From lakeside tranquillity and bold street art to village greens and UNESCO listed modernist architecture, Reinickendorf is full of surprises. In Berlin’s northernmost district, sweeping natural landscapes sit alongside visionary modernist housing estates, peaceful spiritual retreats stand in contrast to striking urban murals, and rural charm meets a hint of maritime flair. Spend your morning strolling along the water, explore international public art around lunchtime, and wander through nature reserves or historic village centres in the afternoon. Discover our 11 tips for Reinickendorf and see a different side of Berlin.
Another tip: if you would like more information about Reinickendorf and want to put together your own individual tours, take a look at our Going local map – the neighbourhood overview for Berlin.
Tip 1: Take a contemplative stroll along the Greenwich Promenade
Also located on Lake Tegel is the Greenwich Promenade, which brings maritime flair to the capital with all kinds of restaurants and leisure activities. Boat tours across the lake and the Havel River depart from the steamboat landing stage, and a small red telephone box commemorates the partnership between Reinickendorf and the promenade's namesake: the London borough of Greenwich. The promenade's footpath is lined with basalt cobblestones, and when the weather is right, you can enjoy an almost Mediterranean feeling here. In summer, it's also a good idea to pack your swimwear in your day trip bag!
When: Around the clock
Where: Greenwich Promenade, Tegel
Tip 2: Marvel at Artpark Tegel – Berlin's highest open-air gallery
The colourful murals at Artpark Tegel rise up to 42 metres into the sky, transforming Reinickendorf into a spectacular open-air gallery. Eight high-rise buildings near Lake Tegel have been designed by international street art stars such as Jim Avignon, The London Police and Fintan Magee. Since 2015, the ONE WALL project, initiated by the Berliner Leben foundation and the URBAN NATION Museum, has been growing and bringing art directly into the residential area. Stroll from wall to wall and discover how urban art connects the neighbourhood and world art here.
Insider tip: You can reach Artpark Tegel from Greenwich Promenade by walking along Borsigdamm. Or get off at Holzhauser Straße on the U6 and explore the murals on foot.
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When: All year round, all day
Where: Near Borsigdamm / Kamener Weg, Berlin-Tegel (Reinickendorf)
Tip 3: Unwind on a walk along the Tegeler Fließ
Tegel Lake isn't the only popular body of water in the north of the city; the Tegeler Fließ also enchants thousands of walkers and nature lovers every year. The small stream flows through one of Berlin's most beautiful nature reserves, the Tegeler Fließtal, where you can admire species-rich aquatic vegetation, diverse meadow landscapes and even water buffalo. So anyone who thinks you have to travel far to get a breath of country air in the capital is mistaken. Berlin-Reinickendorf also offers relief for those longing for fresh air with the Tegeler Fließ!
When: Around the clock
Where: Various hiking options, for example near the Waidmannsluster Damm
Tip 4: Enjoy the rural flair of the village of Lübars
On the northern edge of Reinickendorf, the village of Lübars slumbers in rural idyll. As the only completely preserved village in Berlin, it retains the pastoral origins of what is now a bustling metropolis. Visitors here quickly forget that just a few train stations further south are home to the Bundestag and skyscrapers. Even today, Lübars still focuses on horse breeding. You can watch the animals grazing as you stroll through the surrounding pastures. If you're in the mood for a rustic end to your outing, the old village pub is the place to be. For those who need more action, there are suggestions for an exciting afternoon under "Leisure parks in Lübars and Tegel".
When: Around the clock
Where: Lübars, Reinickendorf
Leisure parks in Lübars and Tegel
Tip 5: Find spiritual peace at the Buddhist House
In the Frohnau district of Reinickendorf, the Buddhist House is located in a contemplative garden surrounded by peaceful silence. Built between 1922 and 1924 for the Buddhist community, the house watches over its realm at the end of a 73-step staircase and invites you to leave the noise and hustle and bustle of the big city behind. The Buddhist House is considered one of the most important places of worship in Western Europe and is the Berlin centre for the Buddhist religion. In addition to the imposing Buddha statues, the temple and the garden, there is also a library waiting for you here. In addition to meditation courses, there are many guided tours and lectures that you can attend free of charge.
When: Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Edelhofdamm 54, Hermsdorf
More information about the Buddhist House
Tip 6: Stroll through the garden city of Frohnau – Berlin's green villa idyll
Frohnau was planned as a garden city at the beginning of the 20th century and is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. To this day, the neighbourhood continues to delight visitors with its winding streets, old trees and elegant country houses. Around Zeltinger Platz and Ludolfingerplatz, you will discover charming cafés, small shops and impressive country-style villas. Even the Art Nouveau railway station is an architectural highlight. Take your time to discover the details of the houses and let yourself drift.
Tip: Walk from the central squares through the adjacent Stolper Heide. This will allow you to experience the garden city concept in all its glory. The Buddhist House on Edelhofdamm is also just a short walk away from the garden city.
When: All year round, all day
Where: Zeltinger Platz & Ludolfingerplatz, Berlin-Frohnau (Reinickendorf)
Tip 7: Discover the White City – UNESCO World Heritage Site of Modernism
Clean lines, gleaming white façades and visionary architecture: the White City in Reinickendorf is a real highlight of Berlin's modernism. Between 1929 and 1931, over 1,200 flats were built here – designed by Otto Rudolf Salvisberg, Bruno Ahrends and Wilhelm Büning. The centrepiece is the spectacular bridge house, which hovers like a residential block over Aroser Allee. As you stroll through the estate, you will discover expressionist details, colourful window frames and spacious green areas that encouraged community life even back then. Wide streets also show that urban planning here was designed with the automobile in mind for the first time – an exciting glimpse into the visions of the future in the 1920s. Since 2008, the White City has been one of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Berlin Modernism.
Tip: Start your exploration tour at the Paracelsus-Bad underground station and walk along Aroser Allee to the Brückenhaus – from here you have the most iconic view of the ensemble.
When: All year round, all day
Where: Aroser Allee / Schillerpromenade, Berlin-Reinickendorf
Tip 8: Shop at the Sawade factory outlet
At Sawade factory outlet, it's more of the same: a similar programme awaits you here – products at half price, a huge selection, shopping fun – only here in Berlin-Tegel, it's all about pralines. And not just any pralines: the praline manufacturer Swade is known for the finest handmade pralines and truffles. The thought that these treasures could end up in the bin due to overproduction or minor blemishes is almost unbearable. So go on a rescue mission and stock up on these delicacies for yourself and your loved ones! So go on a rescue mission and stock up on these delicacies for yourself and your loved ones!
When: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Wittestraße 26d, Reinickendorf
Tip 9: Breathe in the fresh air with wild boar and co.
If you're looking for something a little more idyllic, the north of the city is the place to be. Reinickendorf is home to Lake Tegel, and not far from its shores, a very special treasure awaits you: the wildlife enclosure in Tegel Forest, considered one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in Berlin. A 2.5-kilometre forest trail takes you past wild boars, red deer, mouflons and other forest dwellers. For curious visitors, there are information boards and vending machines where you can buy animal feed. The wildlife enclosure in Tegeler Forest is a real adventure, especially for children. But no one can resist the charm of the wild boars! If you want to see and experience more of beautiful Reinickendorf, take a look at "More for a trip to Reinickendorf".
When: Open around the clock
Where: Schwarzer Weg 17, Tegel
Tip 10: Enjoy a day at Lake Tegel
Feel the wind in your hair and discover one of the most beautiful places in northern Berlin: Lake Tegel. Covering 4.6 square kilometres, it is the second largest lake in the city – and a real leisure paradise. From the Greenwich Promenade, you can hop straight onto a steamboat for a tour around the seven islands. Or you can rent a canoe or SUP board and explore the hidden bays on your own. In the north of the lake, you will find the "Dicke Marie", Berlin's oldest oak tree, which is around 900 years old – a real natural monument! The Reiherwerder peninsula with the Villa Borsig and the wildlife enclosure of the Revierförsterei forestry office also invite you to enjoy little adventures.
When: All year round, depending on the activity
Where: Greenwichpromenade, Berlin-Tegel (Reinickendorf)
Tip 11: Visit the Berlin Fire Brigade Museum
Have you always wondered what a typical day at the fire brigade really looks like? The Fire Brigade Museum not only fulfils childhood dreams, but also offers an informative and exciting tour for adults. After all, extinguishing fires is only a fraction of the fire brigade's responsibilities. One highlight you can't miss is the bright yellow firefighting helicopter Christoph 31, which stands on a platform in front of the museum. You can find all the information you need about the fire brigade in the archive, which contains annual reports dating back to 1879. Whether it's history, equipment or technology, after a visit to the Fire Brigade Museum, you'll be ready for action!
When: Tuesday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Veitstraße 5, Tegel
More about the Fire Brigade Museum
