Nymphensee

Nymphensee is one of the smaller and less crowded lakes within the Grunewald forest, making it a good choice when the more popular swimming spots are packed. It sits in the middle of the forest west of the city, surrounded by trees and connected to a network of walking and cycling paths that run through the whole Grunewald area.

Getting there requires a bit more effort than the lakes served directly by S-Bahn, which is part of what keeps it quieter. The approach by bike from Halensee or Grunewald S-Bahn station takes you through forest roads that are pleasant to ride even if you’re not planning to swim. On foot, the walk from the nearest transport adds time but gives you the experience of arriving through the trees.

The lake itself is small, shallow in places, and clear enough for comfortable swimming. There’s no formal beach infrastructure — no changing facilities, no food vendors — which is either a drawback or a reason to come, depending on what you’re looking for. Bring what you need.

The surrounding forest is the real context. Grunewald is the largest forested area within Berlin’s city limits, covering several thousand hectares with lakes, observation towers, and walking routes that can fill a half-day or a full one. Nymphensee fits naturally into a longer loop that might include Grunewaldsee, Hundekehlesee, or a stop at the Jagdschloss Grunewald, a former royal hunting lodge that now houses a small museum.

A reliable choice when you want water and forest without the crowd.