Visit old sections of the Berlin Wall on the Berlin Wall Trail
Cycling the Berlin Wall Trail
As urban adventures go, there is perhaps no better way to experience the diversity, beauty and history of Berlin than to follow the Berlin Wall Trail.
From 1961 to 1989, the Berlin Wall cut off West Berlin from East Berlin and East Germany. It separated families, friends and lovers and was the most iconic symbol of division of its time. The stories of people trying to escape to West Berlin, which you can read at information poles dotted all along the trail, are heartbreaking. After taking in a few, you begin to understand why many Germans wanted the wall completely demolished when it came down in 1989. Others believed it should be preserved as a reminder of history.
Construction of the Berliner Mauerweg (Berlin Wall Trail) was completed in 2006. The trail follows the course of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) border fortifications for a total of around 160km.
It is kind of eerie knowing you are following former patrol roads where guards once roamed, watching for those trying to escape. The orange steles found regularly along the trail bring the period vividly to life, each one outlining the story of someone who died attempting to cross, complete with a map of where they perished — often just metres from where you are standing.
Along the route you will also pass original sections of the wall, including the East Side Gallery, which features iconic murals painted by invited artists from around the world. At Bernauer Strasse there is a powerful memorial with an original section of the wall, famous photographs on the sides of buildings, markers where escape tunnels were dug, and audio and video installations about significant events.
Beyond the Wall
While the wall is the central theme of the ride, there is so much more to absorb. Starting in Oranienburg, you can visit the nearby Sachsenhausen concentration camp before heading south through peaceful forests to join the Berlin Wall Trail. The countryside soon gives way to the suburbs of Berlin, where the architecture feels like it belongs on a design television programme. From there you reach Berlin Mitte, the heart of the city, with your hotel just a short walk from the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate.
Riding through Berlin is a genuine pleasure. The city has dedicated cycle paths throughout and traffic lights are set up to allow smooth movement of cyclists. Drivers are accustomed to sharing the road, and turning traffic consistently gives way to oncoming cyclists before committing to a turn.
For self-guided cyclists, the whole trail is straightforward to follow. The regular signs stand at a neck-craning 3.6m high — the same height as the wall itself — while detailed route notes and GPX maps ensure you always know where you are.
Potsdam and the Journey Home
Heading south, the route passes through fields of crops and old villages on the way to beautiful Potsdam, a city you could easily spend an extra day exploring. The grounds of Sanssouci Palace, which some say rivals the grandeur of Versailles, are particularly worth the time.
Leaving Potsdam, you cross the Glienicke Bridge, where Cold War spies were exchanged between East and West, before following the Havel River Cycle Route back towards Oranienburg.
Is it Suitable for Me?
Overall, the cycling is flat and easy, making this an excellent choice for those new to self-guided cycling trips. If you are still uncertain about your fitness or keeping pace with a travelling companion, upgrading to an electric bike is a great option that removes any concern entirely.
This is a wonderful urban adventure for anyone who wants to combine meaningful history with an accessible and enjoyable cycling experience.
By Brad Atwal
>> View the Berlin Wall Trail Cycle trip