The best walks and hikes around Berlin

Many of Berlin's best hiking areas are accessible via the S-Bahn and U-Bahn networks. For example, Grunewald forest is easily reached by S-Bahn, offering numerous trails. For destinations further into Brandenburg, regional trains (RE) are your best option, connecting the city to places like the Spreewald and the Märkische Schweiz Nature Park.

Yes, circular routes are very common. They allow you to start and end at the same point, which is convenient for parking or public transport. The Gloucester Park loop — Camden County College is a popular example of a straightforward loop walk. Many trails in areas like Tegel Forest and around the Müggelsee are also designed as loops.

Berlin offers many easy, flat trails perfect for a family outing. The paths through Tiergarten are central, paved, and offer plenty of space. For a more nature-focused walk, the Blueberry Hill loop via Red Trail — Gibbsboro is a short and manageable trail that's great for all ages. Spandauer Forst also has gentle paths where you might see wild boars and deer in enclosures near the entrance.

Absolutely. Berlin is famous for its lakes, and many hiking trails run along their shores with designated swimming spots (Badestellen). The trails around Schlachtensee and Krumme Lanke are classic choices for a hike-and-swim day. A longer walk around Müggelsee, Berlin's largest lake, also provides numerous opportunities for a refreshing dip.

Most forests and parks in and around Berlin are dog-friendly, but you must follow local regulations. Dogs are often required to be on a leash, especially in nature conservation areas. Grunewald has a large designated off-leash area (Hundeauslaufgebiet), making it a favorite for dog owners.

For elevated views, head to the man-made hills. A hike up Teufelsberg in Grunewald not only provides a panoramic view of the forest and city skyline but also takes you to a former Cold War listening station. The Müggelturm in the Müggelberge hills also offers a fantastic lookout point after a short, scenic hike.

The Havelhöhenweg is a highly-regarded trail that runs along the high bank of the Havel river, offering beautiful water views. For a different experience, the paths along the Spree river, such as in Treptower Park, combine waterfront scenery with historical monuments. The Gloucester Park loop — Camden also offers a pleasant walk near the water.

Hiking in the Spreewald, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, is a unique experience. The landscape is a maze of canals, lush meadows, and traditional Sorbian villages. While you can explore on foot, many visitors combine hiking with a trip in a traditional punt or kayak to fully experience the watery landscape. Trails often follow the canals from villages like Lübbenau or Burg.

While the region is mostly flat, you can find some more demanding routes. The challenge here comes from distance rather than steep climbs. The Goshen Pond Trail loop — Wharton State Forest is a long-distance hike of over 28 km that requires good endurance. Additionally, long-distance paths like the 66-Lakes Trail offer multi-day stages for a bigger challenge.

For a simple and rewarding walk, the Peaceful Partners Trail & Long Path loop — Black Run Preserve is an excellent choice, taking you through local green space in about an hour and a half. The Wuhletal Hiking Trail is another accessible option, offering a paved path that's easy to reach and follow.

You can hike around Berlin year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring brings blooming flowers and fresh greenery. Summer is perfect for combining hikes with a swim in one of the many lakes. Autumn is spectacular when the forests display vibrant fall colors, and winter offers crisp air and quiet, peaceful trails.

The hiking routes around Berlin are very well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the region's surprising amount of greenery, the well-maintained paths through forests like Grunewald, and the abundance of beautiful waterfront trails along the many lakes and rivers.