Have you ever felt the cool Berlin breeze on your skin while gazing at a lake shaped like a crooked smile? That’s Krumme Lanke for you. Nestled in the southwestern district of Steglitz-Zehlendorf this lake is a hidden gem. It’s part of a chain of lakes near the Grunewald forest. The Krumme Lanke gets its name from its uniquely curved shape. Imagine strolling along the boardwalk that circles the entire lake.
Krumme Lanke is more than just a pretty face. Its waters hold a fascinating history. Centuries ago a village called Crumense stood here. Founded by Slavs the village later belonged to the Cistercian Lehnin Abbey. Sadly Crumense was abandoned shortly after the monks acquired it. Archaeological digs have unearthed Slavic pottery remnants. This confirms the village’s Slavic origins. The lake itself appears in documents dating back to 1543 and 1591. Back then it was known as Krummensee.
A darker chapter in Krumme Lanke’s history involved the SS. Between 1938 and 1940 an SS colony was built here. The project was a collaboration between the GAGFAH property company and the Office for Race and Settlement. Heinrich Himmler envisioned a closed community for SS officers. Many streets were renamed after the war. One street name however remained Im Kinderland In the land of children. An SS officer’s wife suggested the name. She believed the SS represented racial elite. Their offspring would therefore be genetically superior.
But Krumme Lanke is also a place of music and artistic expression. Berliner folk singer Fredy Sieg wrote a song about the lake in 1923. The song is titled Das Lied von der Krummen Lanke The Song of Krumme Lanke. In 1973 Insterburg & Co also immortalized the lake in their song. Even indie artist Ducktails featured Krumme Lanke in an instrumental piece.
Krumme Lanke isn’t just history and music. Today it’s a beloved recreational spot. Swimmers relax on the lawns. One beach even welcomes nudists. Walkers and joggers enjoy the scenic paths. The lake supports a unique ecosystem. Unlike other nearby lakes Krumme Lanke is home mainly to asp fish.
A tragic tale adds to Krumme Lanke’s rich past. In 1928 Sergeant Fritz Göhrs drowned here. His horse was startled. It threw him into the lake then fell on top of him. A memorial stone Gedenkstein Fritz Göhrs commemorates his life. This stone stands as a silent reminder on the northern bank.
From its Slavic origins to its present-day popularity Krumme Lanke’s story unfolds before you. It’s a blend of history nature and culture. This beautiful lake continues to fascinate and inspire those who visit. This unique Berlin landmark invites you to explore its past and enjoy its present. So breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty of Krumme Lanke.