The Best Leisurely Walking Routes to Take in Berlin

What more could you ask from a scenic walk than to come into contact with monuments of history, large stretches of peaceful green grass, patches of thick forests and even a lake with plenty of wildlife? The best part about Treptower Park is that it’s located just off the centre of Berlin, so you can briefly pass through or spend a whole afternoon taking in the beautiful sights and sounds on your walk.

Not only are walkers able to explore the magnificent glass and steel greenhouses that hold plant species from Asia to South Africa, the beautiful Botanical Gardens are set on an immense stretch of land waiting to be traversed. Roam through the network of walking paths that take you through forests, grasslands and even a specially crafted ‘sensual garden’, packed with smells and textures to immerse all of your senses.

Located in the centre of the city, Tiergarten is one of Berlin’s largest public parks, providing plenty of lush ground to take a midday or midnight stroll. It’s a beautiful and shady place, equipped with an assortment of magical trees, wetlands with birdlife and many statues paying tribute to historic Berlin. It’s also a great spot for people watching, and is an inviting option no matter what the season.

Those looking to fill their lungs with fresh air while sightseeing can head for the walking trail along the Havel river. The 13km route begins on Heerstraße and ends at Strandbad Wannsee. There’s lots of information boards on the walk so you don’t have to worry about getting lost, allowing you focus on the surrounding beauty and the 15 epic viewing points of the region. Stop for a rest along one of the benches along the way, and if you decide to do the whole route, it should take about three hours in total.

With its crystal turquoise waters and forested island, Liepitzsee has long been regarding one of the most beautiful lakes around Berlin. Those looking to get their body moving can take a 9km trail walk around the lake, through beautiful forests and wild beaches. Don’t forget to take your swimming gear for a dip in the waters after your walk. To get there, take a train to Wandlitz or Bernau, then bike or bus the rest of the way to the lake.

Another urban oasis this time in the north, the Volkspark Friedrichshain is the perfect place to to take a leisurely wander. The park’s tiered structure and crisscrossed paths are perfect for walking and jogging. It also boasts great water features, historic monuments and even a giant peace bell – a gift to Germany from Japan. With 52 hectares in which to walk, relax and play, Volkspark is a consistently popular spot for family outings.

You don’t always have to go to a park or the outskirts of town to find lovely walking routes in Berlin. The gorgeous Landwehr Canal is a 10km long canal that runs parallel to its main source, the Spree River in Berlin. It was built between 1845 and 1850 and today the vibrant Kreuzberg neighbourhood resides on its banks. Enjoy a lively, colourful saunter along the canal, while soaking up the best and hippest of Berlin life. The canal hosts some of the best leisure spots in the city, including beer gardens, markets and picnic spots sheltered by weeping willows. A few sunny hours strolling and discovering Berlin along the embankments is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.