By Marriette Rough
I am from the Lake District in the UK so I feel like I have a pretty high bar when it comes to Lakes, and Liepnitzsee is without a doubt one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. Incredibly clean and a hue of tourquioise which is an absolute pleasure to swim in. Certainly winner of most outstanding lake in Brandenburg according to erm…well me.
For the past three years, myself and a few other guides have booked the time off work to go camping there. There are great options for camping both on the mainland and on the island situated slap-bang in the middle of the lake. However if you have not got camping gear available it is also great for a day trip.
The island was once a favoured haunt of GDR top dogs and their families, who enjoyed exclusive access to the island. Since 1991 it has been open to one and all. A ferry called ‘Frieda’ heads over to the island once an hour, picking up at three different spots on the mainland. For 3 Euros return the very chirpy ferry driver will deliver you to a little piece of heaven. ‘Frieda’ is actually the only engine-powered boat allowed on the lake. In the centre of the island there is a little food kiosk. Selling all things non-nutritional: potato salad and bockwurst, ice creams and beers. The island is host to many permanent summer houses and tents. It is also host to a serious amount of mosquitoes, so if you are sleeping over make sure you bring some repellent. And if you are in to nutrition, bring some fruit. The island has a lovely grassy slope for sunbathing, where you may find a few naked bathers. A throwback from the FKK – Freikorperkultur (Free Body Culture) days of the GDR. If you are feeling especially adventurous, there is a rope swing to be had.
Getting there: Get the S2 to Bernau or a regional train to Wandlitz. Either with bike or bus head on to Waldsiedlung Bernau and then follow the signs down to the lake (15 mins by foot). Go early so you really make the most of the day as getting there takes around an hour and a half.
