On a hot Sunday I invited the hiking group from work to explore the Havelhöhenweg. I had some vague information about the route and had estimated we’d walk for 10 to 12 km. I figured we’d walk along the Havel river, so you couldn’t really get lost. We gathered at S-bahn station Pichelsberg and walked through the neighborhood towards the water near Heerstraße. From there the route would start.
In the forest we stood at a crossroads. Uphill, or downhill. There were so many mosquitoes that we didn’t want to stand still to think for very long and we descended down to the main road. I think the original way would have gone up and through the forest, but instead we walked along the road, with the river on our right. We had to walk a little while, past the harbor, to get back on a more pleasant path. From there it was super scenic.
For most of the way there was a nice path along the water where people were walking, running and sometimes cycling. On our left was the Grunewald forest and there turned out to be a few hills we could climb. Occasionally we went up, but most of the views were somewhat obstructed by tall trees. I think the best views came from the big and small beaches we found on the main path. I particularly like the view from the Schildhorn, a little piece of land that sticks out into the river. From here we saw many people out on the water, from SUP boards to sailing boats.
About halfway through the walk we arrived at the Grunewaldturm. The 55m high, red brick tower stands on a little hill and stands out in the green landscape. It’s a monument to honor emperor Wilhelm I, whose statue stands proudly under the arched ceiling of the tower. We mostly came to have a drink in the beautiful beer garden. It’s big and terraced, with even a little beach on the bottom layer, although you cannot reach the water. A few of us ventured up the 200 or so steps for a bird’s eye view. We were trying to make out the different buildings in the distance that were marked on the information signs. We saw many landmarks of the city, but the nicest view was towards Potsdam and the river.
After quenching our thirst with a Radler, we continued down the path along the river. We past a few more beaches, some with little hidden spots, where people had created their own private spots. Others were filled with yellow beach sand and offered place to more people. We kept going until we reached the Strandbad Wannsee. There was a huge line, waiting to be let in. We’d just walked past so many nice and free places and all these people were waiting to hang out at the busy organized beach! Although I was feeling hot, I skipped the queues and headed for the S-bahn at Nikolassee. We’d walked 14 km from S-bahn to S-bahn. It was the perfect little excursion. Not far from home, but still seemingly in a different world!
