Return to The Hiking Club

Tiergarten

By Carmela Bonomi

Berlin, Germany

Carmela is a dancer and actress commuting between Berlin and Zurich. Since she grew up in the countryside, close to the mountains, so being surrounded by nature brings balance to her busy life. She loves hiking, climbing, snowboarding, horseriding and indoor skydiving.

Route:

I recommend starting at the S-Bahn Station "Tiergarten". You’ll walk along the river and on your right hand you’ll see into the "Berliner Zoo". Walk over the bridge then and you will arrive at "Café am Neuen See" - grab a coffee or a snack. Or depending on the season you can rent a canoe to paddle around the beautiful angular Lake "Neuer See". While you’re crossing the park you will pass the Big Star where the victory column stands. Up there I would say you have one of the best views over Berlin, just be prepared for the stairs. I recommend then walking to the U-Bahn Station "Bundestag" which is close to the Brandenburger Tor and Reichstag, impressive German monuments. A perfect walk for tourists or locals, to enjoy nature and history in Berlin.

Follow The Route On ALLTRAILS >

1-2 hours

This is an urban trail

Even for urban hiking the right shoes are needed and layers.

Hiking Key

The Look

Easy shoes, solid but not too heavy, with a great profile.

Siren 4

Great fit, not too large and not too tight. Keeps you warm.

MHC Sweater

Field Notes:

If you walk along the river, you’ll see into the Berlin Zoo, which borders the park. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some animals by passing by. Then, within the park itself, there are several animals to spot. You often see rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and sometimes raccoons. In the summer, you can rent a canoe on the Lake Neuer See and really feel like you've escaped the busy city for a while. For me, the perfect ending is to go up the Victory Column and enjoy the sunset over Berlin from the top.

Follow Carmela Bonomi

Good To Know

There is no closing time for the park. You can stroll through day and night. There are some streetlights on the paths and it’s very calm in the night compared to the day. Near the victory column you’ll find public bathrooms.

"Hiking is like a getaway from my daily routine."

When To Visit

If you wanna experience full nature in the middle of Berlin you go there whenever you feel like. Of course there are more people on the weekends and sunny days and canoe renting is only open in summer. But I feel this park is always a good destination in Berlin to go for a break in nature.

Q&A:

Why do you love hiking?

When I was a kid, I always begrudgingly joined our family hikes. Only during covid did I discovered the beauty of hiking. When everything was shut down, being in awe of nature and discovering it step by step gave me new energy! It’s like a getaway from my daily routine.

Place in the world you’d like to travel to most to hike next?

"I can’t decide between Japan and Peru. Would love to see the rainbow mountains and hike those! And Japan has a wonderful variety of plants, parks and gardens that are so colorful, especially in spring. Everyone dreams of seeing cherry blossom season, no?"

How did you get into dance and what do you love most about it?

When I saw other people dancing in movies or live performances, I knew I wanted to move like that. I want to be able to control my body in this way and be creative with it. So I found a way to express things that I can't express with words, and to release my emotions in a different way. And the beauty of dancing is that it doesn't just affect you, but you can move others with it too.

What's cool about MHC?

Seeing girls around the globe, in love with nature, enjoying themselves and as a result encouraging and motivating others in the meantime.

Words of encouragement to get other girls out on the trail?

The world and its nature have so much to offer. Once you get out there and take a closer look at creation, you will find that there is something much more fulfilling than we ever thought.

Hiking Tips:

  • Be safe and plan your route ahead
  • Be weather wise, check the forecast
  • Take the correct clothing and provisions
  • Check if dogs/ camping/ BBQs etc are allowed
  • Take your litter with you
  • Leave gates as you find them
  • Have fun!