Bratkartoffeln, anyone? The Kleine Badewiese in Gatow offers more than just a swim. It provides a culinary experience with a view.
The Kleine Badewiese is a beloved spot. It is located in Gatow. Gatow is a rural part of Berlin within Spandau. Here, the first sunbathers stretch out on the grass by the Havel river. Some bring balls and air mattresses. Others relax on sun loungers.
Hungry? A small restaurant sits at the edge of the Badewiese. From its tables, visitors enjoy beautiful Havel views. The Kleine Badewiese is more than just a place to swim. It’s a place to relax and enjoy good food.
Sabine Becker runs the “Kleine Badewiese” restaurant. She has done so for three decades. Her homemade green bean stew is popular. So is the head cheese with fried potatoes. The handwritten menu on the rustic wooden hut advertises simple dishes. These dishes positively surprise those who order them. Sabine Becker’s fried potatoes are legendary.
Two older women at a nearby table order jacket potatoes with quark. They arrive wrapped in artfully twisted aluminum foil. The potatoes are warm from the oven. The beer glasses are frosty.
The vegetarian Flammkuchen costs 11.50 euros. It arrives on a wooden board. The crust is thin and crispy. Creamy Schmand, salty sheep cheese and thinly sliced green pepperoni top it. Freshly ground pepper, sweet cocktail tomatoes and lamb’s lettuce add more flavor. The combination is a surprising delight.
One Google reviewer notes that it’s not Michelin-star cuisine. Yet, the Badewiese offers something better. The owner adds a touch of love to each dish. This makes the food special. It is a simple but rare recipe.
The restaurant’s style is old Berlinerisch. It does not feel dusty. Cyclists pause here. They are riding along the Scharfen Lanke. Seniors and families with young children also visit. Some use walking sticks and wear sun hats. Others are in cycling gear.
Posters advertise a recent travesty show. Could anything be more Berlinerisch? Frederick the Great said, “Everyone shall be saved according to his own fashion.” This describes tolerant old Berlin.
The restaurant’s business card includes a hand-drawn map. It feels like a relic from the analog world. As a Berliner, this warms my heart. The conclusion is simple. Until next time. It was lovely.
The Kleine Badewiese has a wide water access point. There is little sand. However, there is plenty of grass and shady trees. The DLRG lifeguards watch over the swimming area. The restaurant is right by the Badewiese.
The Kleine Badewiese is an official, supervised bathing spot. The water quality is excellent. There is 600 meters of sandy beach. Dogs are not allowed.
You can reach the Kleine Badewiese by bus. Take the 134 or X34 to the Alt Gatow stop. You can also come by bicycle or car.