Considering a watery escape right here in Berlin? Lake Tegel is calling. It is not just a lake; it’s a liquid expanse steeped in history and recreation. Lake Tegel, or Tegeler See as the Germans call it, is Berlin’s second largest lake. It sprawls across the northwest of the city in the Reinickendorf borough. More precisely, it is in the Ortsteil of Tegel.
Once upon a time, back in 1322, it was first recorded as Tygel. This name applied to a larger territory. It included the Tegel locality and Tegelort neighborhood.
The River Havel plays a vital role. It flows in and out of Lake Tegel at its western end, making the lake navigable. The Havel-Oder-Wasserstraße administers this navigation.
Most of Lake Tegel’s waterfront is privately owned. However, there are accessible spots. The lake houses several islands. These include Hasselwerder, Lindwerder, Scharfenberg, Reiswerder, Baumwerder, Valentinswerder, and Maienwerder. Ferries serve Scharfenberg, Valentinswerder, and Maienwerder.
Lake Tegel spans an area of 4.5 square kilometers. Only Müggelsee is larger. Lake Tegel is even larger than the well-known Lake Wannsee.
You can easily reach Lake Tegel. Take the U6 underground line to the Alt-Tegel terminus. From there, it is a short walk to the shore. Here, you will find the harbor. Large passenger ships offer tours to Wannsee and Potsdam. The Tegel district also has many restaurants.
The Greenwichpromenade offers a lakeside walk. There is an old footbridge, restaurants, a park, and even a minigolf course. Bus line 222 from Alt-Tegel will take you to a peninsula in Lake Tegel. This is the village of Alttegel.
The Tegeler Forst, a forest west of Alt-Tegel and north of Tegelort, is worth exploring. You can also take a ferry from Tegelort to Hakenfelde. From there, a bus will take you to the S-Bahn to Berlin-Spandau.
Lake Tegel is known for its recreational offerings. The north side features playgrounds and park benches overlooking the water. A miniature golf course is also nearby. Cafés and restaurants invite you to relax and enjoy refreshments. You can bike around the entire lake in about 1.5 hours.
Lake Tegel has great visibility. The Tegeler See lido sits on the northwest shore. Other swimming spots are accessible without entrance fees.
There are nine islands in Lake Tegel. They are Baumwerder, Hasselwerder, Lindwerder, Maienwerder, Reiswerder, Scharfenberg, and Valentinswerder. Humboldt Island and Tegel Island are man-made.
Numerous landing stages line Greenwichpromenade. In the summer, steamboat trips across the lake and Havel are available.
So, whether you are seeking a tranquil escape or an active day out, Lake Tegel offers a refreshing retreat in the heart of Berlin. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of nature and history. Let the waters of Lake Tegel tell their tales as you soak in the serene atmosphere.