Location
Germany
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Best season
June to early September
About Kleiner Tonteich
The Kleiner Tonteich is a small, forest-ringed clay-pit lake at Freudenthal on the edge of Bestensee in the Dahme-Seenland, south-east of Berlin. It sits immediately south of the larger Großer Tonteich (Tonsee), whose shore is taken up by the Naturcamping Tonsee FKK campground, described by the Brandenburg tourism board as the largest public naturist area in the state. That neighbour shapes the small lake's character: the regional tourism board says the Kleiner Tonteich is not formally designated for FKK, yet walkers along its shore meet many naturists. Instead of one beach, the bank is broken into a string of small, quiet coves and entry points, some with benches, under pine and mixed woodland, so you choose your own spot and shade is easy to find. Like its neighbour it is known for very clear water, and the state's bathing-water monitoring rates it excellent. Expect a mix of nude and clothed bathers; it is calmer and less developed than the campground beach. There is no lifeguard and no facilities at the coves themselves, though day visitors can pay to use the campground's infrastructure, and there is a restaurant nearby.
Getting there
The lake is at Freudenthal, 15741 Bestensee, about 35 km south-east of central Berlin. Drive to Bestensee and follow signs for the Naturcamping Tonsee FKK campground at Freudenthal; parking is at the northern end of the small lake along the campground access road (charges not published). Bestensee has a regional rail station, but the walk out to the lakes was not described in our sources. From the parking area, shore paths lead to numerous small entry points and coves, some with benches; there is no developed beach or step-free access.
Amenities
Legal context
Germany has no general ban on public nudity; nude bathing is tolerated where it does not cause a public nuisance (Belästigung der Allgemeinheit, § 118 OWiG), and local bathing rules or operators can restrict it. The regional tourism board (Reiseland Brandenburg) states the Kleiner Tonteich is not explicitly designated for FKK but is widely used by naturists; no ordinance banning nudity there was found (checked 2026).
Naturism at Kleiner Tonteich sits under Germany's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Germany public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
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Approx. 52.2528, 13.6677
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Germany
Frequently asked questions
Is nude bathing allowed at the Kleiner Tonteich?
It is not an officially designated FKK beach, but the regional tourism board notes many naturists use its shore, and nudity is tolerated in Germany where it causes no nuisance.
Where do I park?
At the north end of the lake on the access road to the Naturcamping Tonsee FKK campground.
Are there toilets?
Not at the coves; day visitors can use the neighbouring campground's facilities for a fee.
How is the water quality?
The bathing site is monitored by the state and rated excellent; the water is noted for its clarity.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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