Jungfernsee

Lake Scenic lake on Havel River near Potsdam

Jungfernsee on the Havel near Potsdam draws boaters and walkers to lakeside villas, riverside paths and views toward Glienicke Bridge.

Main image

Jungfernsee is a lake-like bay of the River Havel immediately north of Potsdam in Brandenburg, Germany, forming part of the Havel’s linked lakes and channels. It is a freshwater body bordered by parkland and historic sites on its shores.

Shoreline highlights include the Neuer Garten with the palace Cecilienhof and the nearby Glienicke Bridge, all of which sit within easy viewing distance of the water. Boat routes on the Havel pass through the Jungfernsee and riverside promenades and park paths provide the main visitor vantage points.

The waterbody developed as part of the Havel river system and has long been integrated into Potsdam’s designed landscapes and transport links. Its shores host 18th- and 19th-century park and palace constructions that face the lake.

Jungfernsee lies on the northern edge of Potsdam, immediately adjacent to the Berlin city boundary; it separates parts of Potsdam’s parkland from Berlin’s Wannsee district and is reached by local roads and waterways.

  • Waterway: The Jungfernsee is a bay of the Havel river system lying immediately north of central Potsdam and forms part of the city's lakes and waterways.

What to See #

  • Neuer Garten / Cecilienhof: The Neuer Garten estate and **Cecilienhof** palace sit on the Potsdam shore and are visible from the lake's edge; Cecilienhof is notable for its riverside position within the parkland.
  • Glienicke Bridge: Glienicke Bridge links Potsdam and Berlin close to the northern end of the waterbody and provides an accessible viewpoint over the Jungfernsee.
Jungfernsee
Jungfernsee, Potsdam/Berlin border area, Brandenburg, Germany
52.4280, 13.0692

How to Get to Jungfernsee #

Accessible from Potsdam city center; take regional trains to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof then local buses or a 30-40 minute walk to the lakeshore and Glienicke Bridge area. Some Berlin S-Bahn/RB services also connect to Potsdam.

Tips for Visiting Jungfernsee #

  • Walk the lakeside path toward the Glienicke Bridge for the best mix of lake views and grand 19th-century villas.
  • Bring binoculars-Jungfernsee attracts cormorants and grebes.
  • Visit early morning for quiet water and soft light on the nineteenth-century mansions.

Best Time to Visit Jungfernsee #

Late spring to early autumn is ideal for visiting the lake and surrounding villas.

Summer
June-August · 16-25°C
Pleasant for boat trips and lakeside strolls.
Spring/Autumn
April-June, Sep-Oct · 8-18°C
Fewer tourists and crisp air, good for photography.

Weather & Climate near Jungfernsee #

Climate

Jungfernsee's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (542 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
13°

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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