There’s a direct route from the Zoological Garden to the great outdoors: The M45 bus line takes you to the wooded wildlife reserve in Spandauer Forst—a peaceful natural oasis right in the heart of Berlin. The expansive grounds are the ideal retreat for a relaxing weekend and offer a welcome contrast to the bustling, paved parks of downtown Berlin.
On the grounds, surrounded by dense trees, visitors can observe various animal species in spacious, natural-looking enclosures . Wild boars, goats, and various species of deer live among the old trees, moving freely across the uneven forest floor and often coming very close to visitors. Small families of ducks also frequently cross the natural walking paths, lending the grounds a particularly peaceful atmosphere.
The unpaved forest trails lead deep into the woods, past wooden shelters, expansive animal enclosures, and shady clearings. You quickly get the feeling that you’re far outside the city. Especially on warm days, the many shaded sections invite you to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and enjoy nature in peace and quiet.
Feed the animals with snacks you’ve brought along
A central feature of the grounds is the direct interaction with the animals. Visitors are allowed to feed roe deer, goats, and wild boars at the fences and observe the animals up close. Visitors who drop by on a whim can purchase the appropriate animal feed right on site at the enclosures. Alternatively, visitors are allowed to bring their own supplies from home: the animals happily eat fresh apples, carrots, or nuts right from visitors’ hands through the fence. For children in particular, feeding the animals offers a special opportunity to get to know local wildlife in a playful way.
The dense tree canopies, the natural enclosures, and the extensive network of paths reinforce the impression of being far outside the metropolis , even though you’re still right in the heart of Berlin. Amid the shady forest paths and spacious animal enclosures, it’s easy to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The freely accessible enclosure offers families, nature lovers, and walkers a simple way to observe animals up close, relax in nature, and enjoy long forest walks—all without having to leave the capital.
