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The Berlin Wall, a onetime symbol of division, now provides a peaceful path for cyclists looking to explore one of Germany's most dynamic cities in an entirely different way. This urban cycle adventure will uncover the diversity of Berlin offering a unique insight into the numerous faces of the city, marked by historical adversity yet celebrated in the vibrancy of the landscapes and landmarks which define it. The 160km loop structure that was brought down in 1989 has now given rise to the Wall Trail (Mauerweg) and cycling along the former border line between East and West Germany is the ideal way to stop and soak in the history of the many check points, that are now sites of interest, as well as other fascinating relics. During this circuit ride from Oranienburg through Berlin and passing by important sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of peace, and Checkpoint Charlie, once separating the American-controlled zone of West Berlin from the Soviet-controlled East Berlin. The ride along the former patrol roads takes in forests and grand parks, such as the World Heritage listed parks and palaces of Potsdam, namely the Sanssouci palace complex, where philosopher Voltaire once stayed and the Spandau Forest, on a circuit returning to Oranienburg. At night stay in comfortable hotels chosen for their location and service.
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25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(126kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Oranienburg, just north of Berlin
On arrival in Berlin, take the S-Bahn from Berlin-Mitte to Oranienburg, a journey of just under one hour. If you arrive early you may wish to take an excursion to the nearby Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial (free entry). Please note that if you arrive on a Sunday, the supermarkets and most shops are closed. Your rental bike/s will be waiting for you at the hotel. Overnight in Oranienburg.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Follow cycle route to central Berlin (44km/27mi)
Your first day's adventure begins by cycling through the nature conservation area Tegeler Fliess and soon after you will join the Berlin Wall Trail (Berlin Mauerweg) proper. You'll come across your first watchtower and some orange steles, which are common along the route and provide information about people who lost their lives trying to cross the wall. Following the path of the former Wall south along the edge of Reinickendorf (former West Berlin) via Niederschönhausen (former East Berlin) in the direction of Pankow you will reach Wedding. Cycle through the Mauerpark to Bernauer Street. Pass the Nordbahnhof and continue between Berlin's city centre and the district of Wedding until you reach the former border crossing, 'Invalidenstrasse'. Cross the Spree river on the Kronprinzen Bridge to the Reichstag and the grand 18th-century Brandenburg Gate, iconic symbol of reunification and peace. You are now in the middle of Berlin! Divided during the Cold War, today Berlin has a vibrant art scene and nightlife. Reminders of the city's turbulent history include the Holocaust Memorial, the graffiti-ed remains of the Berlin Wall, and its eclectic architecture. A truly fascinating city to explore, don't miss the Schloss Charlottenburg, World Heritage listed Museum Island and Mies van der Rohe’s landmark Neue Nationalgalerie. Overnight Berlin-Mitte.
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle past the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie to Teltow (59km/36.5mi)
Today's ride heads through the heart of the city of Berlin, from the Brandenburg Gate along the path of the former Berlin Wall. Take time to enjoy the sights in the city centre before continuing to Potsdamer Platz city square. Continue to the former border control Checkpoint Charlie, where you may want to visit the Border Museum. Continue following the path of the former Wall alongside the city district of Kreuzberg, over the Spree River, to the Ostbahnhof. Here you will find a remnant of the Berlin Wall called The East Side Gallery, which has been transformed into a wall of art. It is the largest remaining section of the wall. You may want to make a quick stop at the Soviet monument in Treptow Park before continuing through Treptow's small summer garden area to the former Sonnenallee border crossing (which featured in Leander Hausmann's 1999 film of that name). The first German airport for engine-powered airplanes was built in 1909 in nearby Adlershof. On reaching Schonefeld, continue past Bukow and outlying areas to Teltow. Overnight in or near Teltow.
Day 4
Cycle to Potsdam, visit Sanssouci palace complex (30km/18.5mi)
Today's ride is shorter to allow you more time to explore the many sights in Potsdam. Cycle the route of the 'Stammbahn', the first Prussian train to run from Potsdamer Platz to Potsdam in 1838. Along the way you will pass the former border control point of Dreilinden. Crossing over the Konigsweg you will cycle through the Berlin forest towards Babelsberg and Potsdam. The ride diverts from the main Berlin Wall Trail so you can view the Glienicke Bridge, where spies were exchanged, from a different angle (you will ride over it tomorrow morning). In the afternoon, you can explore this former royal capital and garrison town or visit the Sanssouci palace and terraced gardens. Overnight in Potsdam.
Day 5
Through the Spandau Forest and via the Berlin to Copenhagen bike path to Oranienburg (72km/45mi)
Cycle through the landscape of hills, parks and lakes designed by Lenné and Schinkel. Continue past the Glienicke Bridge and then take the ferry (payable locally - allow EUR10 pp) across the Havel river to Kladow. You follow the former border through the Gross Glienicker Heide to Staaken. From Staaken your route leads through Spandau Forest to Nieder Neuendorf. Overnight stay in Oranienburg.
Day 6
Trip concludes Oranienburg
Trip concludes after breakfast. We can book extra nights on request.
What's included
What's not included
We stay in a combination of 3 & 4 star hotels all with ensuite facilities. In some European hotels, a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bedframe but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.
The rental bikes available are Lehmkuhl or Kalkhoff brands for men and women in different frame sizes (subject to change). There are 8-speed coaster bikes with hub gears (26 to 28 inch) or 24-speed freewheelers with derailleur (28 inch). They are fitted with gel seats. Kid's bikes (24 inch) and tow bikes and trailers are available on request. Please let us know your preferences at time of booking. All bikes are supplied with a pannier (capacity 10-12L), handlebar bag, repair kit, lock and pump. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. A puncture repair kit is included in the equipment provided so you can fix the issue.
An electric bike is available on request. These are 7-8 speed bikes with hub gears (freewheel or coaster brakes) and with a range of 55 km up to 140 km. A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists.
Cycling will mostly be on asphalt bike paths but also includes bike paths, solid forest and field tracks. There will be some road cycling with little traffic, especially when entering or leaving towns & villages.
GRADE 2 - This trip involves 4 days cycling with cycling stages from 25 to 72km / 15.5 to 45mi per day with gradual ascents and descents. The terrain on this tour is mainly flat with occasional hills however weather conditions can impact on the riding difficulty. Most of the tour is on quiet roads or bike paths in the city. If you are not familiar with cycling with light to moderate traffic conditions, it is recommended that you practise this before you travel. This trip requires a good level of fitness. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn.
Per Person, Twin Share
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