Best attractions and places to see around Großer Däbersee are situated within the Märkische Schweiz Nature Park in eastern Brandenburg. This natural lake, formed during the Weichselian glaciation, is surrounded by forests and connected to other lakes, providing a tranquil natural setting. The area features a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and recreational spots. Visitors can explore the lake itself, historical landmarks, and various hiking routes.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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This is the former summer residence of John Heartfield, the founder of political photomontage. http://www.heartfield.de/ The John Heartfield House in Waldsieversdorf in Märkische Schweiz was John Heartfield's summer house, which he moved into in 1957 and which is now a meeting place and memorial. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/John-Heartfield-Haus_Waldsieversdorf
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Wooden bridge with metal railings and the wooden bridge sign right next to it, in case someone doesn't see it.
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Wooden bridge between 2 lakes near Waldsieversdorf. You can go hiking around the large Däbersee.
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The Great Däbersee was formed from a dead ice hole during the Weichselian glaciation. It covers 18.6 hectares and averages 8 meters in depth. The greatest depth is 16 meters. Its inflow is via the Diebsgraben from Müncheberg, through the Gumnitz and Great Schlagenthinsee nature reserve, via the Kreuzfließ stream and the Kleiner Däbersee. The Mühlenplumpe stream, the Bullenwiese stream, and several fish ponds form the outflow into the Stöbber. https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gro%C3%9Fer_D%C3%A4bersee
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The Bullenwiese is one of the outflows of the Großer Däbersee.
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A free visit is possible on weekends.
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Beautiful lake that you can comfortably walk around.
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The Papillensee is located in Märkische Schweiz, a charming hilly landscape east of Berlin. The lake has an area of around 4 hectares and is up to 7 meters deep. It is surrounded by a mixed forest landscape and provides a habitat for numerous bird species, including the kingfisher, the bittern and the osprey. The Papillensee originally emerged as a sand pit, which was converted into a bathing and fishing water in the 1930s. Today the lake is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. There is also a campsite and a forest hotel in the immediate vicinity of the lake.
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The primary natural attraction is the Great Däber Lake itself, known for its clear waters and diverse fish species. Its shores are home to rare bladderwort and freshwater sponges. The lake is largely encircled by tranquil forests and is connected to Kleiner Däbersee, Papillensee, and the Stöbber river system, offering a network of natural landscapes within the Märkische Schweiz Nature Park.
Yes, you can visit the John Heartfield House on the eastern shore, which was the residence of the renowned artist John Heartfield. It now serves as a cultural site with exhibitions of his photomontages. Additionally, the Schwedenschanze, remnants of an early medieval Slavic castle complex, offers historical insight and panoramic views between Großer and Kleiner Däbersee.
Families can enjoy the Volksbad (Public Swimming Area) on the northern side of Großer Däbersee, which features sunbathing lawns, a water slide, and a diving tower. The Wooden bridge at Papillensee is a picturesque spot along family-friendly hiking routes. Many of the trails, including the circular path around Großer Däbersee, are suitable for families.
Absolutely! There is an approximately 3-kilometer signposted circular hiking trail around Großer Däbersee, offering scenic views. For more options, you can explore various routes in the area, including easy hikes like the 'Little Däbersee – Papillen Lake loop from Waldsieversdorf'. Find more hiking routes on the Easy hikes around Großer Däbersee guide.
For comprehensive panoramic views, ascend the Himmelsleiter Staircase to the water tower. From the top, you'll get a wide view of Waldsieversdorf and the surrounding wooded landscape. The Schwedenschanze also provides excellent views over the lake.
Beyond hiking, the area offers excellent opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can find various routes, such as the 'Waldsieversdorf Water Tower – Great Däber Lake loop from Waldsieversdorf' for mountain biking or the 'Buckow town centre – Great Däber Lake loop from Naturpark Märkische Schweiz' for touring bicycles. Explore more options on the MTB Trails around Großer Däbersee and Cycling around Großer Däbersee guides.
Yes, Großer Däbersee is suitable for swimming. The Volksbad (Public Swimming Area) on the northern side provides an official bathing area with amenities. Natural bathing spots can also be found around the lake, offering a refreshing experience.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil natural setting of Great Däber Lake, often describing it as an idyllic insider tip less crowded than other lakes. The scenic views from the Wooden bridge at Papillensee and the panoramic vistas from the Himmelsleiter Staircase are also highly rated. The blend of natural beauty and historical sites like the John Heartfield House adds to the appeal.
Beyond the historical sites, a unique attraction is the equatorial sundial, meticulously crafted by a local blacksmith, which accurately displays the current solar time for Waldsieversdorf. The Himmelsleiter Staircase leading to the water tower is also a distinctive architectural feature.
The area is beautiful year-round, but late spring to early autumn (May to October) is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and swimming, when the weather is pleasant. The John Heartfield House is typically open on weekends from May to early October.
The Volksbad (Public Swimming Area) on the northern side of Großer Däbersee includes a snack bar. For more options, you'll find cafes and pubs in the nearby village of Waldsieversdorf and surrounding areas within the Märkische Schweiz Nature Park.
Yes, there are several easy hiking routes. The circular trail around Großer Däbersee is generally considered easy. Another popular easy option is the 'Little Däbersee – Papillen Lake loop from Waldsieversdorf', which is about 3 km long. You can find more easy routes on the Easy hikes around Großer Däbersee guide.


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