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The Wannsee is both a locality in the southwestern Berlin borough of Steglitz-Zehlendorf, in Germany, and a linked pair of lakes adjoining the locality. Both lakes, the larger Großer Wannsee (greater Wannsee) and the Kleiner Wannsee (little Wannsee), are located on the river Havel and are separated only by the Wannsee bridge. The larger of the two lakes covers an area of 2.7km² and has a maximum depth of 9m. The Wannsee is well-known as the number-one bathing and recreation spot for western Berlin. It is the site of the Strandbad Wannsee, an open-air lido with one of the longest inland beaches in Europe and a popular FKK (nudist) area. It was built in 1920-1930 after a concept by architect Richard Ermisch. The district of Wannsee is known for its many mansions, villas, and holiday homes, erected over the years by wealthy Berliners as weekend retreats from the city. In January 1942, senior Nazi officials met at the Wannsee Villa (built 1914-1915) to plan the Final Solution – the extermination of the Jews of Europe. This event has since become known as the Wannsee Conference. Today, the building serves as a memorial and education centre.
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