Berlin is a city that’s best explored on two wheels. As an avid cyclist and a lover of urban adventures, I was thrilled to discover that Berlin is incredibly bike-friendly, with a vast network of cycle paths, parks, and scenic routes that make navigating the city both easy and enjoyable. During my recent trip, I took full advantage of this and spent several days exploring Berlin by bike. In this blog, I’ll share my favorite cycling routes, tips for renting bikes, and some of the hidden gems I discovered along the way.
Why Berlin is a Cyclist’s Paradise
Before diving into the specifics of my bike routes, it’s worth mentioning why Berlin is such an ideal city for cycling. The city is flat, which makes riding accessible for cyclists of all skill levels. Berlin also has over 1,000 kilometers of bike lanes and paths, ranging from quiet, tree-lined streets to bustling boulevards. Additionally, the city’s commitment to sustainability means that biking is encouraged, with many locals choosing it as their primary mode of transportation.
One of the best things about cycling in Berlin is the ability to see the city from a different perspective. You can easily hop on your bike and explore neighborhoods that might be off the beaten path or take a leisurely ride through one of the city’s many parks. Plus, biking allows you to cover more ground than walking, while still enjoying the fresh air and scenery.
Renting a Bike in Berlin
Finding a bike to rent in Berlin is easy, and there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences.
Where to Rent a Bike
During my trip, I rented my bike from Rent a Bike 44, a popular spot located near Alexanderplatz. This rental shop came highly recommended for its wide selection of bikes and affordable prices. They offered everything from standard city bikes to more specialized options like e-bikes and tandems. The staff was incredibly helpful, making sure the bike was properly adjusted to my height and providing me with a map of recommended routes.
If you’re staying in a different part of the city, don’t worry – there are rental shops all over Berlin. Berlin on Bike, located in the Prenzlauer Berg district, is another excellent choice. They offer guided bike tours as well as rentals, which is perfect if you’re looking to combine cycling with a bit of sightseeing.
For those who prefer more flexibility, Donkey Republic is a bike-sharing service that operates throughout Berlin. You can pick up and drop off a bike at various locations around the city using their app, making it easy to rent a bike for just a few hours or for your entire stay.
Cost of Renting a Bike
Bike rental prices in Berlin are quite reasonable. I paid around €12 per day for a standard city bike from Rent a Bike 44, which I found to be a great deal considering the quality of the bike. E-bikes and specialty bikes are slightly more expensive, ranging from €20 to €30 per day. If you’re planning to rent a bike for an extended period, many shops offer discounts for multi-day rentals.
What to Look for When Renting a Bike
When renting a bike, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable ride:
- Check the Bike’s Condition: Make sure the bike is in good working order before you set off. Test the brakes, gears, and tires to avoid any issues while you’re out on the road.
- Choose the Right Size: It’s important that the bike fits you properly. The rental staff should help you adjust the seat and handlebars to ensure a comfortable ride.
- Helmet and Lock: While helmets are not mandatory in Berlin, I strongly recommend wearing one for safety. Most rental shops will provide a helmet upon request. Don’t forget to ask for a lock as well – Berlin is generally safe, but it’s always a good idea to secure your bike when you’re not using it.
- Lights and Reflectors: If you plan on cycling at night, make sure the bike is equipped with working lights and reflectors. It’s essential for staying visible and safe on the roads.
My Top 5 Bike Routes in Berlin
Now, let’s get to the fun part – the bike routes! Berlin has so much to offer in terms of cycling, from historical landmarks to peaceful parks. Here are my top five routes that I explored during my trip.
1. The Berlin Wall Trail
The Berlin Wall Trail, or Berliner Mauerweg, is perhaps the most iconic cycling route in the city. This 160-kilometer trail follows the path of the former Berlin Wall, taking you through both urban and rural landscapes. I chose to ride a 20-kilometer section of the trail, starting from the East Side Gallery and heading north towards Bernauer Strasse.
The trail is well-marked, and as you ride, you’ll come across various historical sites, including preserved sections of the Wall, watchtowers, and memorials. One of the most poignant stops on this route is the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse, where you can learn more about the history of the Wall and the people who were affected by it. The route also offers stunning views of the Spree River and some of Berlin’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
How to Get There: The trail can be accessed from various points in the city, but I started at the East Side Gallery, easily reachable by U-Bahn (Ostbahnhof) or S-Bahn (Warschauer Strasse).
Tips: Bring a camera! The East Side Gallery, with its colorful murals, is a must-see, and you’ll want to capture the powerful memorials along the way.
2. Tiergarten Loop
Tiergarten is Berlin’s most famous park, and cycling through it is a serene experience. The park covers over 200 hectares, and there are plenty of paths to explore. I started my ride at the Brandenburg Gate, which is located at the eastern edge of the park, and made my way westward, looping around the Siegessäule (Victory Column).
The Tiergarten is perfect for a leisurely ride, with wide, shaded paths that wind through lush greenery and past peaceful ponds. There are several notable landmarks within the park, including the Soviet War Memorial and the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (House of World Cultures). I took my time, stopping for a coffee at Café am Neuen See, a charming lakeside café where you can rent rowboats if you fancy a break from cycling.
How to Get There: The Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) is the ideal starting point and is easily accessible by U-Bahn (Brandenburger Tor).
Tips: If you’re visiting in the summer, pack a picnic and enjoy it on one of the park’s many grassy lawns. Tiergarten is also a great spot for people-watching.
3. The Spree River Path
Cycling along the Spree River is a fantastic way to see some of Berlin’s most famous sights. I started my ride near the Reichstag Building and followed the river eastward, passing Museum Island, the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral), and the iconic TV Tower at Alexanderplatz.
This route is not only scenic but also rich in history and culture. Museum Island is home to some of Berlin’s most important museums, including the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum. As I cycled along, I enjoyed the contrast between the historic buildings and the modern cityscape.
The path continues along the river, offering beautiful views of the water and the surrounding architecture. I ended my ride at the Oberbaum Bridge, a striking double-decker bridge that connects the districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.
How to Get There: The Reichstag Building is easily accessible by U-Bahn (Bundestag) or S-Bahn (Berlin Hauptbahnhof).
Tips: If you have time, consider taking a boat tour on the Spree River after your ride. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective.
4. Tempelhofer Feld
Tempelhofer Feld is a unique spot in Berlin – it’s a former airport that has been transformed into a massive public park. The wide, open spaces and long runways make it an ideal location for cycling. I spent an afternoon here, enjoying the freedom to ride as fast or as slow as I wanted, without having to worry about traffic.
One of the most interesting aspects of Tempelhofer Feld is its history. The airport played a significant role during the Berlin Airlift, and you can still see remnants of its past, including the old terminal buildings. Today, the park is a favorite spot for Berliners, who come here to picnic, fly kites, and of course, cycle.
How to Get There: Tempelhofer Feld is accessible by U-Bahn (Tempelhof or Platz der Luftbrücke).
Tips: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the open space offers little shade. Also, be sure to check out the community gardens, where locals grow fruits and vegetables.
5. Grunewald Forest and Wannsee
For those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature, the Grunewald Forest is a perfect destination. Located in the southwestern part of Berlin, this vast forest offers miles of trails for cycling and hiking. I started my ride at the Grunewald S-Bahn station and headed towards the Wannsee, a large lake that’s popular for swimming and boating.
The ride through the forest is peaceful and refreshing, with tall trees providing plenty of shade. There are several points of interest along the way, including the Teufelsberg, an abandoned Cold War-era listening station that now serves as a graffiti-covered art installation. The highlight of the ride, however, was reaching the Wannsee, where I took a dip in the cool water before heading back.
How to Get There: Grunewald is accessible by S-Bahn (Grunewald station).
Tips: Pack a swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim in the Wannsee. Also, be sure to bring a map or use a GPS, as the trails in the forest can be a bit confusing.
Cycling through Berlin was one of the highlights of my trip. It allowed me to experience the city in a way that’s both active and immersive. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a fun way to explore, I highly recommend renting a bike and hitting the trails. From the historical landmarks along the Berlin Wall Trail to the serene paths of Tiergarten, there’s something for everyone.
