Grunewald Forest (Grunewald)

Grunewald Forest is Berlin's magnificent woodland escape spanning over 3,000 hectares, offering families endless opportunities for hiking, lake swimming, and nature exploration. Kids will love splashing in the natural swimming areas during summer, spotting wildlife along forest trails, and enjoying picnics in this peaceful green oasis just minutes from the city center.

• ✓Natural swimming lakes with sandy beaches and clean water, including Teufelssee and Schlachtensee
• ✓Well-marked hiking and biking trails suitable for various fitness levels
• ✓Teufelsberg (Devil's Mountain), a hill with panoramic city views and historic Cold War listening station ruins
• ✓Abundant wildlife spotting opportunities including deer, wild boar, woodpeckers, and squirrels
• ✓Peaceful picnic clearings and meadows throughout the forest

1. 1.Download offline maps before you go, as cell service can be spotty deep in the forest. The Komoot or Maps.me apps work well for trail navigation.
2. 2.Head to Teufelssee (Devil's Lake) or Krumme Lanke for the best family-friendly swimming areas with sandy shores and shallower waters perfect for young children.
3. 3.Bring insect repellent, especially in summer months, and check kids for ticks after forest walks as they are common in German woodlands.
4. 4.The S-Bahn S7 line stops at Grunewald station, making it easily accessible without a car. Several trails start directly from the station.
5. 5.Pack a picnic as there are limited food vendors inside the forest. The village of Grunewald has supermarkets and bakeries for supplies before you enter.

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best weather for swimming and hiking. Weekday mornings are quieter, while summer weekends can get crowded at popular swimming spots. Autumn is stunning for foliage walks with fewer visitors.

Admission is free. Public restrooms are limited, so plan accordingly. Swimming is unsupervised, so always watch children closely. The forest is stroller-accessible on main paths but trails can be uneven, so baby carriers work better for rugged areas.

Swimming season runs May through September when water temperatures are warmest. Winter offers beautiful snowy forest walks and occasional sledding opportunities. Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds. Note that some trails may be muddy after rain.

Forsthaus Paulsborn, a traditional German restaurant at the forest edge, offers family-friendly meals and a beer garden. Alternatively, the Grunewald S-Bahn station area has cafes and a bakery for quick bites before or after your forest visit.