Whispers of Diana surround Dianasee. This tranquil lake in Berlin’s Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district is more than just a pretty face. It’s a hidden gem nestled within the Grunewald forest a testament to a bygone era.
Dianasee wasn’t always here. Before 1889 this area was a swampy lowland. A banking consortium purchased a large part of the Grunewald forest. They drained the marshes. They created a luxurious villa colony. Four artificial lakes including Dianasee appeared. Artesian wells filled them with water. The villas surrounding the lake were built for the wealthy. The shores remained undeveloped. They became private gardens belonging to the homeowners. These homeowners gave the lakes their names. Dianasee is named after Diana the Roman goddess of the hunt.
Hidden History: Before its transformation into a picturesque setting the Dianasee area was known as “Diebsloch” or “Thieves’ Hole”. This suggests a wilder more mysterious past. This name hints at the area’s pre-development state a stark contrast to the elegant villas that now surround it.
The lake itself is relatively small. It is long and narrow. It’s about 2 hectares in size. It has a maximum depth of 4.5 meters. The Dianasee is connected to the Koenigssee. They are part of a chain of Grunewald lakes. Access to the lake was once heavily restricted. It was mainly for the residents of the nearby villas. But since the 1980s parts of the Dianasee have become publicly accessible. The Sportfischer Verein Wilmersdorf a local angling club has a lease on the lake for fishing.
A charming bridge spans the narrow channel between Dianasee and Koenigssee. This is the Hasensprungbrücke a historical landmark from 1920. It features charming sculptures of hares. The name “Hasensprung” comes from a vineyard in the Rheingau region of Germany. Legend has it the name and several others in the area were chosen after a wine-filled evening by some of the colony’s founders.
So next time you visit Dianasee take a moment to appreciate its history. Consider the transformation from swamp to stylish retreat. Imagine the lives lived in those grand villas that grace the shores. Reflect on the story of Diana. Appreciate the beauty of this unique Berlin lake.