Müggelsee: Berlin's Largest Lake, Swimming and Walks

Updated on October 9, 2026

The Müggelsee is Berlin's largest lake: about 7.4 km², in the Treptow-Köpenick district at the far east of the city. Surrounded by forests and the Müggelberge hills, it is where Berliners go for their big summer nature escape: swimming, sailing, walks, boat trips and waterside terraces. The lake can be reached by S-Bahn and tram in about half an hour from the centre, and access to the shores is free; only the Friedrichshagen beach charges an entrance fee.

Highlights

Swimming

The lake has two official bathing sites. The Seebad Friedrichshagen, on the Müggelseedamm, is a public lido with a beach and lawn, open in summer: in 2026 admission is €6 on weekdays and €8 at weekends for an adult (reduced rates €5 and €7), with a season ending in late August. The Strandbad Müggelsee has had free entry since its operator withdrew. A naturist area lies to the west. Water quality is checked throughout the season by Berlin's health authority (LAGeSo): look at the results on the day.

Friedrichshagen and the Bölschestraße

The village of Friedrichshagen, founded in the 18th century under Frederick II, is organised around the Bölschestraße, a tree-lined street with cafés, ice-cream parlours and restaurants, ideal before or after swimming. The Wasserwerk museum, in the former waterworks, tells the story of Berlin's water supply.

Boat trips on the Spree and the lake

The Stern und Kreis company runs seasonal excursions to the Müggelsee from several landing stages, including the Hafen Treptow at Treptower Park, with a cruise of about three hours passing Köpenick Palace, the Island of Youth and Friedrichshagen. You can get off at a stop and carry on later. Restaurants and beer gardens also line the lake.

The Müggelberge

South of the lake, the wooded Müggelberge hills, with the Müggelturm tower, form a forest for walking and hiking, a quiet alternative to swimming. A full circuit of the lake takes half a day on foot or by bike.

Practical info

Tips

Come on a weekday to have the beach almost to yourself. Bring cash for the kiosks, ice cream and small cafés, many of which do not accept cards (see our guide to paying in Berlin). Check the season's opening dates before you come, as they depend on the weather. Swimmers should watch their belongings and take care: the water can have algae after intense heat. Prices and conditions checked in October 2026. Also read: lakes around Berlin, Treptow and Köpenick, Köpenick Palace, Treptower Park and Berlin in summer.

How to get there

Seebad Friedrichshagen: Müggelseedamm 216, 12587 Berlin. S-Bahn S3 to Friedrichshagen, then tram 60 or 61, or about 15 minutes on foot to the lake along the Bölschestraße. From Alexanderplatz, allow about 30 minutes. For boat trips, departure from the Hafen Treptow, Puschkinallee 15, at Treptower Park (S41, S42, S8, S9).

Opening hours

Best: A weekday in summer

Friedrichshagen beach: daily in summer, generally 10 am to 7 pm (last entry 6 pm), until the end of August. Shores and paths are open to all year round. Boat trips: according to the seasonal Stern und Kreis timetable.