Extended hiking route through Berlin's lake district combining multiple lakes, forest trails, and river sections.
The Großer Müggelsee to Seddinsee route is a 20 km hike through Berlin's lake district in Treptow-Köpenick, in the city's southeast. The walk begins near S-Bahn Friedrichshagen (S3) or Köpenick (S3), both with nearby parking, and requires no permit since it follows public forest and lakeside paths. Elevation gain is moderate, with rolling forest terrain rather than sustained climbs, and the surface alternates between gravel forest tracks, sandy lakeside paths, and short paved stretches near villages. Shade is extensive through the Köpenick forest sections, with more open, exposed walking along the lakeshores of Großer Müggelsee and Seddinsee. Landmarks along the route include the Großer Müggelsee shoreline, the Dämeritzsee and Seddinsee lakes further along, and the Gosener Wiesen wetland meadows, with the Dämeritzsee area serving as a reasonable turn-around point for a shorter version of the hike. Villages such as Rahnsdorf and Gosen have cafes and small shops, but the longer forest stretches between lakes have no services, so hikers should carry water and food for the full distance.
| Distance | 20km |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5h |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | May to September, when daylight hours allow enough time to complete the full distance |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Treptow-Köpenick, southeast
Highlights
- Multiple lakes
- Dense forest
- Remote feel
- Berlin's lake district
Tips for visiting
- Carry enough water for the full 20 km, since long forest stretches between lakes have no shops
- Break the hike into two days by stopping overnight in Rahnsdorf or Köpenick if the distance feels long
- Wear broken-in hiking shoes, as sandy lakeside paths can be tiring over a full day
- Check S-Bahn schedules for both start and end points in advance, since some sections have limited evening service
When to visit
An early morning start is recommended given the 20 km distance, allowing a full day of daylight to complete the route.
Accessibility
The route is largely unpaved forest and lakeside terrain with some uneven sandy sections, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs and difficult for strollers over its full length.
Frequently asked questions
Is this route suitable for beginner hikers?
The distance is long at 20 km, so it suits hikers with some walking endurance rather than complete beginners.
Can the hike be shortened?
Yes, stopping at Dämeritzsee roughly midway and returning by S-Bahn from Erkner creates a shorter option.
Are there places to eat along the way?
Small cafes and shops exist in villages like Rahnsdorf and Gosen, but the forest stretches between them have no services.
What makes this route distinct from the shorter Müggelsee Circuit?
This route extends further southeast to include Dämeritzsee and Seddinsee, covering more of Berlin's lake district than the shorter loop around Müggelsee alone.