The most beautiful hikes in Berlin and the surrounding area - discover hidden natural paradises
Berlin is not all concrete, city noise and crowded streets - on the contrary! If you live here or are visiting, you can be in the countryside in just a few minutes. Hiking in Berlin means: surprising nature experiences, cultural highlights and relaxed tours for every fitness level. Whether you fancy a short break or are planning several kilometers of hiking - the capital offers you plenty of variety.
To help you keep an overview, you will find the most beautiful routes, tips for your planning and the best spots for a refreshing break by the water here.
Table of contents
Why is hiking in Berlin so special?
What are the most beautiful hiking trails in Berlin?
Where can you hike around Berlin's lakes?
How do you explore the Berlin Wall Trail?
How do I plan my hiking tour optimally?
Conclusion: Hiking in Berlin is worth it.
Why is hiking in Berlin so special?
When you think of Berlin, you probably first think of the TV tower, clubs or crowded streets. But Berlin also offers you something completely different: countless green retreats that you can discover while hiking. Whether it's a nature park, forest or idyllic lake - there are places here that almost don't feel like the big city.
The mix of nature, history and culture is particularly cool. For example, you can walk through the Grunewald forest, climb the Teufelsberg in between and experience a piece of exciting Berlin history. At the same time, you can get back to the city center super quickly by S-Bahn or bus - ideal if you only have a few hours to spare.
Berlin is also perfect for families. Many routes are short, varied and peppered with highlights such as playgrounds or animal spotting. If you need more inspiration, take a look at our guide to hiking with children .
What are the most beautiful hiking trails in Berlin?
One of the most famous hiking trails in Berlin is the Havelhöhenweg. The route runs above the Havel, offers great views of the water and is also a short journey through Berlin's history. At around 10 kilometers in length, it is also suitable for occasional hikers.
Another highlight is the Grunewald forest. Here you can put together your own flexible hike - from shorter circular routes to longer tours. The detour to Teufelsberg, a former Allied listening post, is particularly popular. Today it is a lost place with graffiti art and a magnificent view over Berlin.
In addition to these classics, there are many other routes - from relaxed strolls to kilometer-long routes for more athletic hikers. You can find a good overview in map apps or on information boards on site.
Where can you hike around Berlin's lakes?
What could be better than combining a hike with a dip in the cool water? Berlin has several lakes that are perfect for this.
- Wannsee: the classic! You can go on a relaxed hike around Wannsee, discover the sights and take a break at the famous Wannsee lido.
- Schlachtensee: An idyllic loop right by the water awaits you here. The trail is popular, but with its bathing spots it is ideal for cooling off in summer.
- Müggelsee: Berlin's largest lake boasts wild nature and offers several starting points for a hike.
- Tegeler See: A little quieter than the big classics, but in a beautiful location. Tip: You can discover rare animals and plants in the Tegeler Fließ, a nature reserve.
| Lake | Length of the loop | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| Wannsee | approx. 10 km | Lido, excursion destinations |
| Schlachtensee | approx. 5.5 km | Bathing spots, family-friendly |
| Müggelsee | variable | Berlin's largest lake, lots of nature |
| Lake Tegel | approx. 7 km | Quieter, with nature reserve |
No matter which lake you choose, you will find good starting points, parking spaces and often small cafés for refreshments.
How do you explore the Berlin Wall Trail?
The Berlin Wall Trail is truly unique. Here you hike along the former border and combine a nature experience with history. The entire route is over 160 kilometers long - perfect for picking out individual sections.
The most exciting stages include
- the section at Checkpoint Charlie, where East and West used to meet,
- the Berlin Wall Memorial in Bernauer Strasse, which gives you an intense impression of divided Berlin.
The Wall Trail is well signposted, you will find information boards along the way and can easily navigate with the help of apps or maps. For many, this hike is a real highlight because it combines nature, city and history in such a unique way.
How do I best plan my hiking tour?
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, good planning will make your tour much more relaxed.
- Maps & apps: Use a map or digital tools to plan your route in advance.
- Use public transport: Many starting points are easy to reach and easily accessible by train or bus on public transport. In Berlin in particular, the public transport connections are excellent.
- Equipment & safety: Comfortable shoes, weatherproof clothing and snacks are a must. You can find out more in our guide to outdoor equipment.
- Preparation: If you are planning longer hiking tours, you should build up your fitness a little. You can find inspiration in our article on training for hiking.
- Avoid mistakes: Especially if you're a beginner, you should take a look at this article: Avoiding beginner mistakes when hiking.
Conclusion: hiking in Berlin is worthwhile
Berlin surprises with a huge variety of hikes - from classic routes such as the Havelhöhenweg to relaxed walks in the Grunewald forest and historical tours on the Mauerweg. There are also idyllic loops around lakes such as Wannsee, Schlachtensee or Müggelsee.
Best of all, all destinations are accessible by public transport, so you can set off spontaneously at any time. Whether short or long, with family or alone - hiking in Berlin is an experience you shouldn't miss out on.
