A small, quiet lake beach in the Dahme-Seenkette lake chain south of Berlin, near Zossen. The Motzener See is shallow and warms quickly, making it one of the better options for young children among Brandenburg's lake beaches.
Strandbad Motzener See lies on a small lake within the Dahme-Seenkette chain south of Berlin, near the town of Zossen, and is known locally for warming faster than most Brandenburg lakes owing to its shallow depth. Summer water temperatures often reach 20-25°C, among the warmest of the region's swimming lakes, making it a favourite for families with young children who find the deeper, cooler Havel and Uckermark lakes less comfortable. The beach itself is a straightforward sandy lido with a gentle entry, changing rooms, a kiosk, and a playground, without the scale of facilities found at larger lakes such as Senftenberger See, giving it a low-key, village character. The lake sits within easy reach of a regional express train from Berlin Südkreuz to Zossen, a journey of about 30 minutes, followed by a local bus to Motzen, making it a manageable, if less direct, day trip from the capital for those seeking a quieter alternative to the S-Bahn-connected lakes. The surrounding Dahme-Seenkette area has further lakes and canoeing routes for those wanting to extend the visit.
| Getting there | Regional bus from Zossen station (RE from Berlin Südkreuz, 30 min) to Motzen |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Strandbad Motzen, Am See, 15749 Mittenwalde (Motzen) |
Good to know
- Best for
- families, young children, swimmers, day-trippers
- Facilities
- Sandy beach, Changing rooms, Kiosk, Playground
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Strandbad Motzen, Am See, 15749 Mittenwalde (Motzen)
Highlights
- Warmer water than most Brandenburg lakes owing to shallow depth
- Quiet, low-key village lido atmosphere
- Playground suited to young children
- Part of the wider Dahme-Seenkette lake and canoe network
- Regional express train connection from Berlin Südkreuz via Zossen
Tips for visiting
- The lake's shallow depth makes it one of the warmest swimming spots within easy reach of Berlin
- Quieter than the S-Bahn-connected lakes closer to Berlin
When to visit
June through August offers the warmest water for young swimmers; weekday visits are quietest.
Accessibility
The lawn and beach approach are level, though there is no dedicated wheelchair ramp for lake entry.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Motzener See warmer than other Brandenburg lakes?
Its shallow depth allows the water to warm faster, often reaching 20-25°C in summer, among the warmest of the region's lakes.
How do visitors reach Motzen from Berlin?
A regional express train runs from Berlin Südkreuz to Zossen in about 30 minutes, followed by a local bus to Motzen.
Is this beach good for young children?
Yes, the shallow, warm water and gentle sandy entry make it one of the better options for families with young children.
Is the beach busy in summer?
It is generally quieter than the S-Bahn-connected lakes closer to Berlin, appealing to those seeking a low-key alternative.