When one thinks of Berlin, images of a vibrant metropolis, historical sights and diverse culture usually come to mind. However, it is less well known that Berlin also has a lot to offer in terms of green spaces and hiking opportunities. Although the capital may not be thought of as a typical hiking destination, it surprises with a number of charming trails and parks that are perfect for hiking.
One of the most famous hiking trails in Berlin is the 20-kilometer-long Wall Trail. This trail follows the course of the former Berlin Wall and takes hikers through a variety of neighborhoods and along historic sites. Along the way, there are numerous information panels that offer deep insights into the city’s turbulent history.
For example, the 20 main green trails run right through the city, there is the Spandau Pilgrimage Trail and numerous routes through Berlin’s green places with hiking trails of varying lengths.
Another highlight for nature lovers is the Grunewald, Berlin’s largest city forest. Here there are numerous hiking trails that wind through dense forest and along picturesque lakes. One particularly popular trail leads to Teufelsberg, a man-made hill that offers breathtaking views of the city.
Not to be forgotten are Berlin’s many parks, which are ideal places for shorter hikes or walks. The extensive Tiergarten, Volkspark Friedrichshain or Treptower Park with its impressive Soviet Memorial offer green oases in the middle of the city.
For those who want to go a little further afield, the area surrounding Berlin offers a wide range of hiking opportunities. The Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve, the Märkische Schweiz Nature Park and the Spreewald are just a few examples of natural areas that are easily accessible from Berlin and offer wonderful hiking trails.
So hiking in and around Berlin is a great way to get to know the city from a different perspective. You can enjoy the tranquility of nature while discovering Berlin’s diverse history and culture. It’s an experience worthwhile for locals and visitors alike.
We would like to present some of the routes and thus show Berlin from a completely different side.
Hiking routes in Berlin
Berlin is not only known for its historical sites and lively districts, but also for its green oases that are off the beaten track. One such insider tip is the Murellenberge, the Murellenschlucht and the Schanzenwald in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district.
Blooming wildflower meadows, water buffalo and the Little Venice of Spandau - what a wonderful little hike through the Tiefwerder-Wiesen nature reserve in Spandau.
On the northern outskirts of Berlin in Tegel, a small stream flows through one of the city's most beautiful nature reserves - the Tegeler Fließtal. A hiking trail runs along the watercourse, attracting recreation-seekers especially on weekends.
Again and again I am surprised that it is possible to hike in a big city like Berlin - not between the canyons of houses, but in the green. The Grunewald offers countless interesting routes in different lengths.
For visitors to Berlin, sightseeing is usually the main focus, but Berlin has more to offer. Berlin is green, with lots of water and there are great opportunities for hiking. How about a hike on the Havelhöhenweg?
From Spandau to Schmöckwitz is almost a "world trip" and so I'm not surprised that the Köpenick district is one of my "white and unknown spots" on the Berlin map. We were there to change that!
When the lush green of the trees gives a view into the undergrowth, the hike to the cemetery railroad is especially worthwhile. Now you can discover the old tracks, forgotten stairs and unused bridges especially well.
You can also discover Berlin beautifully by bike. The outer districts and especially tours through the forests and along the water are ideal for a bike tour. But this route is also great for hiking!
In the fall, a hike took us from Lübars in Berlin across the state border into Brandenburg's Mühlenbecker Land region and back to Lübars. The route was almost 16 kilometers long, but can certainly be shortened or extended.
The best way to find out where Berlin's coldest point is is to ask the meteorologists - or look at the Berlin city map and search for a name that actually reveals exactly that it must be particularly cold here - Eiskeller (ice cellar).