Contemplate a glacial trough from the last ice age. That is Schlachtensee. This lake in southwest Berlin sits on the edge of the Grunewald forest. Schlachtensee is more than just a body of water. It’s a place steeped in history and natural beauty.
Schlachtensee lends its name to the surrounding area. The student residence Studentendorf Schlachtensee is nearby. This area has been part of Berlin since 1920.
Schlachtensee is the southernmost in the Grunewald chain of lakes. These lakes emerged some 15000 years ago. They formed as a glacial trough. Schlachtensee boasts a surface area of around 42.1 hectares. Its circumference spans 5.5 kilometers. The maximum depth reaches 8.5 meters. It is one of Berlin’s larger lakes.
Locals and tourists love Schlachtensee. Many come for walking and swimming. The water quality is good.
In the Middle Ages a village existed on the southern shore of Schlachtensee. The village was called Slatdorp. It fell desolate after 1300. Modern times saw the construction of two fishing lodges. The Old Fishing Lodge appeared in 1759. It was built on the northwestern shore. The New Fishing Lodge followed in 1853. It was built on the southern shore.
Until well into the 19th century the district consisted of unsettled forest and farmland. Later a small train station was built south of Schlachtensee lake. It was on the Wannsee railway line. A private development company bought the land south of the station. They incorporated it into Zehlendorf. Small country houses were built. They contained around 3 to 4 rooms each. These were for the lower middle class. Larger houses and mansions were built later. These were north of Spanische Allee. This became a new mansion settlement. Many small businesses opened around Breisgauer Straße. This is today’s commercial center of Schlachtensee.
The Paul-Ernst Park sits next to the S-Bahnhof Schlachtensee. The park is named for the writer Paul Ernst. He lived from 1866 to 1933. The park contains a memorial stone. It is open to the public. It runs down the slope to the lake. It extends half a kilometer around the southern shore. At the end of the park is a large wooded area. The area over the S-Bahn station is landscaped into lawns.
Schlachtensee is a popular bathing lake. People can rent boats here. There is also a beer garden. Around Schlachtensee is a seven-kilometer-long lakeside path. The path is surrounded by forest. Walkers and joggers love it. Sunbathing lawns stretch from the S-Bahn line to the lake. These are near the Schlachtensee station. Visitors can also sunbathe in the northeastern part. A children’s playground and a restaurant with beer garden are available. Anglers will find 18 species of fish in the waters.
Schlachtensee is ideal for swimming. This is due to its high water quality. The shore areas with their sunbathing lawns offer the best water access. Swimming is not without danger in some areas. This is due to the formation of whirlpools.
In 1750 a hut was built on the eastern shore. Today it houses the restaurant “Alte Fischerhütte”.
Since 2020 the lake is part of a new quarter of the same name. Schlachtensee became a separate locality. It was formed from parts of Nikolassee and Zehlendorf. This happened in May 2020.
Today Schlachtensee remains a beautiful escape. It is a reminder of Berlin’s natural beauty. It offers recreation and relaxation. It is easily accessible by the S1 line.