With regard to the current reporting on the EU-wide assessment of bathing waters, we would like to clarify: According to current tests, the water quality at all regularly used bathing areas in Lake Scharmützelsee is microbiologically perfect.
The most recent samples taken by the Oder-Spree Health Department on May 6, 2025, show levels well below the limit values for Escherichia coli and enterococci at the main bathing areas on Lake Scharmützelsee. Visibility is up to two meters, and the water quality was rated "not objectionable" in all hygiene-relevant aspects.
The district's regular June survey also confirms that all 34 supervised bathing areas in the district, including those at Scharmützelsee, fully meet the requirements for safe bathing.
EU report: Delimited individual position with different assessment
A recent dpa report from June 20, 2025, mentions that a bathing area in the north of Lake Scharmützelsee was classified as "poor" in the latest EU report on bathing water quality. This is an isolated measuring point, not related to the central and tourist-used bathing areas. The assessment only applies to 2024 and is not representative of the overall condition of the lake.
"The excellent ratings of the main bathing areas such as Diensdorf or Bad Saarow by the State Office for the Environment and the Oder-Spree Health Department show that Scharmützelsee remains a safe, clean and attractive bathing destination," explains Ellen Rußig, Managing Director of Seenland Oder-Spree eV
Information transparency for guests
For transparent information, Seenland Oder-Spree eV recommends visiting the official platform for bathing waters in Brandenburg: www.badestellen.brandenburg.deThere you'll find daily water analyses, visibility, temperature information, and microbiological assessments of all bathing spots in the region. Information on all bathing lakes in the region can also be found on the association's website: Discover the best bathing lakes and lidos in the Oder-Spree Lake District