Grunewald

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  On the Teufelsberg in the Grunewald forest you can see the former US-American wiretapping buildings.

• Two women sit on the Drachenberg in Berlin and enjoy the view of the Grunewald forest.

• Visitors tour the antenna domes of the former listening station on the Teufelsberg in Berlin.

• Grunewald Hunting Lodge

• Grunewald Tower

• A woman walks her dogs through the autumnal Grunewald forest.

Grunewald is the largest forest area in the west of Berlin. The forest is criss-crossed by lakes and is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists.

If you go for a walk in Berlin's Grunewald forest, you quickly forget that you are in a metropolis of millions. The large forest area in the west of Berlin is a popular destination and recreation area for stressed city dwellers. Whether walking, jogging or cycling, the many small and large paths offer plenty of space for activities. Grunewald is framed by water at the edges of the forest. To the west is the Havel with its numerous bathing spots, to the east the chain of lakes comprising Grunewaldsee, Krumme Lanke and Schlachtensee. At the lower end of the Grunewald is the famous Wannsee with the Strandbad Wannsee, the largest inland swimming lake in Europe.

Avus: Race track through the Grunewald forest

The Avus runs through the middle of Grunewald. Today it is part of the A 115 city highway, and in the past daredevil racing drivers competed against each other here. Even today, the 200-metre-long grandstand on the Nordschleife is a reminder of the racetrack's fast-paced past.

Lost Place: Teufelsberg with listening station

In the northern part of the Grunewald forest, thousands visit the Teufelsberg every year. The mountain of rubble with the dilapidated American listening station on top is a monument to history and can be visited. Apart from that, the Teufelsberg and its neighbor, the Drachenberg, offer a sweeping view over Berlin.

Popular destinations: Grunewald Tower and Schildhorn peninsula

A popular destination in Grunewald is the Grunewald Tower. The red brick tower on the Karlsberg is a monument, observation tower and tourist attraction all in one. At its foot, visitors can indulge in culinary delights in a restaurant. An excursion to the Schildhorn peninsula is just as popular. On the peninsula in the west of the Grunewald forest, a monument commemorates the Wendenfürst Jaczo, who is said to have swum across the Havel at this point while fleeing from Albrecht the Bear. When he reached the rescuing shore, he is said to have hung his shield and sword on a tree and promised to be baptized.

A castle in the forest

The Grunewald Hunting Lodge is also worth a visit. The oldest castle in Berlin was once built as a base for hunting. Today, in addition to a large exhibition on the castle and hunting, it houses Berlin's largest Cranach collection.

Information

• Address:
  Falterweg 1
  14055 Berlin
  City map