With 3,000 hectares, Grunewald is a huge forested area in the West of Berlin and home to many species of animals and plants, chains of lakes, and hills. Grunewald owes its name to the ‘house of the green wood’, the present-day Grunewald hunting lodge from the 16th century, which is located directly on the shores of lake Grunewald. It’s also possible to visit the castle that houses Berlin’s largest Cranach collection. If you find yourself at the hunting lodge on the 2nd weekend of Advent, you can visit the fairytale Christmas market. Here, you will not only find famous fairytale characters like Old Mother Frost or Hansel and Gretel, but you will also find exclusive handicrafts and enchanting fragrances. This Christmas market by the lake is simply magical!
The Grunewald lake offers more than just several bathing facilities in summer (including nude bathing on the western beach), you can also walk your dog here all year round, as the lake is an official dog exercise area. Other popular destinations for a daytrip are Krumme Lanke and Schlachtensee.If swimming and hiking aren’t enough for you, you’re welcome to climb to lofty heights. For a good view, you can climb Teufelsberg, where you can still see the remains of American espionage facilities, or Karlsberg. Its observation tower, the Grunewald Tower, built at the end of the 19th century, is a pretty sight to see. From here, you can view the entire Havel countryside, as well as the metropolis of Berlin far in the distance. The sandy beaches are inviting places to swim and the Waldhaus and Turmrestaurant take care of your culinary needs.
