A clear-water lido on the Werbellinsee within the Schorfheide-Chorin UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, north of Berlin. The lake is one of Brandenburg's cleanest, with a sandy shore backed by pine forest, and is popular with both swimmers and sailors.
The Strandbad on the Werbellinsee lies within the Schorfheide-Chorin UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a large expanse of forest and lakes north of Berlin, in the small village of Altenhof. The lake is regarded as one of the clearest in Brandenburg, with a sandy shoreline shelving gently into water that reaches 18-23°C in high summer, backed by dense pine and beech forest that gives the setting a wilder, more natural feel than the more developed lidos closer to Potsdam. The lido itself is a proper sandy beach rather than a lawn, with facilities including changing rooms, showers, a café, and hire of kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, making it a popular base for combining swimming with a paddle along the shoreline. The atmosphere is relaxed and nature-oriented, drawing both local day-trippers and visitors staying in the biosphere reserve's guesthouses and campsites, and the lake's length makes it a noted spot for sailing further from the main swimming area. Admission is charged at a moderate rate for a Brandenburg lido. Reaching Altenhof without a car takes some planning: a regional train runs from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Eberswalde in about 45 minutes, followed by a local bus onward to Altenhof and the lake. The surrounding biosphere reserve offers extensive marked walking and cycling trails through ancient forest, making the beach an easy pairing with a longer day exploring the reserve.
| Getting there | Train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Eberswalde (45 min), then regional bus to Altenhof |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Strandbad Werbellinsee, Am Werbellinsee, 16244 Altenhof |
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, nature-lovers, paddlers
- Facilities
- Sandy beach, Changing rooms, Showers, Café, Boat and SUP hire
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Strandbad Werbellinsee, Am Werbellinsee, 16244 Altenhof
Highlights
- One of Brandenburg's clearest lakes, within a UNESCO biosphere reserve
- Sandy beach backed by pine and beech forest
- Kayak, canoe, and SUP hire on site
- Sailing on the open lake beyond the swimming area
- Extensive forest walking trails nearby
Tips for visiting
- The Schorfheide-Chorin biosphere reserve surrounding the lake is excellent for a forest walk after swimming
- Water sport hire on site allows kayaking or SUP alongside a swim
When to visit
July and August offer the warmest water; visiting on a weekday combines swimming with quieter forest trails in the surrounding biosphere reserve.
Accessibility
The beach approach path is mostly level and gravel-surfaced, though the sandy shore itself is not adapted for wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
How clear is the water at Werbellinsee?
It is considered one of Brandenburg's clearest lakes, with good visibility owing to its position within the protected Schorfheide-Chorin biosphere reserve.
How do visitors reach Altenhof from Berlin?
A regional train runs from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Eberswalde in about 45 minutes, followed by a local bus to Altenhof.
Can visitors rent water sports equipment at the lido?
Yes, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards can be hired directly at the beach.
Is the lake used for sailing as well as swimming?
Yes, the lake's length and open water beyond the swimming zone make it popular with local sailors.