Top 20 Lakes in Potsdam
Best lakes in Potsdam are a defining feature of the city's landscape, which is largely surrounded by the Havel River and its interconnected lakes, creating an "island" feel. Approximately 10% of Potsdam's urban area is covered by water, offering diverse recreational opportunities. The region is known for its historical significance and picturesque natural settings.
Best lakes in Potsdam
- The most popular lakes is View of the Havel River, a viewpoint that offers views of the historic Glienicke Bridge and surrounding lakes. This location is known for its historical context, including its role during the Cold War.
- Another must-see spot is South End of Sacrower Lake, a lake known for its clear water and paths suitable for walking. Visitors can enjoy a rewarding circular walk around the lake, with many views of the water.
- Visitors also love Holy Lake, a lake within a beautifully landscaped park. This lake is surrounded by villas and offers a chance to swim amidst a grand palace scenery.
- Potsdam is known for glacial tunnel valley lakes, river-fed lakes, and lakes with developed bathing spots. The variety of lakes provides opportunities for swimming, walking, and exploring natural and historical sites.
- The lakes in Potsdam are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1900 upvotes and over 700 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
North shore trail Templiner See between Geltow and Potsdam
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View of the Glienicke Bridge from Babelsberg Park
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de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glienicker_Br%C3%BCcke
Even without any historical background, the view from the park over the lake (deep lake and Glienicker See) is beautiful!
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South End of Sacrower Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Griebnitzsee
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Remnant of the Berlin Wall at Groß Glienicker See
Highlight • Monument
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Templiner See Cycle Path
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Sacrower Lake East Swimming Area
Highlight • Beach
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Holy Lake
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View of the Havel River
Highlight • Viewpoint
You can go down to the waters edge path at the south east end. The Park Babelsberg is worth including on your route. The path along the water has a fine view onto Potsdam and later the Glienicke Brücke.
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Jungfernsee Lakeside Path
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Popular around Potsdam
The Havel Cycle Path – in 6 stages from its source to its mouth
Relaxation after work – evening hikes with the S-Bahn
Hiking the Berlin Wall Trail
Experience cultural history on D-Route 3 – European Cycle Route R1
Hut or cask, tent or room – two-day hiking with the S-Bahn
#GoFurther – discover the views of Germany!
Gravel riding in Brandenburg with Steffi Marth
Berlin Wall – tracing history with the S-Bahn
Where the Hohenzollerns worked — searching for traces with the S-Bahn
Hike Theodor Fontane’s beloved Brandenburg – S-Bahn Berlin
Other adventures in Potsdam
Tips from the Community
A beautiful, deeply relaxing hiking trail around the lake. Nothing special or challenging, but a lovely shoreline path with a few swimming spots along the route.
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Good to drive, if only there weren't the cobblestones every now and then
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The view of the historic bridge from the palace gardens is wonderful. During the GDR era, this area was a restricted area.
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Here it is wonderful for hiking and cycling almost everywhere 🚴, it is recommended to ride with lights, because in many sections you are difficult to see due to the shadow of the trees...👀
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The idyllic lake is filled with life, especially on the meadows on the western shore, as soon as the sun shines its warm rays on us. Nevertheless, it is very idyllic here 💙...
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Just out of the city and after a few meters you can enjoy the peace and quiet on this bench and have a very beautiful view over the Holy Lake.
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Station 1931 The station was built in 1874 on the Berlin-Potsdam Railway for the development of the residential area of Neubabelsberg; hence its original name, Neubabelsberg. It opened on June 1 of the same year. The first station building was a reconstructed wooden pavilion by Kyllmann & Heyden, which had been erected the previous year as the German House at the Vienna World Exhibition. The station building, which still stands today, was designed by Günter Lüttich in 1931. On April 1, 1938, the station was renamed Babelsberg-Ufastadt due to its proximity to the ever-expanding Ufa film complex.[1] At the end of World War II, the Teltow Canal Bridge near Kohlhasenbrück was blown up, resulting in the suspension of S-Bahn service between Zehlendorf and Babelsberg-Ufastadt from April 1945 to June 15, 1948.[2]
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Border station The station was renamed Griebnitzsee in 1949. From 1952, Griebnitzsee served as a control station. From 1961 to 1989, the station was closed to local traffic, and until 1990 it served as a border station and border crossing point (GÜSt, passenger traffic) of the GDR. Boarding and disembarking at Griebnitzsee station was prohibited for transit traffic through the GDR to and from West Berlin. Interzonal traffic between West and East Germany was carried out via the Berlin Stadtbahn. Later, interzonal trains were routed via the Berlin Outer Ring (including the Aachen–Potsdam–Görlitz and Munich–Leipzig–Potsdam–Rostock train pairs), thus serving exclusively for transit traffic between West Berlin (Berlin-Wannsee, Zoologischer Garten, Friedrichstraße) and West Germany from/to Schwanheide/Büchen (Hamburg, Northern Germany) until 1976 Marienborn/Helmstedt (Hanover, West Germany) Gerstungen/Bebra (Hesse, Frankfurt am Main, Saarbrücken) Probstzella/Ludwigsstadt (Southern Germany)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes in Potsdam unique?
Potsdam's lakes are a defining feature of the city, with approximately 10% of its urban area covered by water. They are largely interconnected by the Havel River, creating an "island" feel. You'll find a variety of lakes, from glacial tunnel valley lakes to river-fed lakes and those with developed bathing spots, all set amidst picturesque natural settings and historical sites.
Which lakes are best for swimming in Potsdam?
For swimming, Heiliger See is Potsdam's most popular bathing spot, offering a chance to swim amidst a grand palace scenery within the New Garden. Sacrower See is known for its excellent water quality and small sandy beaches, providing a tranquil escape. The Waldbad Templin on Templiner See also offers a wide array of water activities, including a sandy beach and a dedicated bathing lake for young children.
Are there family-friendly activities around Potsdam's lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer family-friendly activities. The Waldbad Templin on Templiner See is ideal for families, featuring a sandy beach, water slide, bathing island, and boat rentals. The View of the Glienicke Bridge from Babelsberg Park is also considered family-friendly, offering scenic views and historical context. Additionally, the Heiliger See has a large sunbathing lawn within the New Garden, perfect for a relaxing family day.
What historical sites can be found near the lakes?
Potsdam's lakes are rich in history. The Glienicke Bridge, visible from Babelsberg Park, is a significant historical site known for its role during the Cold War. The Heiliger See is surrounded by villas and offers views of the Gothic Library and the Marble Palace within the New Garden. You can also find a Remnant of the Berlin Wall at Groß Glienicker See, offering a poignant historical experience.
Are there good walking or hiking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. You can enjoy a rewarding circular walk around the South End of Sacrower Lake, with paths that are good and easy to walk on, offering many views of the water. The Heiliger See is part of a beautifully landscaped park, the New Garden, which is great for walks. For more options, explore easy hikes in the region by checking out the Easy hikes in Potsdam guide.
Can I cycle around the lakes in Potsdam?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. There are dedicated cycle paths like the Templiner See Cycle Path, known for its great surface. The Jungfernsee Lakeside Path is also suitable for cycling. For more cycling routes, including mountain biking, you can find options in the MTB Trails in Potsdam guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Potsdam's lakes?
The lakes are particularly enjoyable during the warmer months for swimming and water activities. Summer is an excellent time to explore Potsdam's lakes and parks. You can find more information about visiting during summer on the Potsdam tourism website: potsdam-tourism.com.
Are there any accessible lakes or trails for visitors with mobility needs?
The Griebnitzsee highlight mentions being wheelchair accessible in some parts. Additionally, the Jungfernsee Lakeside Path is also noted as wheelchair accessible, offering scenic views along the lake.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints around the lakes?
Many lakes offer beautiful views. The View of the Glienicke Bridge from Babelsberg Park provides wonderful vistas of the historic bridge and surrounding lakes. The South End of Sacrower Lake offers many views of the water along its circular path. The Heiliger See also provides picturesque views of villas and palaces from its shores.
What kind of nature can I expect to see around the lakes?
Potsdam's lakes are often nestled within natural reserves and forests. Sacrower See, for instance, is located in the Königswald forest and is part of a nature reserve, known for its clear water. The Heiliger See is within the beautifully landscaped New Garden, offering a blend of cultivated parkland and natural beauty. The region's design, influenced by the Age of Enlightenment, aimed to create a pastoral dream reflecting a strong connection with nature.
Are there options for water sports like stand-up paddleboarding or boating?
Yes, Potsdam's interconnected lakes and the Havel River provide numerous opportunities for water-based activities. The Waldbad Templin on Templiner See offers boat rentals, a surf school, and a wakeboard lift. The Jungfernsee is part of the scenic Havel lake system that can be explored by boat or stand-up paddleboard. Passenger ships also use the Tiefer See.
What do visitors enjoy most about Sacrower See?
Visitors particularly enjoy the serene atmosphere and excellent water quality of Sacrower See. Many appreciate the rewarding circular walk around the lake, noting the clear water and beautiful paths. It's often described as a tranquil escape from urban life, with small sandy beaches perfect for swimming and less crowded than other popular lakes.
Most popular routes in Potsdam
Most popular attractions in Potsdam
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