Berlin Wannsee
Located in the Berlin area of Steglitz-Zehlendorf, the Wannsee is actually two lakes linked together: the larger Grosser Wannsee and the smaller Kleiner Wannsee, separated by the Wannsee bridge. The Wannsee is the favourite bathing and recreation spot for western Berlin. A long sandy strip called the Strandbad Wannsee, is one of the longest fresh water beaches in Europe and popular among nudists. The lake also has a dark past: senior Nazi officials met at the Wannsee Villa (built 1914-1915) to plan the Final Solution – the extermination of the Jews of Europe. Today, this building serves as a memorial and education centre.