Strandbad Wannsee is Berlin classic, an open-air lido featuring a long beach with cute wicker beach chairs (Strandkorb), a lake to swim/play in and the odd duck and swan swimming nearby!
If you are travelling there by train, get off the train at S Bahnhof Nikolassee, take the exit with the name 'Strandbad Wannsee', cross the quiet road and walk across the bridge. Keep walking straight through the forest, cross the main road and beyond the next section of trees you will find the beach. At a typical adult's pace, I would say it takes about 10 minutes to get there. With a walking 5 year old, it was closer to 20 minutes, but it's a pleasant stroll through the woodland. There is also a bus stop just outside the station and it takes about 5 mins to the entrance.
There is an admission fee for Strandbad Wannsee (prices detailed below), and a wide entrance for those using strollers or wheelchairs. On the left-hand-side, there is a wide path that winds all the way down to the beach (for those with strollers and wheelchair users). It is quite long and takes you down to a basic playground and an area of beach with beautiful 'weeping willow' trees that offer plenty of shade. There are also plenty of rocks to climb and slide about on. Alternatively, straight ahead of you, after entering the Strandbad, you will find patches of grass, complete with giant chess sets, and steps taking you down to the main area of beach.
In the main building, you will find a few food places selling the German stalwarts, a shop selling children's beach items such as buckets and spades and inflatables, changing rooms, toilets and showers.
In the main building, you will find a few food places selling the German stalwarts, a shop selling children's beach items such as buckets and spades and inflatables, changing rooms, toilets and showers.
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The lake is pretty shallow for quite a distance, which is fabulous when you're there with children and for the older kids, there is a slide which sits a bit further out in the water. The beach was pretty clean when we were there, but don't expect clear blue water. Wannsee doesn't have the best water clarity and there is a lot of seaweed, but nothing deters thousands of Berliners descending here in the hot summer months. There are a lot of boats in the water, which doesn't help the water, but they do produce waves for the kids to jump,
One of the major pluses of this lido is the wildlife that hang out there. Ducks, geese and swans all come to say hello, and cause a real stir among the wee ones.
One of the major pluses of this lido is the wildlife that hang out there. Ducks, geese and swans all come to say hello, and cause a real stir among the wee ones.
It made for a lovely day out and going on a weekday definitely means beating the major crowds.
The wicker beach huts can be rented (follow the 'Strandkorb Mieten' signs or just settle yourself somewhere along the beach. You can read a bit about the lido's history here.
Strandbad Wannsee
Wannseebadweg 25, 14129 Berlin
Website
General prices
Adults €5.50, Children 5 years + €3.50, under 5's free, Family card €11.50 (Monday - Sunday 2 adults, up to 5 children)
Further prices can be found (in German) here
The wicker beach huts can be rented (follow the 'Strandkorb Mieten' signs or just settle yourself somewhere along the beach. You can read a bit about the lido's history here.
Strandbad Wannsee
Wannseebadweg 25, 14129 Berlin
Website
General prices
Adults €5.50, Children 5 years + €3.50, under 5's free, Family card €11.50 (Monday - Sunday 2 adults, up to 5 children)
Further prices can be found (in German) here