Top 20 Lakes around Scharmützelsee
Best lakes around Scharmützelsee are found in a region renowned for its natural waters in Brandenburg, Germany. Scharmützelsee, often called "The Märkisches Meer," is the second-largest natural lake in Brandenburg, spanning approximately 12 square kilometers and reaching depths of up to 30 meters. The area features clear waters, surrounded by the Saarow hills, and offers a variety of recreational activities and natural landscapes. This lake system provides opportunities for water sports, hiking, and exploring diverse natural features.
Best lakes around Scharmützelsee
- The most popular lakes is Lake Scharmützelsee, a lake that is known as the "Märkisches Meer" and is a popular holiday and leisure destination. It is one of the largest lakes in Brandenburg, offering a variety of accommodation and refreshments.
- Another must-see spot is Scharmützelsee, a lake that is Brandenburg's second largest, measuring 10 kilometers long and up to 29 meters deep. Its clear, soft water is considered excellent for swimming, and the surrounding area offers a great trail for exploration.
- Visitors also love Bad Saarow Harbor, a facilities area with ongoing activity and rest spots. It is a pleasant location to take a break and enjoy the lake views.
- Scharmützelsee is known for large natural lakes, interconnected lake chains, and smaller, spring-fed lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from expansive waters ideal for sailing to quiet, forest-surrounded spots perfect for canoeing.
- The lakes around Scharmützelsee are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1600 upvotes and over 500 photos shared across 27 highlights.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Lake Scharmützelsee
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Bad Saarow Harbor
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Scharmützelsee
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Promenade on Lake Scharmützelsee
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Fontane Park, Bad Saarow
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Scharmützelsee.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Scharmützelsee
Late riser routes – hiking in the Oder-Spree Lake District
66 lakes around Berlin
Berlin's sensational swimming lakes
66-Seen-Wanderweg - Wandern im Seenland Oder-Spree
Hiking around Scharmützelsee
Cycling around Scharmützelsee
Running Trails around Scharmützelsee
MTB Trails around Scharmützelsee
Road Cycling Routes around Scharmützelsee
Gravel biking around Scharmützelsee
Other adventures around Scharmützelsee
Tips from the Community
To mark the 200th anniversary of Fontane's birthday in 2019, sixteen panels with quotes from Theodor Fontane were erected on the peninsula covered in deciduous forest. The Berlin writer and journalist passed by here on his Easter hike through the Mark Brandenburg in 1881. The quotes were cut into panels made of Corten steel using laser technology and screwed onto concrete slabs. The highlight is a steel telescope entitled "View into Nothingness". It refers to a sentence by Fontane from 1881: "There is nothing in Saarow, I know that, and here in Pieskow there is nothing at all."
15
0
The Ludwig Lesser Promenade runs along the edge of the spa park along the lakeshore. It is named after the Berlin landscape architect who planned the park in Bad Saarow around 1910. Here, like a string of pearls, you will find the pavilion, the lakeside balcony, the Kursaal with restaurant terraces and the jetty of the Kurfürstenterrassen, as well as many other sights.
16
1
The Scharmützelsee appears peaceful on this sunny late October day. Incidentally, it is not named after a brief military conflict, but rather takes its name from the Middle Low German corruption of the Old Sorbian word for buckthorn, Čremušn. Brandenburg's second largest lake is ten kilometers long, up to one and a half kilometers wide and a maximum of 29 meters deep.
20
0
No matter which side: the lake is always enchanting for me ☺️
3
0
good opportunities to rest and great kiosks with a lot of choice
0
0
Ride through beautiful natural landscape on very good cycle paths.
0
0
Driving along the lake shore is simply beautiful and there is a lot to discover. A short break to eat a fish sandwich is one option
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Scharmützelsee region special for lake visitors?
The Scharmützelsee region, often called "The Märkisches Meer," is renowned for its diverse natural waters. It features the expansive Lake Scharmützelsee, which is the second-largest natural lake in Brandenburg, alongside smaller, clear spring-fed lakes like Springsee and interconnected chains like the Glubigseen. The area offers a mix of vibrant recreational hubs and tranquil, forest-surrounded spots, making it ideal for various outdoor activities and relaxation.
What activities can I do on and around Scharmützelsee?
Scharmützelsee is a hub for water sports, including sailing, surfing, swimming, and diving. Anglers can find a rich fish population. On land, you can enjoy cycling and hiking paths around its 26 km perimeter. In winter, ice swimming is even possible. The area also offers opportunities for exploring charming towns like Bad Saarow and Wendisch Rietz.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities in the Scharmützelsee area?
Yes, the Scharmützelsee region is very family-friendly. Lake Scharmützelsee itself offers numerous bathing areas and peaceful natural surroundings for exploration. Highlights like Diensdorf Beach Idyll provide swimming areas, snack bars, and playgrounds. Springsee also has a bathing area with a sandy beach and lawn, and offers rentals for stand-up paddleboards, rowing boats, and paddle boats.
What are the best lakes for swimming in the region?
Both Scharmützelsee and Springsee are excellent for swimming. Scharmützelsee is known for its clear, soft water, considered ideal for swimming. Springsee is characterized by its exceptionally clear, spring-fed water, with quality regularly monitored, and features a pleasant bathing area with a sandy beach.
Where can I find less crowded lakes for a peaceful experience?
For a more tranquil experience away from motorboats, the Glubigseen chain is highly recommended. This interconnected system of lakes, including Gruben-, Melang-, Großer and Kleiner Glubigsee, is perfect for peaceful canoe tours through untouched natural beauty, narrow streams, and rustic canals.
Are there good hiking or cycling trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. The 26 km perimeter of Scharmützelsee offers excellent cycling and hiking paths, such as the Scharmützelsee Lakeside Path. The 66-lake hiking trail also passes directly by Springsee, encouraging further exploration. For more detailed routes, you can find numerous options for running, road cycling, and gravel biking around the Scharmützelsee area.
What kind of fish can be found in the lakes, and are there fishing opportunities?
The lakes in the Scharmützelsee region are rich in fish. Scharmützelsee is popular with anglers, featuring eel, zander, pike, carp, and catfish, with zander being particularly active at dusk and night. Springsee also offers various species like eel, perch, pike, carp, tench, and zander, though its clear water requires subtle fishing techniques. You can find more information on fishing waters at Brandenburg Tourism.
Are there places to eat or stay near the lakes?
Yes, the shores of Scharmützelsee, particularly around Bad Saarow and Wendisch Rietz, offer excellent infrastructure including restaurants, cafes, and accommodations with lake views. Bad Saarow Harbor is a great spot for a break with ongoing activity and refreshment options. Springsee also has a natural campsite on its southwest bank.
What natural features or viewpoints should I look for?
The region is characterized by the picturesque Saarow hills surrounding Scharmützelsee, offering scenic views. Springsee is entirely surrounded by forests, providing a serene natural setting. The interconnected Glubigseen chain, formed from an ice-age meltwater channel, offers unique natural beauty with quiet lakes and rustic canals.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Scharmützelsee region?
Visitors frequently praise the magnificent nature, the clear and soft water perfect for swimming, and the extensive network of trails for exploration. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the variety of activities available, from water sports to relaxing by the shore. The infrastructure, including charming harbors like Bad Saarow Harbor, also receives positive feedback.
Can I rent boats or other equipment at the lakes?
Yes, boat rentals are available at Scharmützelsee. At Springsee, you can rent stand-up paddleboards, rowing boats, paddle boats, and bicycles, making it easy to explore the water and surrounding areas.
Is the region suitable for winter activities?
While primarily known for summer recreation, Scharmützelsee offers opportunities for ice swimming in winter, for those seeking a unique cold-weather experience. The surrounding paths are also suitable for winter walks, offering a different perspective of the serene landscape.
Most popular routes around Scharmützelsee
Most popular attractions around Scharmützelsee
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Scharmützelsee? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
