Großer Wannsee, Berlin

Not many people associate Berlin with densely foliaged forests and crystal clear lakes. Yet the city is richly endowed with both, particularly in the south-west, where several idyllic lakes - of which Wannsee is the largest - stud Grunewald Forest like glistening emeralds. A popular summertime destination for day-trippers, sun-worshipers gather at Strandbad Wannsee , Europe's largest inland beach, while water sport fanatics and hobby sailors take to the water. Several boats offer cruises on the lake and surrounding waters and there are also ferries to Peacock Island , potsdam and Spandau .