Berlin – Forests and lakes: Grunewald, Havel i Wannsee

Berlin – Forests and lakes: Grunewald, Havel i Wannsee

Few people associate Berlin with walks in a dense forest, swimming in lakes and sunbathing on crowded beaches, but that is exactly what the Grunewald forests and the lakes Havel and Wannsee have to offer. Grunwald to 32 square kilometers of mixed forests located between the suburbs of Dahlem and Wilmersdorf and the lakes to the east, very popular with Berliners for its fresh air and walking opportunities. After war 70% Grunewald trees were cut down for fuel, and as a result of later afforestation, pines and birches were replaced with oaks and ash, which made the forest even more attractive. One of the possible starting points is the Jagdschloss Grunewald (IV-IX, wt.-nd. 10.00-18.00, 3-10 10.00-17.00, XI-II 10.00-16.00; 2.50 DM, students 1.50 DM), royal hunting lodge built in the 16th century and enlarged by Frederick I and II. Today there is a museum of Dutch and German painting here, featuring works by Cranach the Elder and Rubens. It is nice to take a walk near the nearby Grunewaldsee lake, concerts are held here on summer evenings, usually Fr. 18.00 (see Zitty magazine for details). To reach Jagdschloss, take the bus #60 from Tauenzienstrasse in the center and follow the stop on Piicklerstrasse (where the Briicke Museum is located) and go straight on this street, all the way to the forest.

You can also take the S-Bahn # 1 or # 3 to Wansee station and catch one of the frequent buses to Strandbad Wannsee, kilometer long belt of light sand, which fills up with people as soon as the sun comes out. Hence, it is close to the forest, but if you are tempted by a great adventure, you can board the ferry that leaves the quay near the S-Bahn station (there, ask for directions). You can sail to Spandau (6 DM), to Kladow on the other side of the lake (2.50 DM) or on the Pfaueninsel ("Peacock Island"; codz. IV-IX 8.00-18.00, V-VIII 8.00-20.00, III i X 9.00-17.00, XI-I1 10.00-16.00; prom 2 DM), which attraction is the castle built by Fredrich Wilhelm II for his mistress, and today it is the seat of a small museum (wt.-nd., IV-IX 10.00-17.00, X 10.00-16.00). However, the most enjoyable gardens are by Peter Lennee, which was also designed by Tiergarten. The island is a protected zone and cannot be driven by car.