Krumme Laake

Hidden within Berlin’s embrace lies Krumme Laake, a lake whose name, meaning “crooked lake,” perfectly captures its winding form. Krumme Laake is nestled in the southwest of Berlin, in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf borough, bordering the serene Grunewald forest. It’s the southernmost lake in the Grunewald chain, following Nikolassee and Schlachtensee. Krumme Laake stretches over 1,100 meters, boasting a 2.5-kilometer circumference. Its depths reach 6.6 meters, and its surface spans an impressive 154,000 square meters. A popular path encircles Krumme Laake, attracting joggers and walkers alike. Two bathing areas invite visitors to refresh themselves, one of which is dedicated to naturism. A designated exercise area for dogs exists on the northern bank, though currently overgrown. Unlike its neighboring lakes teeming with diverse fish species, Krumme Laake is uniquely home to asp. On Krumme Laake’s northern bank stands a memorial to Sergeant Fritz Göhrs. In 1928, while patrolling on horseback around the lake, Göhrs’ horse was startled. The horse threw him into the lake and tragically fell on top of him, leading to his drowning. Krumme Laake’s history stretches back to 1251 when the monks of Lehnin Abbey purchased the village of Crumense, situated by the lake. This acquisition followed their earlier purchase of Zehlendorf, Schlachtensee, and Nikolassee in 1242. The village of Crumense, likely named after the crooked lake, vanished not long after its purchase. Remnants of Slavic pottery suggest an earlier Slavic settlement. Between 1938 and 1940, an SS colony arose near Krumme Laake, built by the GAGFAH property company. This “closed community for the officers of the SS,” as Heinrich Himmler envisioned it, saw its street names changed after 1945. However, one street, “Im Kinderland” (In the land of children), retained its name, a chilling reminder of the colony’s purpose. Today, Krumme Laake offers a tranquil escape, its history whispering through the trees.