Waldbad Liepnitzsee

Liepnitzsee Forest Lido: Clear-Water Lake in Barnim Nature Park

Liepnitzsee is considered the only larger clear-water lake in the Barnim Nature Park, and the figures explain why it has this reputation. Nearly 116 hectares of water surface, an average depth of 8.8 meters, 17.5 meters at its deepest point, primarily fed by inflowing groundwater. It was formed at the end of the last ice age in a branched meltwater channel, as the westernmost ribbon lake of an entire chain of lakes. The visibility depth at the last measurement of the season was three meters, the official classification is excellent water quality, and the risk of blue-green algae as well as cercariae is rated as none. Since 1965, a landscape protection area has protected the lake landscape, and the beech forests on the slopes have been designated as an FFH area since the end of 2004. Incidentally, the legend that the lake is up to 70 meters deep persists stubbornly. A fish pass in Ützdorf has ensured a stable lake level since 2014.

Sandy Beach, Boat Rental, and an Island in the Middle of the Lake

The forest lido on Wandlitzer Chaussee is a managed bathing area with a sandy shore, sunbathing lawn, and a paddling pool filled with fresh lake water. It is operated by the German Red Cross, Niederbarnim district association. Admission costs 5 Euros, reduced 3.50 Euros, children up to six years old enter for free. There is a kiosk with snacks, beach volleyball, table tennis, and rentals for rowing boats, pedal boats, canoes, and stand-up paddling. Nudism is expressly permitted in the lido, and a bathing wheelchair is available for access over sand and into the water. However, the real destination for many guests is in the middle of the lake: the 34-hectare island Großer Werder, which is accessed by a small ferry from Ützdorf. On the island, a garden restaurant and a campsite await. A hiking trail of about nine and a half kilometers leads around the lake. However, only the lido itself is officially monitored; the free spots on the remaining shore are not sampled. From Berlin, you can get there by taking the Heidekrautbahn and then a walk through the forest.