Complete Guide to the 5 Best Hikes in Berlin

Berlin is often celebrated for its urban grit, its towering history, and its nightlife. But for those who live here, the city’s true secret is its staggering amount of greenery. In fact, roughly one-third of Berlin is composed of forests, parks, and waterways. You don't need to head to the Alps to find a great trail; you just need a valid BVG ticket.

Whether you're looking for a deep forest escape, a coastal-style walk along a lake, or a hike that ends with a panoramic view of the skyline, the German capital has you covered. In this guide, we break down the 5 best hikes in Berlin, providing all the logistics you need to trade the U-Bahn for the trail.

What to Know Before Hiking in Berlin

Before you lace up your boots, here are a few local tips for a smooth outdoor experience:

The Terrain: Berlin is famously flat. Don't expect dramatic elevation gains. Most hikes are gentle, focusing on distance and atmosphere rather than heart-pounding climbs.
Difficulty: Because it's flat, most Berlin hiking trails are classified as "Easy" to "Moderate." They are perfect for casual walkers and families.
Best Seasons: Late Spring (May-June) for the freshest green, and Autumn (October) for the spectacular golden colors. Summer is great but can be humid, and Winter provides a stark, quiet beauty.
What to Bring: Sturdy walking shoes (not necessarily heavy boots), a reusable water bottle, and—most importantly—digital maps (Komoot or AllTrails are standard in Germany).

The 5 Best Hikes in Berlin

1. The Havelhöhenweg (Havel Heights Trail)

📍 Location: Wannsee / Grunewald 📏 Distance: 10-12 km ⏱ Time: 3-4 hours 📶 Difficulty: Moderate

This is arguably the most beautiful trail in the city. Winding along the high banks of the Havel River through the Grunewald Forest, it offers incredible views of the water that make you feel like you’re on the coast rather than in the capital.

What you’ll see: Panoramic river views, the historic Grunewald Tower, and hidden sandy beaches.
Best time: Summer afternoons (so you can finish with a swim).
Transport: Take the S7 to S-Bahn Nikolassee and follow the signs toward the water. Finish at S-Bahn Heerstraße.

2. The Rundweg Schlachtensee (Schlachtensee Loop)

📍 Location: Zehlendorf 📏 Distance: 5.5 km ⏱ Time: 1.5 hours 📶 Difficulty: Easy

If you're looking for a peaceful, lakeside stroll that isn't too taxing, the Schlachtensee loop is the local favorite. The path stays right along the water's edge, shaded by ancient beech trees. It's incredibly accessible and beautiful year-round.

What you’ll see: Crystal clear water, families of ducks, and the iconic Fischerhütte restaurant at the end.
Best time: Autumn, when the beech trees turn bright orange.
Transport: Take the S1 directly to S-Bahn Schlachtensee. The trail starts 30 seconds from the station.

3. Teufelsberg & Drachenberg Ascent

📍 Location: Grunewald 📏 Distance: 7-9 km ⏱ Time: 2-3 hours 📶 Difficulty: Moderate (some incline)

This is one of the few places in Berlin where you'll actually find a significant hill. Scaling the man-made rubble hills of Teufelsberg (Devil's Mountain) and Drachenberg (Dragon Mountain). It's a hike that combines nature with Cold War history and world-class street art.

What you’ll see: The abandoned NSA listening station, massive graffiti murals, and the single best panoramic view of the Berlin skyline.
Best time: Sunset. The view of the TV Tower in the distance as the sun goes down is unmatched.
Transport: Take the S-Bahn to Grunewald or Heerstraße.

4. Wuhletal-Wanderweg (The Wuhle Valley Way)

📍 Location: Marzahn / Hellersdorf 📏 Distance: 15 km (total) ⏱ Time: 4-5 hours 📶 Difficulty: Moderate

A hidden gem in East Berlin, this trail follows the small Wuhle river through a series of parks and nature reserves. It’s a fantastic way to see a side of Berlin that most tourists never reach—quiet, lush, and surprisingly pastoral.

What you’ll see: The "Gardens of the World" (Gärten der Welt), grazing horses, and the high-rise contrasts of Marzahn.
Best time: Spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Transport: Start at S/U-Bahn Wuhletal and finish at S-Bahn Ahrensfelde.

5. Tegeler Forst & Dicke Marie Loop

📍 Location: Reinickendorf (Tegel) 📏 Distance: 8-10 km ⏱ Time: 3 hours 📶 Difficulty: Easy

The Tegel Forest in the north is one of the city's oldest wooded areas. It’s home to the "Dicke Marie" (Fat Mary), an English oak tree estimated to be over 800 years old. The hike takes you through deep, silent woods and terminates near the beautiful Lake Tegel.

What you’ll see: Deer enclosures, ancient oak trees, and the lakeside promenade of Alt-Tegel.
Best time: Winter, for a truly atmospheric, deep-woods experience.
Transport: Take the U6 to Alt-Tegel or the S25 to Tegel.

Best Hikes by Experience Level

Easy / Family-Friendly: Schlachtensee Loop. Extremely flat, shaded, and with plenty of spots to stop for an ice cream or a dip in the water.
Moderate: Havelhöhenweg. Longer distance and uneven forest paths make this a proper day of hiking.
Longer Scenic Routes: Wuhletal-Wanderweg. At 15 km, it’s a full-day commitment that takes you through a huge variety of landscapes.

Tips for Hiking Safely in Berlin

Trail Etiquette: Many trails are shared with cyclists (especially in the Grunewald). Keep to the right and stay alert.
Wildlife Awareness: You will likely see wild boars (Wildschweine) in the Grunewald. Don't worry—they are generally shy. Just keep your distance and never feed them.
Ticks (Zecken): If you’re hiking in thick grass or deep woods in spring/summer, check yourself for ticks afterward. They are common in the Berlin/Brandenburg region.
Public Transport: All of these hikes are designed around the BVG network. Most start and end at different stations, so you don't need to do an out-and-back walk.

Conclusion

Berlin’s trails offer a different kind of sightseeing. They take you away from the museums and the memorials and show you the city’s living, breathing lungs. Whether you scale the heights of the Teufelsberg or wander the silent shores of the Schlachtensee, you’ll discover that Berlin’s greatest luxury isn't its history—it's its space. So grab your shoes, pick a trail, and go explore the wild side of the capital.