The Grunewald, which means “Green Forest”, is an amazing location for outdoor activities and a nature break from the city. There are numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, lakes, historic sites, and yes, even Biergartens!
For a short walk that is suitable year round, consider a loop around the Grunewaldsee lake. Before reaching the Grunewaldsee, you’ll actually pass the Hundekehlessee, another small lake closer to the train station. The far shore is lined with houses, and swans are often spotted swimming here.
Grunewaldsee Overview
While the Grunewald forest is full of trails, this post takes us to the Grunewaldsee – a natural 17.5 hectares lake south of the S-bahn station. This lake is small enough that you can walk all the way around it – a circular route from the train station is approximately 8.5km.
The Grunewaldsee is a popular location for dog owners to take their dogs out for a walk on the trails. Dogs also like to play off leash on the small sandy shore along the east coast of the lake. The area is both the largest dog walking area in Berlin and a nature reserve, so respecting the access signs helps preserve both functions.
Note that while dogs are allowed in specific areas of the lake, humans are not allowed to swim here.
While a walk around the Grunewaldsee can be enjoyed in either direction, travelling clockwise offers the best ‘first glimpse’ of a couple highlights along the way, especially the Jagdschloss.
Jagdschloss
The Jagdschloss is a historic royal hunting lodge on the shore of the Grunewaldsee lake. An example of Renaissance architecture built in 1542, the Jagdschloss is the oldest palace in Berlin and home to an art collection of works by both Cranach the Elder and Cranach the Younger.
Around 30 works by the Cranachs commissioned by Elector Joachim II of Brandenburg can be seen in the old lodge. The collection also includes other Renaissance works from German and Dutch artists, as well as other works showing royal hunts.
It is free to walk through the courtyard, which has a small cafe, but to see the museum and artworks there is a small entrance fee.
A Christmas market
For one weekend in December, usually the second weekend of Advent, the courtyard of the Jagdschloss is the site of a small Christmas market called the Märchenhafter Weihnachtsmarkt or Fairytale Christmas Market.
In addition to regional foods, drinks, and handicrafts, fairytale characters mingle among the market guests. Be sure to check the dates before you set out as they vary from year to year.
Refreshments
Continuing clockwise around the Grunewaldsee, you soon come to a hotel with a restaurant and a Biergarten. If you’re considering a stop for refreshments, note that you are now approximately halfway around the lake and there are no further facilities until you get back to the train station.
Wildlife
There are also some endangered plants growing along parts of the shore – usually these areas are marked off by fences to help preserve their habitat. A variety of waterbirds and amphibians also make their homes here.
Most of the wildlife you’re likely to spot around the lake are birds. While many of the waterbirds and amphibians may not be visible from the trail (especially where sections of shore are blocked off for habitat protection), there are bird feeders set up alongside the trail which smaller songbirds frequent.
The trails can be busy, especially because many people enjoy bringing their dogs here for exercise, but if you can wait, you’ll likely spot sparrows, chickadees and Eurasian blue tits visiting the feeders.
How to Get There
There are multiple options to travel to the Grunewald by train or bus, so it really depends on what you plan to see. To follow this walking route, begin at the train station S-Grunewald which you can reach by taking the S7 from Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
