Havel Heights: Hilly forest hike to Berlin’s best viewpoints

Berlin is often thought of as a flat city, but Grunewald hides a surprising landscape of wooded hills and sweeping viewpoints.
This hike follows sandy woodland trails and quiet paths along the Havel River, gradually climbing through the forest to reach some of Berlin’s best vantage points. We’ll climb the steps of the historic Grunewaldturm before stopping for a relaxed break at Kaisergarten am Grunewaldturm, a traditional beer garden overlooking the river.
From there, we continue through the forest and up to the summit of Drachenberg, where wide views open out across the Grunewald and the distant Berlin skyline.
It’s a chance to leave the busy streets behind, enjoy some fresh forest air, and spend the day exploring one of Berlin’s most beautiful landscapes with a group of curious explorers.

Grunewald: Berlin’s largest forest, filled with sandy trails, glacial hills, and quiet lakes. A favourite escape for those looking for nature just outside the city.

Havel River: One of the major rivers of the Berlin-Brandenburg region. Here the river widens into large lakes and peaceful bays surrounded by forest.

Grunewaldturm: Built in 1899, this historic observation tower rises above the forest overlooking the Havel. Climb the steps to enjoy wide views over the lakes, woodland, and the distant Berlin skyline.

Kaisergarten am Grunewaldturm: A classic German beer garden beside the tower. With views across the river, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed break, a drink, or a snack.

Drachenberg: One of Berlin’s best viewpoints. From the top you’ll see a sweeping panorama across the Grunewald, Teufelsberg, and the Berlin skyline. We’ll aim to reach the summit in the early evening, with the chance of catching sunset — a memorable way to finish the hike.

Meeting location & time:

• Option A: Meeting in Alexanderplatz S Bahn Station at 10:00 am
• Option B: Meeting in Nikolassee S Bahn Station at 11:30 am

Finishing location & time: Heerstraße S Bahn Station at 09:00 pm

Distance: 14 km walking, 9 hours from start to finish, multiple break times.

Hiking Difficulty: Moderately challenging – hiking at relaxed/steady pace on well-marked trails with moderate elevation and stair climbs, including a tower with 203 steps – Sure-footedness and reasonable level of fitness required.

Needed: Hiking clothes and boots, water, lunch / snacks

Kid Friendly: Yes, but unsuitable for pushchairs.

Pet Friendly: Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome.

What is included?

• Community leader & guide for the entire duration
• Access to Google photos album dedicated for this trip for sharing all your amazing pics & videos from the trip.
• Access to a WhatsApp group for confirmed participants.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Entry to the Grunewaldturm viewing platform is optional. Participants who wish to climb the tower can purchase their own ticket at the entrance. Please carry cash of 5 euros for tickets at the entrance.

Note: Please contact us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp & we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication.

• WhatsApp Group: In the ticket confirmation page, you will find a link to a WhatsApp group dedicated to this event. This group is where you can connect with trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch.

• Google Photos Album: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to the shared google photos album where you can upload & view all shared photos & videos from the trip.

Ben is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator specialising in map design having created maps for the RSPB and the England Coast Path, among others. Originally from England, he now lives in Berlin.

A keen hiker since discovering the mountains of North Wales, he has summited the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales, and explored parts of the UK, Germany and the French Alps. He appreciates the peace and physical challenge of nature – exploring Berlin and beyond. Ben loves seeking out the highest point for an epic view, finding a well-earned beer garden and sampling foods from different cultures.

Detail-oriented and curious, Ben loves planning routes and sharing adventures that are rewarding and enjoyable for hikers of all levels – after all, strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet!

• WHATSAPP (fastest): Reach out to us directly by clicking here.
• EMAIL: Reach out to us on [email protected] or by clicking on "Contact the event organizer" option below.
• SMS / CALL: Reach us on +49 152 2150 6123
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Info: Meet at Alexanderplatz station and take the S Bahn to Nikolassee station

Info: Arrive at Nikolassee station and kick-off with brief introductions before starting our hike into Grunewald Forest

Info: Continue hiking the hilly forest trails along the Havel, taking breaks as desired at any of the numerous benches with beautiful lake views

Info: Arrive at the Kaisergarten am Grunewaldturm Biergarten for a well-deserved lunch and climb the Grunewaldturm

Info: Continue hiking through the peaceful Grunewald Forest and over Teufelsberg towards Drachenberg

Info: Reach the top of Drachenberg and take a break to soak up the panoramic views and sunset

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