“Fancy a dip in the Little Baltic Sea?” I ask. Here at Freizeit- und Campingpark Helene-See legends say it is Brandenburg’s most beautiful lake. But first let’s uncover its story.
Freizeit- und Campingpark Helene-See owes its existence to industry. This stunning lake was once a brown coal mine called “Grube Helene”. Mining operations took place between 1943 and 1958. The mine supplied the Finkenheerd power plant with fuel. Another mine “Katja” lay to the east. “Katja” operated from 1932 to 1948. “Katja” received waste material from “Helene”. A channel now connects the two former mines. It is called the “Kongo-Kanal”.
After mining stopped both pits filled with groundwater. The area transformed into a recreation spot around 1960. Nature took its course but not always smoothly. Uncontrolled flooding caused some bank slides. To combat this the north and west shores were reinforced from 1975.
Today Freizeit- und Campingpark Helene-See is big. The lake covers about 220 hectares. It reaches a depth of 56.63 meters. That makes it Brandenburg’s second deepest lake. Pine forests surround it. The water is very clean. Its excellent water quality and vast beaches earned it the nickname “Little Baltic Sea”.
The Freizeit- und Campingpark Helene-See has textile and FKK beaches. Some stretches are for nude sunbathing. This place offers something for everyone.
Sadly parts of the shore are currently off-limits. Landslides led to the closure of the north and west shores in May 2021. Authorities are checking the area. They will decide when and if the beaches can reopen.
But there’s still much to enjoy at Freizeit- und Campingpark Helene-See. The lake is popular with divers. Several diving clubs once operated here. There was even a tourist submarine.
From Easter to October there is always something happening here. Freizeit- und Campingpark Helene-See offers sports and cultural events. You will find children’s programs and beach parties. Live bands and discos entertain visitors. There are tennis and volleyball courts. Football fields are also available. You can rent boats or bikes. The Helene Beach Festival attracts younger crowds. The Neptunfest is a family tradition.
Even in winter the Freizeit- und Campingpark Helene-See has its charm. Water birds like swans and divers visit the lake. The surrounding area remains open for exploration.
Getting here is easy. Bus line 984 connects the Freizeit- und Campingpark Helene-See to Frankfurt Oder’s main station. The RB 36 train also stops at Helenesee.
Freizeit- und Campingpark Helene-See is more than just a lake. It is a place with a past. It offers recreation and natural beauty. Despite the current restrictions it remains a special destination. A place where industry and nature meet.