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: Culture and nature between Oranienburg and Potsdam
If you love water views and are also in the mood for culture, then this stage of the Havel Cycle Route is a dream. Whether Oranienburg Palace, Spandau Citadel or the Barberini Museum - many exciting stops await you along the way. You cycle along the Havel for 66 kilometres . You start north of the capital and glide through Birkenwerder and Hennigsdorf directly to the riverbank. From Spandau, you cycle to Scharfe Lanke and on to Kladow, where a ferry takes you across the Wannsee.
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: Urban along the Landwehr Canal
Cycle along the Landwehr Canal through shady parks, past historic bridges, markets and trendy cafés. Whether it's currywurst at Curry 36 or street music on the Admiralbrücke - the Kreuzberg way of life pulsates here. You can cycle along Maybach-Ufer and Paul-Lincke-Ufer and enjoy the neighbourhood lifestyle. In the warmer months of the year, life pulsates around the Landwehr Canal, so you will encounter many people doing sports or relaxing on picnic blankets and park benches.
Cycle tour through Kreuzberg
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.
