Top 10 Weekend Lake-cations

Take Me to the Lakes (Weekender Edition Berlin) is a BECYCLE favorite, especially this time of year. This really is the season to showcase it on your coffee tables or front-and-center on the shelf to inspire summer weekend getaways. This book guides you away (but not too terribly far) from Berlin into the picturesque countryside where various forms of housing and bodies of water await your arrival for the weekend. Outlined inside are several excursions to fulfill your getaway with relaxation and plenty of outdoor activities, tapping into your adventurous side. Below are our top 10 favorites excerpts from this latest and greatest edition to help plan your next lake-cation. Find the book in our shop!


1. Hans und Otto | House | North of Berlin (PAGE 82)

This location is a nature lovers dream. You're just a short walk from two lakes and a national park. From the property, just a two kilometers wander will bring you to the Darss Forest and nearby beach. As for the housing, the Hans house can accommodate up to six people and Otto up to four. You can see from the photo alone, these guesthouses are nestled into the natural environment full of wooded landscapes, water and pastures. 


2. Gut Klostermühle | Hotel | East of Berlin (PAGE 212)

Located on Malitzer See’s Shores, sits Gut Klostermühle. This hotel underwent a 10 year long restoration/expansion process and now houses 66 rooms, five holiday homes and six apartments, giving you plenty of accommodating options! Lake access is only allowed to restaurant and hotel guests so there's tranquility wherever you find yourself along its shore. Rent a boat, since you'll be one of a few lucky ones to enjoy Malitzer See's pristine water.  Or, if you prefer the land, take a meandering walk through the forest surrounding the property. Finish your day with a delicious meal at the in-house restaurant Klosterscheune, offering freshly caught game or fish from the nearby area.


3. Strandhaus Spreewald | Hotel | South of Berlin (PAGE 246)

This four star hotel with the Lübbener Strandcafe attached is described as “the perfect getaway” for people who want to witness the beauty of Brandenburg’s Spreewald, which is a biosphere reserve known for its pine forests and winding wetlands. This location is great for winter and summer trips, as you can spend warm up by the crackling fireplace, relax in its spa, or swim in the nearby waterways. 


4. Ferienhaus Beetzsee | House | West Berlin (PAGE 268)

Conveniently located in Westhavelland Nature Park, this house is perfect for families looking for a getaway with their friends. It can accommodate up to three families. The massive garden located nearby is perfect for adventures for the kids as it offers plenty of space to explore. If cycling is your interest you’ll be happy to know that the path Storchenradweg circles the entire lake where you can see much a wildlife along the way. Swimming and paddling out on the lake are also, of course, must-dos!  


5. Lausitzer Seenland Resort | House | South of Berlin (PAGE 234)

This unique resort offers several options depending on group size and preferences. The three floating holiday homes can each hold up to six people, the two country homes can house up to eight, and small groups or couples can rent an apartment in the house located near the lake. If you want to hit the beach while staying here, they recommend Geierswalder See where you will find clear waters even at two meters deep. It's a great lake for water sports! Several other nearby lakes can also be accessed from this point. 


6. Villa am Trumpf | Apartment | North of Berlin (PAGE 184)

This home was once used as a holiday home in the early 20th century, but now serves as three holiday apartments that can house two to four people at a time. Inside you’ll find each has a different decorative theme, but come with the same lush view of open landscape and the lake Entgrützenbruch. You can spend your time lounging out on the terrace and its gardens, or make your way to one of the sunbathing spots among the two lakes located nearby. 


7. Modern Houseboat | House | East of Berlin (PAGE 220)

Fulfill your fascination of houseboats with a cosy stay in this relaxing modern houseboat offering sweeping and unbeatable views of the Rummelsburg Bay. Take a seat and enjoy your time with a constantly changing scene of boats floating past and the wildlife who call this bay home. If your interests move towards taking a dip, then head towards one of the many local beaches outlined in the book that will satisfy your craving of cool waters and warm sunbathing. This one-of-a-kind lake-cation spot is perfect for a small family or a couple looking for a unique, but relaxing experience. 


8. Parkchâlet Potsdam | Apartments | West of Berlin (PAGE 316)

This property is full of rich history that seep into the walls of its apartments. The foundation is based off of the Swiss homes that Prince Carl of Prussia had erected. The architects maintained some of this style with modern twists such as massive panoramic windows. From here, you can take day trips to local museums, gardens and palaces. If you want to escape into nature instead,  take off onto the many connecting cycling and walking trail.


9. Seehotel am Neuklostersee | Hotel | North of Berlin (PAGE 160)

Originating from a 19th century building, this hotel now has 26 rooms and suites, as well as three holiday homes. The hotel's grand park contains its own private sandy beach or you can choose to take a two hour walk around the circumference of the lake, testing out many bathing spots along the way. The hotel's restaurant "Allesistgut" is always a good option to wrap up your day with a menu full of slow-food principles including regional and seasonal ingredients. 


10. Elisabeth am See | Apartment | West of Berlin (PAGE 264)

After careful renovation, this guesthouse was perfectly crafted to delight its guests' senses with its architecture and design matching its surroundings. Inside you can find a space perfect for up to four guests offering a relaxing spa and cosy pavilion in the garden. You will have direct access to a private pier on the Templiner See, giving you access to swim with a breathtaking view of the Caputh Castle. If you find yourself in need of a break from such solitude, take a short walk to the public beach where you can enjoy the company of other beach goers. 


Well, are you inspired already? Of course you are! Now get your copy in the studio today and start planning your next weekend lake-ation. 


Article written by Meghan Huwer