Berlin Wall Trail Cycle
6 Days Starting and ending in Oranienburg
Visiting: Germany
Tour Overview
The Berlin Wall, a onetime symbol of division, now provides a peaceful path for cyclists looking to explore one of Germany's most dynamic cities in an entirely different way. This urban cycle adventure will uncover the diversity of Berlin offering a unique insight into the numerous faces of the city, marked by historical adversity yet celebrated in the vibrancy of the landscapes and landmarks which define it. The 160km loop structure that was brought down in 1989 has now given rise to the Wall Trail (Mauerweg) and cycling along the former border line between East and West Germany is the ideal way to stop and soak in the history of the many check points, that are now sites of interest, as well as other fascinating relics. During this circuit ride from Oranienburg through Berlin and passing by important sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of peace, and Checkpoint Charlie, once separating the American-controlled zone of West Berlin from the Soviet-controlled East Berlin. The ride along the former patrol roads takes in forests and grand parks, such as the World Heritage listed parks and palaces of Potsdam, namely the Sanssouci palace complex, where philosopher Voltaire once stayed and the Spandau Forest, on a circuit returning to Oranienburg. At night stay in comfortable hotels chosen for their location and service.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Oranienburg, Just North Of Berlin
On arrival in Berlin, take the S-Bahn from Berlin-Mitte to Oranienburg, a journey of just under one hour. If you arrive early you may wish to take an excursion to the nearby Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial (free entry). Please note that if you arrive on a Sunday, the supermarkets and most shops are closed. Your rental bike/s will be waiting for you at the hotel. Overnight in Oranienburg.
Day 2 : Follow Cycle Route To Central Berlin (44Km/27Mi)
Your first day's adventure begins by cycling through the nature conservation area Tegeler Fliess and soon after you will join the Berlin Wall Trail (Berlin Mauerweg) proper. You'll come across your first watchtower and some orange steles, which are common along the route and provide information about people who lost their lives trying to cross the wall. Following the path of the former Wall south along the edge of Reinickendorf (former West Berlin) via Niederschönhausen (former East Berlin) in the direction of Pankow you will reach Wedding. Cycle through the Mauerpark to Bernauer Street. Pass the Nordbahnhof and continue between Berlin's city centre and the district of Wedding until you reach the former border crossing, 'Invalidenstrasse'. Cross the Spree river on the Kronprinzen Bridge to the Reichstag and the grand 18th-century Brandenburg Gate, iconic symbol of reunification and peace. You are now in the middle of Berlin! Divided during the Cold War, today Berlin has a vibrant art scene and nightlife. Reminders of the city's turbulent history include the Holocaust Memorial, the graffiti-ed remains of the Berlin Wall, and its eclectic architecture. A truly fascinating city to explore, don't miss the Schloss Charlottenburg, World Heritage listed Museum Island and Mies van der Rohe’s landmark Neue Nationalgalerie. Overnight Berlin-Mitte.
Day 3 : Cycle Past The Brandenburg Gate And Checkpoint Charlie To Teltow (59Km/36.5Mi)
Today's ride heads through the heart of the city of Berlin, from the Brandenburg Gate along the path of the former Berlin Wall. Take time to enjoy the sights in the city centre before continuing to Potsdamer Platz city square. Continue to the former border control Checkpoint Charlie, where you may want to visit the Border Museum. Continue following the path of the former Wall alongside the city district of Kreuzberg, over the Spree River, to the Ostbahnhof. Here you will find a remnant of the Berlin Wall called The East Side Gallery, which has been transformed into a wall of art. It is the largest remaining section of the wall. You may want to make a quick stop at the Soviet monument in Treptow Park before continuing through Treptow's small summer garden area to the former Sonnenallee border crossing (which featured in Leander Hausmann's 1999 film of that name). The first German airport for engine-powered airplanes was built in 1909 in nearby Adlershof. On reaching Schonefeld, continue past Bukow and outlying areas to Teltow. Overnight in or near Teltow.
Day 4 : Cycle To Potsdam, Visit Sanssouci Palace Complex (30Km/18.5Mi)
Today's ride is shorter to allow you more time to explore the many sights in Potsdam. Cycle the route of the 'Stammbahn', the first Prussian train to run from Potsdamer Platz to Potsdam in 1838. Along the way you will pass the former border control point of Dreilinden. Crossing over the Konigsweg you will cycle through the Berlin forest towards Babelsberg and Potsdam. The ride diverts from the main Berlin Wall Trail so you can view the Glienicke Bridge, where spies were exchanged, from a different angle (you will ride over it tomorrow morning). In the afternoon, you can explore this former royal capital and garrison town or visit the Sanssouci palace and terraced gardens. Overnight in Potsdam.
Day 5 : Through The Spandau Forest And Via The Berlin To Copenhagen Bike Path To Oranienburg (72Km/45Mi)
Cycle through the landscape of hills, parks and lakes designed by Lenné and Schinkel. Continue past the Glienicke Bridge and then take the ferry (payable locally - allow EUR10 pp) across the Havel river to Kladow. You follow the former border through the Gross Glienicker Heide to Staaken. From Staaken your route leads through Spandau Forest to Nieder Neuendorf. Overnight stay in Oranienburg.
Day 6 : Trip Concludes Oranienburg
Trip concludes after breakfast. We can book extra nights on request.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5 nights in 3-4 star hotels -
5 breakfasts - buffet style with breads, spreads, cheese, often meats and cereals, coffee, tea, juice
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5 nights in 3 star hotels and guesthouses on a twinshare basis with ensuite facilities
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24 or 8 speed rental bike with pannier and repair kit (electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
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Information pack including route notes and maps, one set per room booked + GPS Tracks
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to/from Oranienburg (near Berlin)
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Helmet - not available for hire
What's Not Included
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Travel to/from Oranienburg
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Lunch and dinner daily
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Drinks
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Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
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Tour guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
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Helmet - not available for hire. Can be purchased locally.
Grading
INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - Grade 2
This trip involves 4 days cycling with cycling stages from 25 to 72km / 15.5 to 45mi per day with gradual ascents and descents. The terrain on this tour is mainly flat with occasional hills however weather conditions can impact on the riding difficulty. Most of the tour is on quiet roads or bike paths in the city. If you are not familiar with cycling with light to moderate traffic conditions, it is recommended that you practise this before you travel. This trip requires a good level of fitness. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.