A natural paradise awaits you in northwest Berlin. The Tegeler Forest in the Reinickendorf district attracts walkers, families, and nature lovers all year round. At picturesque Lake Tegel , you’ll find dense forests, refreshing water, and a bit of history.
Berlin’s Tegel Forest impressively combines nature and history. If you’d like to add culture to this mix of nature and history, why not check out this musical experience!
Natural Landmark and Berlin History: “Dicke Marie” in the Tegel Forest
Hidden deep in the forest stands a true Berlin celebrity: “Dicke Marie.” This imposing English oak , estimated to be between 800 and 900 years old, is Berlin’s oldest tree and has witnessed quite a lot over the years.
It owes its “charming” name to the Humboldt brothers, Alexander and Wilhelm. They grew up at nearby Tegel Palace and named the massive tree after their portly palace cook.
Even back then, the oak was a popular retreat—even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is said to have rested in the shade of its massive crown in 1778 when he visited Berlin.
In the Heart of the Forest: The Inland Dunes of the Baumberge
If you venture deeper into the forest from “Dicke Marie,” you’ll suddenly find yourself rubbing your eyes in disbelief: right in the middle of the pine forest, fine sand crunches under your shoes. The so-called “Baumberge” are a rare inland dune landscape formed by wind-blown sand at the end of the last Ice Age.
These forested sand dunes rise up to 30 meters high. This protected landscape is home to rare plants and insects and lends the forest walk a surreal atmosphere.
Pure relaxation at Lake Tegel
Just a short walk from the dunes and giant trees, the water of Lake Tegel shimmers through the foliage. As Berlin’s second-largest lake, it’s the perfect place to wind down your forest walk and enjoy the view of the islands.
Stroll along the Greenwich Promenade, take a ride on a pedal boat, or settle down on the shore with a cool drink. Here, you’ll immediately sense why Berlin’s northern district is such a great place to live.
Here’s how to get there:
- By public transit: Take the U6 to the Alt-Tegel terminus. From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Greenwich Promenade and the lake. Alternatively, the S25 will take you to the Tegel station. If you’d rather not walk, take bus 133 or 222 to get closer to the forest.
- By car: Take the A111 urban highway northbound, exit at Waidmannsluster Damm / Hermsdorfer Damm. There are various parking options around Lake Tegel and on the edges of the forest (e.g., on Schwarzen Weg).
