Lace up your hiking boots, because the approximately 13-kilometer-long Havelhöhenweg trail between Pichelsberg and Wannsee offers an extensive hike through the dense Grunewald Forest. In addition to shady forest trails and small coves, this route boasts one real highlight: the climb up the historic Grunewald Tower.
From Pichelsberg to Wannsee: A Hike to the Grunewald Tower
The hike begins at the Pichelsberg S-Bahn station. After just a few minutes’ walk, you’ll enter the forest and follow the trail, which winds picturesquely along the water and up and down the slopes.
The trail is dotted with small lookout points and sandy stretches of riverbank where the Havel River glimmers through the trees. Especially in the summer, the old trees provide pleasant shade as you slowly make your way toward the Grunewald Tower.
The highlight in the forest: the Grunewald Tower
About halfway along the route, the red brick facade of the Grunewald Tower comes into view. Now you’ll have to grit your teeth for a bit, because there are 204 steps to climb.
Once you reach the top, the 55-meter-high tower rewards you with a magnificent 360-degree view of the Havel landscape and the entire Grunewald. Back down in the beer garden, you can then recharge your batteries with a cool apple spritzer.
Continuing south: The final stretch to Wannsee
With renewed energy, you’ll tackle the last few kilometers. The trail continues along the water, past Lieper Bucht and the Wannsee beach, until you finally reach your destination at the Wannsee S-Bahn station. From there, the train will take you comfortably back to the city center.
🚇 By public transit, take the S3 or S9 to the Pichelsberg station and, at the end of the route, transfer at the Wannsee S-Bahn station (S1, S7) to catch the train home.
📍 Havelhöhenweg (Start: Pichelsberg S-Bahn station, End: Wannsee S-Bahn station)
📆 Accessible at any time (tower hours vary)
⏳ Approx. 3–4 hours (13 kilometers)
💵 Hike is free; tower admission is about 4 euros
ℹ️ More info on the Grunewald Tower
