Did you know that Krumme Lanke boasts a unique feature among Berlin’s lakes? Unlike its neighbors teeming with various fish species Krumme Lanke is home exclusively to asp. This slender predatory fish adds a touch of mystery to the lake’s serene beauty. Krumme Lanke itself is a picturesque spot nestled in the southwest of Berlin. It is part of the Grunewald chain of lakes. This stunning body of water is 1100 meters long with a circumference of 2.5 kilometers. Its depth reaches up to 6.6 meters. Its surface area covers 154000 square meters.
The lake’s history is rich and fascinating. Long before Berlin was even a twinkle in a margrave’s eye Krumme Lanke held a place in history. In 1251 the village of Crumense was located by Krumme Lanke. Cistercian monks from Lehnin Abbey purchased it. The name Crumense which means crooked lake hints at the lake’s shape. The lake’s presence is documented as early as 1543 and 1591 when it was called Krummensee. The village was likely abandoned shortly after the purchase. Excavations there revealed Slavic pottery suggesting a prior Slavic settlement.
A darker chapter in Krumme Lanke’s history involves its association with the SS. Between 1938 and 1940 an SS colony was built along its shores. The GAGFAH property company worked with the Office for Race and Settlement to create this community for SS officers. Most streets there were renamed after the war. Only one street Im Kinderland remained. The wife of an SS officer suggested this name to indicate children inheriting high-quality genetic material.
Krumme Lanke has inspired artists over the years. Berliner folk singer Fredy Sieg wrote a song about it in 1923. The quartet Insterburg & Co. also featured it in a song on their 1973 album. Even indie artist Ducktails included an instrumental piece named Krumme Lanke on his album St Catherine.
Today a path runs along the lake’s edge. This popular spot attracts joggers and walkers alike. Two bathing areas cater to different preferences. One is a designated naturist beach. There is also a dog exercise area although it is currently overgrown. The northern bank also holds a memorial to Sergeant Fritz Göhrs. He tragically drowned in 1928 after his horse startled and threw him into the lake.
So next time you visit this beautiful lake remember these stories. Reflect on its long history its unique inhabitants and the echoes of the past that linger in its peaceful waters. Krumme Lanke isn’t just a lake it’s a living testament to Berlin’s rich and complex past.