Richard Meissner / iStock

GERMANY: Berlin has many beautiful lakes where you can while away the hours on a warm summer day. In fact, there are almost 80 lakes, plus numerous others in the surrounding area. The choice was hard, but here are our top five sensational summer swimming spots in the German capital.

1. Wannsee: Ideal for Sports and Sunbathing

Located in Berlin Zehlendorf, Wannsee is particularly popular with sports enthusiasts. In addition to the many water sports on offer, there is also a bungee trampoline station, a beach volleyball court and a football pitch to keep the younger guests amused. For those who prefer to sunbathe, we guarantee you'll find a relaxing feel-good spots on one of the super comfortable beach chairs.

2. Müggelsee: Berlin's Largest Lake

The largest of Berlin's lakes is Müggelsee in the Treptow-Köpenick district. The size of the lake makes it an excellent choice for surfing, sailing or boating. Various boat tours also depart from Müggelsee, giving you some relaxing time on the water and a great view of the bathing spots on offer. There are many cafés and restaurants around the lake, which makes this the perfect way to spend a day in the capital.

3. Plötzensee: Holiday Feeling at the Beach Bar

At “Strandbad Plötzensee” lido, you can spread a towel and sink onto the sand beach or, if you prefer, you can rent one of the beach chairs for a small fee. There are plenty of  activities for children and sports lovers alike, such as ping-pong tables, playgrounds or courts for volleyball, basketball and football. The beach closes at 7pm, but our top tip is to hang around until 10pm and enjoy summery drinks at the lake's popular beach bar.

4. Naturerlebnisbad Großbeeren: Pure Nature and Wakeboarding

If you want to visit the popular “Naturerlebnisbad Großbeeren” - a small bathing lake surrounded by nature - you'll have to travel a little further and beyond the city limits of Berlin . But take our word for it, it's well worth the drive! A plant-based purification system ensures clear and clean water for it and the lake even has its own non-swimmers' area to help preserve the space. And if you want to work off some of those holiday calories, Großbeeren also has a wakeboard and a water ski facility that's popular with young and old. Insider Tip: If you've always wanted to try wakeboarding, sign up for one of the lake's beginner courses.

5. Sacrower See: Clearest Water in the Region

About 30 kilometres (or roughly an hour's drive) north of Berlin lies lovely Lake Sacrow. This lake is considered to have the best water quality in Berlin and Brandenburg. Because of its shallow entrance, it is also very popular with local families. Surrounded by the “Königswald” forest, the lake also offers an eight-kilometre walking and cycling track (complete with little food outlets) all around the lake... and, when the hiking is done, you can relax in the cool waters and enjoy being part of nature.

In Berlin, you are spoiled for choice with lakes and with Adina Hotels All three are centrally located and you can choose to stay in the lively area around the Adina Hotel Hackescher Markt, the historical surrounds of the Adina Hotel Checkpoint Charlie or Adina Hotel Mitte, in the immediate vicinity of the main railway station? If you're got an appetite for a summer adventure in Berlin, we've got a hotel to suit. Click here to check out our latest deals.