


Spandauer Forst
About
Spandauer Forst is a sprawling natural forest sanctuary in Berlin's Reinickendorf district, offering families a perfect escape into nature without leaving the city. With well-maintained hiking trails, scattered playgrounds, and diverse natural features to explore, this expansive woodland provides endless opportunities for kids to climb, discover wildlife, and burn off energy in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Highlights
- ✓Multiple playground areas scattered throughout the forest for rest stops during hikes
- ✓Extensive network of well-marked hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels
- ✓Wildlife spotting opportunities including birds, squirrels, and diverse insect life
- ✓Peaceful natural environment perfect for teaching kids about forest ecosystems
- ✓Open 24 hours, allowing for unique experiences like early morning bird watching
Pro Tips
- 1.Download offline maps before your visit as cell service can be spotty deep in the forest, and trails are extensive with multiple entry points.
- 2.Bring a backpack with snacks, water, and basic first aid supplies as there are no facilities or vendors inside the forest itself.
- 3.Wear sturdy shoes for the whole family as trails can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain, and tick checks are essential after woodland walks.
- 4.The forest connects to several neighborhoods, so enter from Niederneuendorfer Allee for easy access to parking areas and clear trail markers.
- 5.Pack a small nature guide or use a plant identification app to turn your walk into an educational adventure, spotting local birds, insects, and tree species.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons for the quietest experience. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most comfortable temperatures and stunning natural colors, while summer provides full shade under the forest canopy.
What to Know
This is a natural forest area with no entrance fee, visitor center, or facilities, so plan accordingly. Limited street parking is available near entry points along Niederneuendorfer Allee, and visitors should bring all supplies as there are no restrooms or food options within the forest.
Seasonal Notes
Accessible year-round with each season offering different experiences. Spring brings wildflowers and baby animals, summer provides cooling shade, autumn features spectacular foliage, and winter offers peaceful snowy landscapes. Be prepared for muddy conditions in spring and after rain.
Nearby Eats
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the forest, or head to nearby Reinickendorf town center (10 minutes by car) where you will find family-friendly German restaurants and international chains with children's menus. Alternatively, the Tegel area offers several casual eateries including pizza places and cafes with outdoor seating.
More Activities Near Reinickendorf
Flughafen Tegel
This former airport has been transformed into one of Berlin's most exciting open spaces for families, offering vast grounds perfect for running, cycling, and exploring. The expansive park features modern playgrounds, sports facilities, and wide open areas where kids can play freely, all set against the unique backdrop of the old airport's iconic terminal building.
Military History Museum - airport Berlin-Gatow
Located at a historic airfield in Berlin, this aviation museum captivates young plane enthusiasts with an impressive collection of vintage aircraft, helicopters, and military vehicles they can see up close. The outdoor displays allow kids to get remarkably near to real aircraft, while interactive exhibits inside make military aviation history accessible and exciting for children.
Tegel forest (southern part)
Tegel Forest's southern wetland area offers families a peaceful escape into nature right within Berlin, featuring easy walking paths perfect for little legs, wildlife observation platforms where kids can spot birds and aquatic animals, and educational opportunities about wetland ecosystems. This free, 24-hour nature preserve provides a wonderful outdoor adventure without the pressure of admission fees or strict opening hours, making it ideal for flexible family schedules.
Lake Tegel
Lake Tegel is Berlin's second-largest lake and a family paradise offering sandy beaches perfect for building sandcastles, calm swimming areas ideal for children, and expansive green spaces for active play. With multiple playgrounds dotted around the shore, paddle boat rentals, and plenty of room to run, this lakeside retreat provides a refreshing escape from city sightseeing without leaving Berlin.