Ultimate 1-Day Walking Route of Berlin
Still overwhelmed by those 20 open tabs of Berlin?
Close them and just do this walking route!
It will take you from one of the most iconic landmarks to the best viewing point and fill your day without using public transport.
AT A GLANCE.
| Length: | approx. 7.2 km |
| General walking time: | 1.5 – 2.5 hours |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Best time of day: | Any time during the day |
| Starting point & end: | Alexanderplatz to Victory Column |
| Tip: | If you want to continue the route, you can add the Memorial to the Murdered Jews and the French & German Dome at the end of the walk. |
From soaring heights to historical architecture.
From your accommodation, head to Alexanderplatz, the starting point of this route. You don’t need any public transport from here.
Start your route by passing the Weltzeituhr (world time clock) and crane your neck at the TV Tower.
When Germany was divided, this was the signal distribution tower of East Germany. West Germany had their own tower, the Funkturm, which houses a dining experience as well.
Shortly after passing the TV Tower, to your left, the unmistakable Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall) will emerge; walk over and head past it to the Nikolaiviertel. This area is the oldest residential area of Berlin. Although it had to be restored, the glimpse into old German architecture and the cobblestone street is a great representation of many towns throughout the country.
Complete your stroll around the church and walk towards the statue of the man on the dragon, then head right along the river Spree. Taking the large steps, make your way onto the sidewalk and across the street to the butter-yellow building of the Humboldt Forum. The building houses different and changing exhibitions as well as a rooftop terrace. However, the best view is yet to come.
A Dive into History.
Pass through one of the arches and the inner courtyard. Either cross the street at the traffic light or continue to the left, down and through to the underground station with the sparkling ceiling.
You’ll find yourself on the Museumsinsel (Museum Island). To your right, the towering church is the Berliner Dom (Cathedral of Berlin). For a small entrance fee, you can visit the church, the catacombs and head up to the crest. It’s a magnificent sight to behold inside and out; I highly recommend taking a look and spending some time wandering the church.
If you started the loop around Museumsinsel through the underground station, head past the Zeughaus and to the Neues Museum, and enjoy the evergreen garden and the walkway between the columns. On weekends, the Berlin Art Market takes place along the river Spree next to the Zeughaus. Plenty of stalls are set up to sell handcrafted items and paintings. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, this is the place to go.
Unter den Linden.
Once you reach the main boulevard again, turn right. Passing several beautifully maintained buildings, such as the opera, different museums and other buildings, including the University of Berlin and the state library. The ivy growing on its facade turns shades of red and orange during autumn, decorating the outside beautifully.
Continue down the boulevard (Unter den Linden), straight ahead, and you will reach the Brandenburger Gate. Passing underneath the Quadriga, the symbol of peace, triumph, unity and freedom, through the columns and continuing your walk down Straße des 17. Juni.
A moment of peace.
This street divides the Tiergarten, a large park, in half. You will want to venture down on its left, as halfway down the road, hidden from sight under the thick canopy of trees and underbrush, is the Rosengarten (Rose Garden). Summed up in one word: Serene.
The Perfect Frame.
After enjoying a nice break, resting your feet while soaking in some sunshine and the scent of blossoming rose bushes, continue down the road to the Siegessäule (Victory Column).
How to get to the middle of the roundabout where the column is located? Enter through the unassuming old arch/building on your left. A tunnel underneath the road will take you to the centre. If you are lucky, a street musician will be playing, using the echo of the tunnel to naturally carry the beautiful sound of his violin.
Believe me when I say: THIS is where you will have the best view of Berlin.
Remember all the sights you passed? You will see them perfectly framed from the top of the column.
Looping back.
You can end the walk here and take the bus back, or continue to Schloss Bellevue. This is where the current German president resides. Pass it (or take a tour) and end your round at the Reichstagsgebäude (parliament building).
From here, you have access to buses and an underground line, S-Bahnhof Friedrichstraße (train station) isn’t far off either. From there, you have access to many more modes of transport and multiple lines.
