An artificial lake built close to the city center in 1936, Lake Maschsee is one of Hanover's most popular recreation areas. 78 000 square meters in size but no deeper than two meters, the lake is perfect for sailing, windsurfing, rowing, swimming and - when frozen during the winter - ice-skating. The bathing area includes a 300 meter-long beach and is admission-free (to get there, take the metro to Döhrener Turm on lines 1, 2 or 8). The summertime festival Maschseefest offers a host of entertainment for the whole family.