Jungfernsee Lake

Address: Jungfernsee, Potsdam/Berlin border area, Brandenburg, Germany

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.

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.

• 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.