Once known as Sandsee, today we stand before Waldsee. This isolated lake sits in Berlin’s Hermsdorf district. Waldsee spans 2.5 hectares. It is a serene escape.
Originally, Waldsee was a glacial pond. In 1906, the Hermsdorfer Boden-Aktiengesellschaft bought land here. They acquired it from Ludwig Lessing’s heirs. Lessing was a Hermsdorf manor owner. For a time, the lake was even called Lessingsee after him.
From 1908 to 1914, a construction company developed the Waldseeviertel. They built streets and country houses. A 1911 plan prioritized artistic value over commerce. The Waldsee was enlarged and landscaped. This created a park to attract buyers. The goal was to make Waldsee the centerpiece. Its shores were planted with rare trees. Some swamp cypresses still remain today.
A boathouse was built, including the Waldseehalle. A kiosk adorned with fairy tale images was erected. This stood on the south shore where a tavern once operated. Later, a rain shelter stood here from 1959. It has since been removed too.
The Hermsdorf construction company envisioned a new town center. This center would include Waldseepark and Cecilienplatz. However, the plan failed due to a lack of cooperation. Glienicke was the neighboring community. Also, World War I likely played a role.
Near Waldsee, towards Glienicke, is the Behelfsheim-Siedlung. This settlement was built after World War II. It housed Berliners whose homes were bombed. The writer Erich Kästner lived here from 1964 to 1966. He shared a duplex at Parkstraße 3a with his partner and son.
Today, Waldsee is popular. Joggers and walkers enjoy its paths. Children love its playground.
Efforts were made in 2016 and 2017. These aimed to prevent ecological collapse. Roughly 2.5 meters of sediment were removed. The Ceciliengraben and three drainage pipes polluted the lake. These pipes carried rainwater into Waldsee. This cleanup helped to restore the lake’s health.
Waldsee is more than just a lake. It’s a landmark shaped by history. It is a place of recreation. It is a reminder of Berlin’s past. From its glacial origins to its planned development. From wartime settlements to modern-day enjoyment. Waldsee remains a vital part of Hermsdorf. This small lake has a big story to tell.