You can discover the numerous lakes in Berlin and the green surrounding area wonderfully by bike. There are developed routes through the city and routes that lead through forests and along fields. All the routes that we have put together for you here have something in common: at some point, they lead to a lake, a river or a canal. And, of course, always past exciting sights and attractions worth seeing.
Tip 1: Dahlem Route
Explore the south-west of Berlin on one of the four south-west cycle routes - for example on the Dahlem Route. It takes you past the Botanical Garden, Dahlem Village and the Allied Museum - to name just a few highlights. And of course you'll also pass lakes: the Krumme Lanke and the Schlachtensee are on your way, so don't forget your swimming gear.
Dahlem Route
Tip 2: Wannsee-Babelsberg Route
This route crosses the Dahlem Route - and is also part of the Southwest Cycle Routes - but is definitely worth an extra day. It is a real lakes route: You cycle along the shore promenade of the large Wannsee and the Havel and on the way back via the Griebnitzsee and Stölpchensee. In between, you cycle through the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage "Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin" and past places steeped in history. Here too: pack your swimming gear.
Wannsee Babelsberg Route
Tip 3: Nikolassee Route
The third tour of the Southwest Cycle Routes offers tranquillity in the Grunewald forest and various bathing spots along its 19 kilometres. At Checkpoint Bravo Dreilinden, you will be transported back to the time of German division. With a short detour to the Museumsdorf Düppel you can learn interesting facts about the beginnings of Berlin. How did people live 800 years ago? How did they work or live? The open-air museum, which is unique in Germany, answers these and other questions.
Nikolassee Route
Tip 4: Discovery tour along the Spree
There is also plenty of water in the centre of Berlin - why not cycle along the Bank of the Spree? The tour starts at Frankfurter Tor and takes you past some of the most beautiful panoramic points along the Spree. The section between Elsenbrücke, Oberbaumbrücke and Holzmarkt is particularly beautiful.
Tip 5: Discover industrial heritage along the Teltow Canal
Get on your bike and embark on an exciting journey through time. The "Canal and Industry" route takes you around 20 kilometres through the south-west of the capital - a perfect mix of nature enjoyment and industrial culture. It starts at Lankwitz S-Bahn station, past the historic Steglitz power station, historic bridges and disused factory buildings, many of which have now found new cultural or creative uses. Enjoy the view of the Teltow Canal, which was the lifeline of the once flourishing industrial area.
Tip 6: Tour through Treptow-Köpenick
The south of Berlin awaits you in the old town of Köpenick with a beautiful castle and various leisure activities. Finding a nice place to rest along the way shouldn't be too difficult. And if you prefer something a little more sporty, head straight on to Müggelsee and relax in the fresh water.
Bike tour Treptow-Köpenick
Tip 7: Tegeler See and palace tour
This tour takes you to the north of Berlin. Along Tegeler See and the oldest tree in Berlin, the "fat Marie", to the Märkisches Viertel, you cycle a good 21 kilometres on a mostly paved route. A short detour to Schloss Tegel is definitely worthwhile. This prime example of classicist architecture was the parental home of the Humboldt brothers. And as always when the weather is nice: don't forget your swimming gear!
tour through Reinickendorf
Tip 8: Fahrradtour durch Steglitz-Zehlendorf
This section of the Wannsee cycle route leads past enchanting castles, extensive parkland and beautiful lakes with plenty of opportunities for swimming. Right at the start is the Domäne Dahlem, an old manor with a village green. You continue along magnificent villas to the Zehlendorf lake district. The Schlachtensee lake with its sunbathing lawns and the Wannsee lido offer bathing opportunities.
tour through Steglitz-Zehlendorf
Tip 9: Water tour on the Dahmeradweg
You can get to the starting point of the Dahmeradweg easily with the S-Bahn lines S46 or S47. As the name suggests, the route follows the course of the little river Dahme, which you can follow to its source. You start in Berlin-Köpenick, where you can marvel at the City Hall and Köpenick Palace. Then it's off into the countryside. You could even plan a detour to the tropical indoor water park "Tropical Islands" on this route.
Tip 10: Berlin sections of the Havel Cycle Route
Between water, forests and far-reaching views: The Havel Cycle Route is one of the most beautiful cycle routes in Germany - one particularly idyllic section leads through Berlin. The section of the Havel Cycle Path that runs through Berlin-Spandau is ideal for anyone who wants to take a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city without missing out on the urban diversity. Be sure to make a detour to the Spandau Citadel in between. It is one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in the whole of Europe: history comes alive here as you wander through the grounds of the citadel.
Havelradweg
Tip 11: Mauerweg am Heidekampgraben
And of course the Mauerradweg should not be missed. There are many stretches of the former Wall Trail that run along the water. One of these routes runs along the Heidekrampgraben. The route here is well developed and recommended at any time of year. You can take a look at the Spree again and again. You cycle along the Rummelsburg Bay, where you should definitely make a detour to the Stralau peninsula.
