Strandbad Wannsee

Contributor Review – Claudine Pascal
Local Expert. Visited 2024

We’d heard so much about Strandbad Wannsee from locals and Berliners alike that I figured it was about time I checked it out myself. It was one of those hot summer days when the entire city seemed to melt, and we were desperately craving some relief by the water. We knew it would be busy, but we weren't quite prepared for just how many people had the same idea!

When we arrived at the entrance, we were met with a long queue—probably the first downside of Wannsee on a hot day. The line moved slowly, and I could see a few frustrated faces around me. It took about 30 minutes to get in, but to be honest, the old-world charm of the place started kicking in as soon as we entered. It felt like I had stepped into a Berlin from decades ago, with the retro buildings and beachside setup straight out of an old postcard.

Once we were through, we headed straight for the nude FKK (Freikörperkultur) section. I was with my partner, and while I’ve been to nude beaches in Europe before, it was his first time in a proper nude beach in Germany. He was a little hesitant at first, but to be honest, the vibe here is so laid-back and open that we both felt comfortable right away. The people in the FKK area were mostly families, lots of locals, and plenty of people our age, which made it even easier to relax.

We were lucky enough to rent one of those adorable little beach huts (Strandkorb), which turned out to be perfect for escaping the intense midday sun. These huts have a bit of shade, and you can close them up for a bit of privacy or open them up to feel the breeze. Definitely worth the few extra euros, especially if you plan on staying the whole day like we did. The official Strandbad Wannasee website has all the prices but unfortunately the whole site is in German, but luckily most staff here speak English well.

Despite the crowds, the beach had this really relaxing, almost nostalgic feel to it. The sand—imported all the way from the Baltic Sea—was soft and clean, and there were plenty of spots to settle down if you weren’t too picky about the crowds. As it got later in the day, we noticed more nudists casually strolling around, and it felt so freeing to just enjoy the sun without a care. The FKK section wasn’t too rowdy, just people sunbathing, swimming, and keeping to themselves.

One thing that did frustrate me a little was the food situation. There’s an Imbiss stand where you can get the usual fare like sausages, fries, and ice cream, but the queues were just as bad as the one at the entrance. If you’re coming on a busy day, I’d recommend bringing some snacks with you. The coffee wasn’t great, but at least the currywurst hit the spot.

The water was lovely—shallow for a long stretch, which is perfect if you’re not looking to swim too far out. It gets deeper gradually, so you can have a nice, relaxing dip without too much effort. It’s not the crystal-clear sea I’d seen at a Greek nude beach, but for a lake in Berlin, it did the job just fine. You don’t come here expecting the Mediterranean, after all!

We stayed until the late afternoon when the crowds started thinning out. As busy as it was during the day, it never felt overwhelming in the FKK section. Everyone was respectful and friendly, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the most relaxing days I’ve had in a while. Wannsee really is a hidden gem among nude beaches in Europe—it’s a step back in time with all the amenities you need for a fun, laid-back day by the water.

Highly recommend grabbing a Strandkorb if you can, and definitely pack some snacks and drinks to avoid those long food queues. Despite the busy start, the day turned out to be worth it. Wannsee is a charming, nostalgic retreat from the city that I’ll definitely be returning to, especially now that we know the ropes!