Grunewald

Grunewald is a vast forest located in the western part of Berlin, covering over 3,000 hectares, which offers a green and peaceful refuge from urban hustle and bustle. Known as the city’s green lung, this area is a must-see attraction for both residents and tourists looking for nature, history, and recreational activities. The history of Grunewald is fascinating and full of changes. Originally used as a hunting reserve by Prussian nobles, the forest has witnessed centuries of political and social transformations. One of the main attractions is the Jagdschloss Grunewald, the oldest hunting lodge in Berlin, built in 1542 for Elector Joachim II of Brandenburg. This Renaissance castle is known for housing a collection of works of art by Lucas Cranach the Elder and the Younger, including portraits, religious scenes, and hunting scenes. The structure, located near Lake Grunewaldsee, has undergone various transformations over the centuries, including a significant baroque-style modernization under Frederick William I. Another point of interest is the Grunewaldturm, an observation tower built in 1897 in honor of Emperor William I. Designed by architect Franz Schwechten, the tower stands on a hill called Karlsberg and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the forest, the Havel River, and, on clear days, all the way to Potsdam. The 55-meter-high tower is characterized by red brick Gothic-inspired architecture and includes a marble statue of William I in its hall. After World War II, the tower was renamed Grunewaldturm and underwent several renovations, the latest of which was completed in 2011. Grunewald is also famous for the artificial hill Teufelsberg, which means “Devil’s Mountain.” This 115-meter-high hill was created using debris from World War II and is home to an abandoned NSA listening station used during the Cold War. Today, Teufelsberg is a popular observation point and a place of interest for history enthusiasts and urban adventurers. The Grunewald forest is crisscrossed by numerous hiking and biking trails that offer the opportunity to explore its rich biodiversity, including lakes and ponds such as Grunewaldsee, Schlachtensee, and Krumme Lanke. These bodies of water are ideal for swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing on the shore. Another significant site is the Gleis 17 memorial, located at Grunewald train station. This memorial site commemorates the approximately 50,000 Berlin Jews deported to concentration camps during World War II. The metal plates along the track list the dates and destinations of the deportations, offering a moment of reflection and historical memory.