Kleiner Müggelsee

Kleiner Müggelsee: Quiet Bathing Spot Behind its Big Brother

The Kleiner Müggelsee is located to the east of the Großer Müggelsee and, at 10.3 hectares, is only a fraction of its size, which is precisely its advantage: while the sunbathing lawns at the large lake are full in summer, it remains astonishingly quiet here. The shoreline measures around 1,430 meters, and at its widest point, it is about 225 meters from shore to shore. On the land side, the lake lies within the Müggelspree landscape protection area and a water protection zone; to the east, the Müggelspree lowlands border it as a nature reserve. Accordingly, it looks very natural: isolated reed beds, extensive floating leaf vegetation, and forest reaching to the water. At the same time, the lake is part of the Spree-Oder waterway, there are 35 jetties and around 100 berths for sports boats, and the Köpenick Fishermen’s Association is active here. Swimming is allowed throughout the entire Kleiner Müggelsee, not just at the designated spot. There is no reliable official information on its depth, but the lake is significantly shallower than the Großer Müggelsee and therefore warms up faster in early summer.

Official Bathing Area with Water Rescue and Ferry Access

The official bathing area is located near Neu Helgoland, occupies about 119 meters of shoreline, and has its own beach section including a water rescue station, which is staffed periodically. It is protected from boat traffic, but access to the water is not barrier-free, and dogs are not allowed. The EU classification is excellent water quality, and in the past season, there was not a single warning here. Two official standing advisories should nevertheless be known: In early and mid-summer, when water temperatures exceed 20 degrees Celsius, the risk of swimmer’s itch is temporarily elevated, and a mass occurrence of blue-green algae is generally possible. There are no toilets, changing rooms, or a kiosk at this spot, nor is there an entrance fee. So, bring your own provisions or walk the few minutes over to Neu Helgoland. The best part is getting there: The BVG ferry F23 stops near Neu Helgoland, about 400 meters away, so you can actually arrive by boat for swimming. Those who prefer to stay on land can take bus 169 to Odernheimer Straße.