Best attractions and places to see around Döberitzer Heide, a former military training area, now a significant nature reserve west of Berlin. This expansive landscape features heathlands, sandy areas, and dry grasslands, supporting diverse flora and fauna. It is home to large herbivores like European bison and Przewalski's horses, and offers over 55 kilometers of marked hiking trails. The area combines natural wilderness with historical remnants, providing a unique destination for exploration.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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A dream come true with the new asphalt surface from June 2025.
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I don't recommend cycling along the B2. The bike path along this road is good, but too narrow because it's a two-way street. What's much worse, however, is the very heavy, loud, and smelly car traffic nearby.
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Everything may be pretty, but you should, and this is a basic requirement to get to the heath, first try to sneak over the B2, because it is crazy what is going on on this road during the day
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Slightly separated, narrow cycle path and generally good surface. Of course it is too narrow to comfortably cycle side by side, it is also quite busy and there are crossings and driveways. But assuming a little normal caution, it is a good cycle path to get from A to B.
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Narrow cycle path with typical errors: The cyclists are away from the road, but the dangers lurk at driveways and junctions. Riding next to each other is dangerous because the sometimes confusing cycle/pedestrian path is heavily and quickly used in both directions.
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Very usable section of the route
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Right next to a road with cars zooming by. Good bike path, but not much fun.
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Good bike path. The landscape is not so exciting because of the main road right next door.
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The Döberitzer Heide is characterized by its extensive open plains, heathlands, sandy areas, and dry grasslands, which are a direct result of its past as a military training ground. These unique conditions foster a rich biodiversity, supporting over 5000 plant and animal species. It's a significant nature reserve managed by the Heinz Sielmann Foundation.
The core wilderness zone of Döberitzer Heide is home to large herbivores like European bison (around 100 individuals) and Przewalski's horses (about 25 individuals), which roam freely. Red deer are also present. You can often spot these animals near the fences of the core zone. For specific viewing opportunities, consider visiting the areas around European bison in the Döberitzer Heide wilderness core zone and Przewalski horses and bison in Döberitzer Heide.
Yes, the Finkenberg Observation Tower, Döberitzer Heide offers panoramic views over the extensive heathland and forests. On a clear day, you might even see the Berlin television tower in the distance. Be aware that the tower may sway slightly in windy conditions due to its construction.
Döberitzer Heide boasts over 55 kilometers of marked hiking trails. These trails allow you to explore the vastness of the nature reserve, offering insights into its diverse flora and fauna. It's crucial to stay on designated paths due to the potential presence of unexploded military ordnance from its historical use. You can find various routes, including running loops, in the Running Trails around Döberitzer Heide guide.
Yes, there are cycling paths available. The Elstal–Dallgow-Döberitz Cycle Path provides a direct route for cyclists between Elstal and Dallgow. Additionally, the region offers 13 kilometers of riding trails. For more cycling options, explore the Cycling around Döberitzer Heide guide, which includes various routes.
The Döberitzer Heide itself holds historical significance as a former military training ground from 1713 until 1991, with remnants like old bunkers still visible. Nearby, in Elstal, you can visit the Olympic Village (Olympiadorf Berlin 1936), built for the 1936 Olympic Games. It's now a protected monument and can be explored through guided tours.
The Heinz Sielmann Nature Experience Center (Natur-Erlebniszentrum Döberitzer Heide), opened in March 2024, is an excellent place for families. It features an interactive and multimedia exhibition about the local biodiversity, including life-sized models of bison and Przewalski's horses, making it engaging for all ages. The designated hiking and cycling paths are also suitable for family outings.
Visitors frequently appreciate the vast, open landscapes and the opportunity to observe rare wildlife like European bison and Przewalski's horses in their natural habitat. The panoramic views from the Finkenberg Observation Tower are also a highlight. Many enjoy the extensive network of trails for hiking and cycling, offering a unique blend of wilderness and history close to Berlin.
Yes, the region offers suitable terrain for gravel biking. You can find various routes and explore the area on two wheels. Check out the Gravel biking around Döberitzer Heide guide for detailed routes, including options like the Sacrower See loop or routes through the Bredower Forst Nature Reserve.
When exploring the Döberitzer Heide, it's important to stay on the marked paths. This is due to the area's history as a military training ground, which means there could be unexploded ordnance off-trail. The landscape is diverse, offering everything from open heathlands to forests, providing varied experiences for hikers and cyclists.
Döberitzer Heide is a paradise for birdwatching, with around 200 bird species identified. You might spot northern wheatears, whinchats, European stonechats, European robins, and the Eurasian hoopoe. Endangered species such as the white-tailed eagle also find refuge here, making it a significant area for avian biodiversity.


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