Dahme Lakelands

The Dahme is a tributary of the Spree about 59 miles (95 kilometers) long, flowing southeast of Berlin through the state of Brandenburg and finally into Köpenick. Along the way it widens into a whole chain of lakes known as the Dahme-Seenlandschaft, including the Zeuthener See, the Langer See and the Krüpelsee. The waterways run past towns such as Prieros, Königs Wusterhausen, Zeuthen and Eichwalde before the Dahme meets the Spree in Berlin-Köpenick.

The confluence of the Dahme and the Spree lies just behind the Köpenick palace island, where the two rivers meet at almost a right angle. This exact spot held a Slavic fortress in the Middle Ages. The Sprevani prince Jacza of Köpenick ruled the area until Albert the Bear defeated him in 1157, an event regarded as one of the founding moments of the Margraviate of Brandenburg. So the lakelands are not only a natural landscape but tied closely to the early history of the region.

Today the Dahme lakelands are one of the most popular water sports and day trip areas in southeastern Berlin. The calm, forest-lined waters suit sailing, paddling, rowing and houseboat trips, and swimming spots dot many of the shores. For something more relaxed, explore the landscape on hiking and cycling paths or from the deck of an excursion boat. One tip: Köpenick, with its old town and palace, is the ideal starting point for working your way upstream through the chain of lakes.