Das 32. Internationale Müggelseeschwimmen

The Müggelsee is a vast, calm basin that owes its existence to the deep scars left by the retreating glaciers of the Pleistocene epoch. As you push off from the shore, you are effectively swimming within a giant kettle hole, a depression carved out during the Weichselian glaciation that now serves as the largest lake in the Berlin area. At a maximum depth of around eight meters, the water feels expansive and steady, lacking the abrupt turbulence of river currents but maintaining a rhythmic pulse that tests your ability to maintain a straight line over long distances. The color here is typically a deep, tea-like brown—a result of the organic sediments that define this glacial landscape—which can limit visibility to just a few meters, forcing you to rely entirely on your internal pacing and the sighting markers on the horizon.

Landmarks from the water

Navigating the course, your eyes will frequently be drawn to the heights of the southern bank. The Müggelturm stands as a clear beacon atop the Kleiner Müggelberg; its 1960s architecture offers a distinct silhouette against the sky, replacing the older structure lost to fire decades ago. As you progress, look for the blocky base of the Berlin-Müggelberge TV Tower. This relic of a failed 1950s aviation project, later repurposed by the state security apparatus, remains a surreal, silent observer to your stroke. On the northern shore, the Friedrichshagen waterworks reveal themselves as a majestic industrial complex from the turn of the century, still drawing the lake’s water through deep wells. While local folklore—famously sparked by the 2013 comedy 'Hai-Alarm am Müggelsee'—jokingly suggests the presence of sharks, you will find that the only real inhabitants are the local freshwater fish and the occasional rowing shell, echoing the history of the 1936 Olympic regatta held nearby on the Langer See.

Race day logistics

The Müggelseeschwimmen, organized by the Turngemeinde in Berlin 1848 e.V., is a staple for those seeking an open-water challenge in the heart of Germany's capital. Scheduled for July 13, 2026, the event benefits from the mid-summer water temperatures, which typically hover in the comfortable 20°C to 22°C range, making it suitable for a wide range of swimmers. The race setup reflects the local expertise of the organizers, who utilize the lake's natural layout to provide a safe yet demanding course. Registration fees are structured to cover the comprehensive water safety support and logistical coordination required to manage a course of this scale in such a busy urban transit hub.