Best backpacking trails in Berlin

The Berliner Mauerweg is a historic 160 km (99.4 miles) loop trail following the former border structures of the German Democratic Republic around West Berlin, typically completed in 14 stages. This multifaceted route combines poignant historical landmarks with scenic natural landscapes, tracing the former customs and patrol paths. Walkers and cyclists encounter significant urban highlights such as Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, and the East Side Gallery, alongside peaceful green...

This route follows stage 6 of the Berlin Wall Trail, connecting Schöneweide with Schönefeld on a historically significant section in the southern part of the city. The hike leads for a long stretch along the Teltow Canal, whose banks marked the heavily fortified border during the division of Germany. A historical highlight along the path is a well-preserved, authentic section of the original Wall complex located just ahead of the Rudower Höhe hill. Shortly before reaching the destination,...

This route follows stage 3 of the Berlin Wall Trail, connecting Nordbahnhof with Potsdamer Platz on a historically significant section right through the center of the capital. The hike leads past major memorials of the Berlin division, including the former Chausseestraße and Invalidenstraße border crossings, an authentic watchtower, and a preserved segment of the Wall. The trail then winds through the modern government district and directly past the Reichstag building, offering an impressive...

This route follows stage 4 of the Berlin Wall Trail, connecting Potsdamer Platz with Warschauer Straße on a historically significant section passing from Mitte to Kreuzberg. The hike leads past the world-famous former border crossing Checkpoint Charlie, where a replica of the guard house offers a vivid glimpse into the Cold War era. Toward the end of the stage, you will encounter the East Side Gallery, a nearly 1.5-kilometer (0.9-mile) long, preserved section of the original Berlin Wall that...

Historical path in Berlin. The Berlin Wall Trail runs along the former GDR border fortifications to West Berlin. In most sections, the cycling and hiking route runs along the former customs route (West Berlin) or the so-called Kolonnenweg, a GDR border troops control route. The trail can be explored both on foot and by bike. Historically interesting sections alternate with scenic routes. The Berlin Wall Trail is marked throughout. There are also overview maps for orientation from time to...

This route follows a shorter hiking variant of stage 1 of the Berlin Wall Trail, connecting Hermsdorf with Wollankstraße on a historically significant section. The tour begins at an original Berlin Wall segment in Hermsdorf and loops through the green landscapes surrounding the idyllic village of Lübars. The trail then follows the railway tracks south to the destination at Wollankstraße, where the nearby Schönholzer Heide park and its Soviet War Memorial offer a poignant spot for a concluding...

This route follows stage 5 of the Berlin Wall Trail, connecting Warschauer Straße with Schöneweide on a historically significant section through the southeastern part of the city. The hike begins at the historic Oberbaumbrücke bridge, just a short walk from Warschauer Straße station, and follows the former border path through the scenic green corridor along the Heidekampgraben. Along the way, memorial plaques and a preserved watchtower honor the victims of the division. The trail also passes...

This route follows stage 2 of the Berlin Wall Trail, connecting Wollankstraße with Nordbahnhof on a historically significant section in the heart of Berlin. The hike passes the former Bornholmer Straße border crossing, which was the very first checkpoint to open on November 9, 1989. A central highlight of the route is the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Straße, which extends from the lively Mauerpark to Nordbahnhof. From the observation tower of the documentation center, visitors can look...

This route follows stage 9 of the Berlin Wall Trail, connecting the Lichterfelde-Süd S-Bahn station with Griebnitzsee station on a historically significant section bordering Potsdam. The hike initially runs along the banks of the Teltow Canal before leading straight through the shaded Düppel Forest along the historic Königsweg trail. Although this section does not follow the exact path of the former border patrol road, it remains in close proximity throughout the hike. While crossing the...

This route follows stage 8 of the Berlin Wall Trail, connecting the Lichtenrade S-Bahn station with Lichterfelde-Süd on a historically fascinating section along the southern city limits. While no physical remnants of the Wall remain visible here, the historic division is still clearly felt through the abrupt transition between Berlin's urban neighborhoods and the open Brandenburg countryside. This tour is highly recommended in the spring during the cherry blossom season, as a section of the...