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Berlin Wall tour with a dog: tips for the Day of Unity

Remains of the Berlin Wall - a popular excursion destination on the Day of German Unity

The Day of German Unity October 3rd is an important holiday that celebrates the reunification of Germany in 1990. In Berlin, the former divided capital, this day is particularly poignant as the city played a central role in the history of the Berlin Wall. A wonderful way to mark this holiday is with a Berlin Wall tour with dog. This tour combines history with nature and offers both humans and four-legged friends an eventful walk along the former sections of the Wall.

Plaque on a wall showing from when to when Berlin was divided by the wall.
Berlin was divided by the Berlin Wall for almost 28 years. The Wall was erected in August 1961 and fell in November 1989.

The Berlin Wall - A historical legacy

The Berlin Wall, erected in 1961, separated East and West Berlin and became a symbol of the Cold War. With the fall of the Wall on November 9, 1989, a new era of freedom and unity began. Today, parts of the Wall have been preserved as memorials and hiking trails that keep history alive and offer visitors the opportunity to come to terms with the past.

The Wall Trail tour with a dog: important stages and walking options

A section of the Berlin Wall in Bernauer Strasse with historic watchtowers and information signs documenting the history of the Wall and the division of Berlin. Green trees and footpaths are visible in the background, reminders of the eventful past.
Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse - memories of the division of Berlin

The Wall path offers a variety of stages that are ideal for a walk with your dog. Here are some of the most important sections of the route, which are both historically significant and scenic:

1. From Hermsdorf to Wollankstraße - 15 km

This stage takes you through northern Berlin and offers a mixture of urban and green landscapes. Ideal for long walks with plenty of space for your dog. There are numerous parks and green spaces along the route that invite you to linger.

2. From Wollankstraße to Nordbahnhof - 5 km

A shorter section that is nevertheless rich in history. Nordbahnhof was an important transportation hub during the division of Berlin. Here you and your dog can enjoy the historic buildings and the peaceful atmosphere.

3. From Nordbahnhof to Potsdamer Platz - 7 km

This section takes you through the beating heart of Berlin. Potsdamer Platz is now a symbol of modern reunification and offers plenty of space for walks with your dog. The mixture of architecture and green spaces makes this section particularly attractive.

4. From Potsdamer Platz to Warschauer Straße - 7 km

Another central section that leads through lively districts. Warschauer Straße is known for its lively cultural scene and offers numerous cafés and parks where your dog can let off steam.

5. From Warschauer Straße to Schöneweide - 13 km

This route leads to the south of Berlin and offers a varied landscape with riverbanks and forests. Perfect for longer walks and long breaks in the countryside.

6. From Schöneweide to Schönefeld - 6 km

A compact section, ideal for a shorter walk. Schönefeld is close to the airport and offers interesting insights into Berlin's modern development.

7. From Schönefeld to Lichtenrade - 16 km

This stage is particularly scenic with lots of green spaces and lakes. Ideal for long walks with your dog, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

8. From Lichtenrade to Lichterfelde Süd - 12 km

A quiet section that leads through historic residential areas and beautiful parks. Perfect for relaxed walks and historical discoveries.

9. From Lichterfelde South to Griebnitzsee - 15 km

This route leads along the picturesque Griebnitzsee lake, an ideal place for a break by the water. Your dog can play and swim to their heart's content here.

10. From Griebnitzsee to Wannsee - 12 km

Another beautiful section along the Wannsee, which offers many opportunities for relaxing walks and picnics.

11. From Wannsee to Staaken - 21 km

A longer route that leads through various nature reserves. Perfect for ambitious walkers who want to enjoy nature together with their dog.

12. From Staaken to Hennigsdorf - 20 km

This stage offers a mixture of urban and rural landscapes. Ideal for long walks with many varied sections.

13. From Hennigsdorf to Hohen Neuendorf - 10 km

A compact section that leads through historic towns and green forests. Perfect for a medium-length walk.

14. From Hohen Neuendorf to Hermsdorf - 6 km

The last section rounds off the tour and leads back to Hermsdorf. A short walk that rounds off the entire Wall Trail tour nicely.

Official GPX files for the Wall Trail

For optimal planning of your Berlin Wall Trail Tour you can use official GPX files for the various routes directly from the Berlin.de website download. These files allow you to import the routes onto your GPS device or smartphone so that you can follow the tour precisely and target points of interest.

The available GPX files are:

  • Berlin Wall Trail 1 (city route) - GPX document (26.6 kB) Download
  • Berlin Wall Trail 2 (southern route) - GPX document (36.1 kB) Download
  • Berlin Wall Trail 3 (western route) - GPX document (50.0 kB) Download

Tips for a holiday walk

  • Start early: Start your walk early in the morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of the pleasant, cool hours of the day. This way you can enjoy a calmer atmosphere and have more time to explore the surroundings at your leisure.

  • Water and snacks: Make sure that you and your dog have enough water and small snacks. Especially on longer stages, it is important to take regular breaks to recharge your batteries and cover your fluid requirements.

  • Leash and accessories: Make sure that your dog is always well leashed and that all necessary accessories such as a sturdy lead, dog bag and possibly a first aid kit are included. This ensures the safety of your four-legged friend and a pleasant walking experience.

  • Map and orientation: Use the official Wall Trail map to find your way around and plan the individual stages efficiently. A good orientation helps you to keep track of things and experience the most beautiful sections of the route in the best possible way.

  • Plan breaks: Integrate regular breaks into your walk to give yourself and your dog a rest. The numerous parks and green spaces along the route offer ideal places to rest, drink and enjoy nature.

Conclusion

The Day of German Unity offers the perfect opportunity to experience Berlin's history in an active and relaxed way. A Berlin Wall tour with dog combines historical discoveries with the joy of nature and creates unforgettable memories for you and your family. Whether you opt for short or long stages, the Wall Trail offers something for everyone and lets you experience Berlin's eventful past up close. Use this public holiday for a special walk and honor the unity of Germany in a unique way.

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