Plizio Visual Lab

Schwielowsee

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Schwielowsee is a prominent water body in the Havelland region, located southwest of Potsdam, forming a significant expansion of the Havel river. Covering approximately 7.8 square kilometers, it is one of the most scenic lakes in the area and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The lakeside communities of Caputh, Ferch, and Petzow are renowned for their historical architecture and cultural significance. Caputh is home to Albert Einstein's summer house, where he resided between 1929 and 1932, as well as a Baroque palace. The village of Ferch at the southern end was the seat of an important 19th-century artist colony. Geographically, the lake is shallow, with an average depth of only three meters, making it a popular destination for sailors and windsurfers. The harmonious blend of water, pine forests, and palace architecture attracts numerous visitors every year.

Location: Brandenburg, Germany
Top sights: Freilichtbühne · Dorfkirche Petzow · Schloss Petzow
Nearby: Beelitz (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	0	4	9	14	18	21	20	15	10	5	1
Rain mm	54	38	40	29	53	57	81	58	49	49	49	48

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Positioned conveniently southwest of Potsdam, accessing this beloved lake is a breeze via the well-connected local train network, suburban buses, or by taking a remarkably scenic bicycle ride along the Havel river paths.

📅

Best season

The warmest months from May to September undeniably draw the largest crowds seeking swimming and sailing, but the spirited, colorful autumn weeks provide a serene, photogenic atmosphere for photography and long, quiet walks.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The terrain defining the shoreline is predominantly flat and heavily wooded, boasting an excellent, continuous network of smoothly paved cycling tracks and wide walking paths that seamlessly link the various historic lakeside villages.

🎒

What to bring

Standard casual clothing and reliable walking shoes are entirely sufficient for exploring the paths, though packing a quality camera and perhaps a light windbreaker to combat the breezy conditions near the water is often a wise choice.

🅿️

Parking

Structured parking facilities, mostly requiring a modest fee, are strategically located in towns such as Caputh and Ferch, offering convenient access points for visitors starting their circum-navigation or finding a swimming spot.

⚠️

Safety

The infrastructure is highly developed and intrinsically safe; visitors partaking in aquatic activities should naturally adhere strictly to standard boating regulations and avoid encroaching upon the clearly designated nature conservation zones.

⏱️

Time needed

While a brief visit for a lakeside coffee might last an hour or two, comprehensively touring the entire lake by bicycle or enjoying a multi-stop ferry ride frequently provides an idyllic, highly fulfilling full-day experience.

Geography

Coordinates

52.35000, 12.94000

Facts

Surface area of approx. 7.8 km², maximum depth of about 9 meters.
The lake is 5.4 km long and up to 2 km wide.
The Einstein House in Caputh was built in 1929 using timber construction.
Part of the chain of lakes along the Potsdam Havel river.
Petzow Palace on the western shore was remodeled according to plans by Schinkel.
The lake surface elevation is 29 meters above sea level.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Schwielowsee1 km · SEExplore →

Werder3 km · NExplore →

Sanssouci Palace9 km · NEExplore →

Potsdam10 km · NEExplore →

Biosphäre Potsdam10 km · NEExplore →

Glienicke Bridge12 km · NEExplore →

Filmpark Babelsberg13 km · EExplore →

📍Beelitz13 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Schwielowsee (10)

Freilichtbühne

Theatre in Schwielowsee. Open-air stage for performances and events.

Dorfkirche Petzow

Church building in Werder (Havel), Brandenburg. Historic village church in Petzow.

Schloss Petzow

Building was converted into apartments. Former castle, now apartments.

Schloßpark Petzow🌳 park

Castle in Petzow, now part of Werder. Park around the former castle.

Ziegeleimuseum & Ziegelmanufaktur Glindow

Museum in Germany. Exhibition on brickmaking and traditional brick production.

Glindower Alpen

Nature reserve in Brandenburg, Germany. Protected hill landscape with rare plants.

Ziegelturm

Museum in Germany. Tower with exhibition on the history of the brick industry.

Strengbrücke

Bridge near Werder (Havel) in Germany. Road bridge over the Havel.

Belvedere

Viewpoint in Schwielowsee. View over the landscape and the lake.

Baumgartenbrücke

Bridge over the Havel in Brandenburg. Connects the banks of the Havel.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Schwielowsee popular with artists?

The special lighting atmosphere inspired the Havelland painters' colony in Ferch.

Where did Albert Einstein live at Schwielowsee?

Einstein spent the summer months in his summer house in Caputh, which can be visited.

Is there a castle at Schwielowsee?

Yes, Caputh Castle is the only preserved castle of the Great Elector in the region.

What is the best way to cross the lake?

The cable ferry in Caputh connects Caputh with Geltow and is a local attraction.

Which places should one visit?

Visit Caputh (castle), Ferch (painters' village), and Petzow with its Lenné Park.

Schwielowsee: where is it located?

Schwielowsee is located in Brandenburg, Germany.

Schwielowsee: what is there to see?

Highlights include Freilichtbühne, Dorfkirche Petzow, Schloss Petzow.

Schwielowsee: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Schwielowsee: why is it worth visiting?

Lake Schwielowsee is a prominent water body in the Havelland region, located southwest of Potsdam, forming a significant expansion of the Havel river.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →