Lake Groß – A Lake With A Barrier Between Cities

Situated in between Brandenburg and Berlin, Lake Groß Glienicker See covers a quarter of a square mile and the border between Potsdam and Berlin runs right through the centre of the lake in a North/South direction. Part of Potsdam is on the left shore of the lake and part of Berlin is on the right.

Lake Groß Glienicker See Before Re-unification

As the border between West and East Berlin went right through the centre of the lake, it was marked by a series of buoys. The Berlin Wall ran alongside the West and South shores and this barrier prevented East Germans from even viewing the lake although West Germans used it freely as a recreational place for swimming and walking.

In winter when the lake was frozen it was possible to walk across the ice and to get as far as the buoys that were helping to divide the city of Berlin.

Modern Times At Lake Groß Glienicker See

Now that the whole of Germany is reunited, everyone from Potsdam and Berlin can enjoy the lake. It attracts many visitors each year who come to the area to enjoy the swimming and boating excursions. There is a large area for parking on the south shore where most people go for their recreation. Additionally, a large beer garden is also there for refreshments.

The North shore of the lake has a sandy beach and is a suntrap where you can relax in peace and quiet. In the middle of the lake are two lovely green and pleasant islands. You can reach these by swimming or you can hire a paddleboat or rowboat and get some exercise whilst enjoying this lovely recreational lake so close to the two cities.

Places To Stay Near To Lake Groß Glienicker See

Havellandhalle Resort

This resort is something very different. Built in an American style, this four star accommodation has a wide range of leisure activities and is only just over 5 kilometres from the lake. Located in a nature reserve and offering spacious rooms with large windows, rooms also have free Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV and luxurious bathrobes are provided for all guests.

The restaurant at Havellandhalle Resort serves a range of delicacies from both local and International cuisine. There is a relaxing lounge bar and a beer garden for when the weather is good. The array of sporting activities is complemented by a fully equipped gym and sauna.

Apartmenthaus Potsdam-Quartett

Apartmenthaus Potsdam-Quartett offers spacious apartments in a beautiful garden area. Close to Potsdam the apartments are also only 5.32 kilometres from Lake Groß Glienicker See. Choose from a cottage or apartment and enjoy the many amenities like a flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi and coffee/tea making/cooking facilities.

If you prefer to be waited on whilst on your holiday you can order breakfast which is served in the chimney lounge, the garden or the conservatory. The scenic location of the apartments has made them a great favourite with visitors to the lake.

Filmhotel Lili Marleen

For somewhere special to stay when at Potsdam, check out the Filmhotel Lili Marleen. Only a few minutes from the Babelsberg Film Studios and just a few kilometres from the Lake Groß Glienicker See, the hotel has spacious rooms and all of them feature prints of the famous actress.

Every day you will be offered a rich breakfast buffet which is served in the Lili Marleen restaurant. You can choose from International dishes or local specialities for your evening meal. Close to the S Bahn and the underground, the hotel is three stars but is rated much higher by returning guests.

Getting To Lake Groß Glienicker See

By Air

Fly into either Berlin Tegel airport or Berlin Schönefeld Airport. All the trains run from both airports but Berlin Schönefeld Airport is slightly nearer to the lake. It is 40.3 kilometres distant and you can drive using the excellent motorway system or go by bus and train to the lake.

By Train

Buses from the Flughafen Tegel (Airport) leave every 10 minutes to Berlin Jungfernheide. Change to a regional express train for Brunsbütteler Damm/Ruhlebener then take another bus 638 or 639 to Am Anger, Potsdam. It takes you just over one hour to reach the lake.

By Road

Use the A111 and then follow the A100 and B2 motorway to Glienicker Dorfstraße in Potsdam. Continue on Glienicker Dorfstraße until you reach the Seepromenade. The total journey time is only 27 minutes.

Other Things To Do Near To Lake Groß Glienicker See

Visit The Filmpark At Potsdam

This is an excellent day out where you can see how films and TV series are made. Take a look behind the scenes and enjoy the special effects that trick you into joining in a fantasy world. There is an exciting special effects stunt show with a real volcano to make you totally amazed.

Sightseeing Around Kladow District And Groß Glienicke

The urban district of Kladow has many old houses and a very nice promenade and sea front. It also has an air force museum that is on display at the former military airport. A very interesting and fascinating look at older aircraft that were used in the not too distant past.

The history of Berlin is on display at Groß Glienicke. In the Gutspark you can see parts of the Berlin Wall. The park was built in an area that formerly had a medieval manor and there are still some remains to be seen.

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