Groß-Glienicker See - Nordufer

Lake Groß-Glienicke: Bathing area on the clear groundwater lake

Lake Groß-Glienicke is one of the clearest lakes in the west of the city and one of the most peculiar: the state border between Berlin and Brandenburg runs right through its waters. It stretches over two kilometers from north to south, is 530 meters wide at its broadest point, covers 66 hectares, and is up to 11.2 meters deep, with an average depth of just over six meters. It is almost entirely fed by groundwater, is rich in lime and stratified, and the visibility depth in summer is about two meters. This wasn’t always the case: in the 1980s, untreated wastewater had over-fertilized the lake; in the early 1990s, phosphate precipitation and an aeration system helped, and now its ecological status is considered good. Reeds, old willows, and black alders grow on the banks, while mute swans and little grebes are on the water. Concern is growing about the water level, which is now about two meters below the long-term average, as this leads to the loss of shallow water zones and thus spawning grounds. A feasibility study funded by the state is intended to provide suggestions for stabilization.

Bathing meadow with sandy beach, forest playground, and kiosk pavilion

The bathing area on the lake promenade bears the official name “An der Badewiese” and is located on the western shore in the northern half of the lake. It is operated by the City of Potsdam, which has officially designated it as one of only three Potsdam bathing areas. The health department samples it every four weeks; its classification has been excellent water quality for years, and all samples from the past season were well below the limit values. On-site, visitors can expect a fine sandy beach, a spacious sunbathing lawn, a forest playground, and a kiosk pavilion, which reopened after renovation under the name Pink Pearl with a new terrace. Waste disposal and a parking lot are included, but toilets and water rescue are not, which should be taken into account. Admission is free. Part of the lakeside path around the lake is closed due to an old usage conflict; the city is working to secure permanent access. After heavy rainfall, water quality may temporarily suffer because purified rainwater is discharged north of the bathing area. Arrival is convenient: the “Am Anger” bus stop with lines 604, 638, and 639 is only about 120 meters away.