlenbecker Lake is another hidden gem, favored by locals seeking quiet relaxation away from more frequented bathing spots near Berlin.

Yes, Lake Werbellin has historical significance, having been home to the Hubertusstock hunting lodge and a large Young Pioneer camp. The area around Liepnitzsee also has a unique history, with asphalt bike paths created during the GDR era for government officials, including Walter Ulbricht's private bathing area.

The lakes in Barnim are set within rich natural landscapes, often part of the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve. You'll find extensive forests, particularly around Liepnitzsee and Hellsee. Grimnitzsee is known for its birdlife, where nature enthusiasts can observe flocks of resting waterfowl, ospreys, and sea eagles in autumn and spring. Many lakes feature clear waters, sandy beaches, and scenic viewpoints like the View of the Werbellinsee (West Shore).

Yes, some lakes offer amenities. The island of Großer Werder in Liepnitzsee hosts a garden restaurant called Insulaner Klause. Gorinsee also has a restaurant and beer garden. While specific accommodation details are not provided, the presence of restaurants and bathing areas suggests visitor infrastructure is available in popular spots.

Visitors consistently praise the crystal-clear water and pure nature experience offered by lakes like Lake Werbellin and Liepnitzsee. The idyllic settings, extensive forest surroundings, and opportunities for swimming, cycling, and hiking are highly valued. Many appreciate the numerous bathing spots and the chance to find secluded bays for relaxation, especially at less crowded lakes like Hellsee.

Yes, Liepnitzsee features a distinctive island called Großer Werder. It can be reached by a ferry named “Frieda” or by swimming, and it hosts a garden restaurant, the Insulaner Klause.

Yes, Hellsee is known as a natural forest lake suitable for fishing. Grimnitzsee is also a favored spot for angling. Additionally, Krumme Lanke (Lanke) is a stillwater body known for fishing various species.