It’s almost December, which, as we all know, is the season for Christmas markets, sauna visits, ice skating, and cozy winter activities by the water. If that last one made you raise your eyebrows, allow us to explain in two words: Strandbad Wendenschloss. This lakeside spot in Köpenick offers all of the wintery things just mentioned, with a program of seasonal activities located around a waterfront area. There’s a food-focused Weihnachtsmarkt serving hot drinks and food on all Advent weekends (Friday to Sunday) and on the Christmas holidays (25. & 26.12). The ice rink, which opens on 28.11.2024, is open from Wednesday to Sunday, offering fun for all ages, including themed evenings such as family days and ice discos with hits from the 80s and 90s. And for the sauna part: a cozy floating sauna is available, mounted on top of a raft on the water, which can be rented for two-hour sessions for up to four people. If sipping is more your vibe than sweating, there’s also a Glühwein (mulled wine) raft available for groups of up to 12 people, offering cozy rides with warm drinks on board. Who says lakes are just for summer?

Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Strandbad Wendenschloss & Daria Buntaria

Strandbad Wendenschloss, Möllhausenufer 30, 12557 Berlin–Köpernick; map
Wed–Thu 14–20h, Fri 14–22h, Sat 12–22h & Sun 12–20h. The winter program runs until 26.12.2024 (inclusive).

@strandbad_wendenschloss

North of Berlin lies the tranquil little town of Gransee. I only knew it as a stopover on the way to Fürstenberg or Neustrelitz (my highlights when it comes to hiking routes in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern). With its limited atmosphere and charm, the train station never inspired me to explore the area further. But, after all these years, I was pleasantly surprised! Gransee is an impressive and picturesque old town, brimming with historic buildings. It’s a delight to wander through the narrow streets before heading into the forest and nature beyond. With coffee in hand from the traditional bakery, we marveled at the Powder Tower and Ruppiner Tor, the St. Spiritus Chapel, the 14th-century Marienkirche, the Granseer Wartturm, a monument to Queen Luise in the town square, a historic town wall, and a Franciscan monastery. Amidst these landmarks were charming old houses and quaint shops. Despite the idyllic tranquility, we were eager to reach the wilderness, which awaited us in the form of a hilly forest just beyond the houses. We were immediately rewarded with plenty of parasol mushrooms, which we passed up this time, choosing to fill our baskets with porcini mushrooms instead.

After traversing forest and meadow, we reached the Huwenowsee, with its large, empty bathing area — a perfect spot for a rest. The path along the shore of the Huwenowsee leads you to the second lake, the Dölchsee, and from there, it’s just a stone’s throw to the third, the “Big Dölchsee.” After enjoying this trio of lakes, the tour winds back into the forest, guiding you through the final third of the route to Gransee. For me, this hike has all the elements of a perfect tour: a varied landscape, few to no people, mushrooms to forage, and, of course, coffee to go at the start. In autumn, it’s worth starting early to account for the early sunset, as the hike spans 18 kilometers. Incidentally, my favorite discovery in Gransee was an old, now-closed gas station from the 1950s. An internet search revealed this “Grand See” petrol station once won a prize for the most beautiful gas station in Brandenburg.

Text & Photos: Laura Iriondo

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@fortuna.forest