The Scharmützelsee

The Scharmützelsee lake is the largest lake in the state of Brandenburg. It is one of over 200 lakes formed during the ice age which make up the catchment area of the Spree and Dahme rivers. It lies south of Fürstenwalde/Spree, between Frankfurt (Oder) and Berlin and was formed by subglacial valleys during the Weichselian glacial period.

The origin of the name Scharmützel is unclear, perhaps due to a skirmish (Schartmützel) here, or it may originate from the Slavic word "koromyslo" (water carrier) or even the word "scormicely" (haze).

On the banks of the lake lie the towns of Bad Saarow, Wendisch Rietz and Diensdorf-Radlow, which have helped to develop a comprehensive tourism infrastructure on the lake.

Almost every watersport you can think of is possible on the Scharmützelsee: swimming, sailing, diving, fishing, surfing, rowing and much, much more. In the region surrounding the lake you can enjoy cycling, hiking, golf, tennis or inline skating. Something to keep everyone happy!

The Scharmützelsee is connected to Storkower and Berliner waters via the Wendisch-Rietzer stream and the Storkower Canal. The Wendisch Rietz lock (dam height: 1.30 m) keeps the water levels of the lake at around 38.3 m. As well as sports boats, a ferry travels on the lake to and from Berlin.