Berlin & Surrounding Area
Around Berlin lies more water and forest than you'd expect from the capital — Havel lakes to the west, Spree and Müggelsee to the east, pine forests in between.
AI-generated illustrative imageBerlin is surrounded by a surprisingly green and water-rich landscape. In the southwest, the Havel lakes line up around Wannsee and Potsdam, in the southeast lie the Spree, Dahme and Müggelsee, in between extend Brandenburg pine forests and old tree-lined avenues. Much of this can be reached directly from the city by S-Bahn and regional train. Swimming, paddling, cycling and hiking can be combined here without losing proximity to the metropolis.
What you ought to see — my picks.
Wannsee & Havelsee Lakes
Beach, sailing waters and waterside paths in the southwest of the city — Strandbad Wannsee is one of Europe's largest inland lake beaches.
Müggelsee
Berlin's largest lake on the southeastern city edge, with bathing spots, riparian forest and views from the Müggelturm.
Palais & Park Sanssouci
Prussia's most famous palace in Potsdam, with vineyard terraces and extensive park — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Museum Island
Five museums on a Spree island in the middle of the city, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tempelhofer Feld
The former airfield is today a vast open space for cycling, skating and picnicking.
Berlin Wall Trail
Approximately 160 kilometers of cycling and hiking trails along the route of the former wall, easily accessible in stages.
