Get out of here....

Nikolasee - Havelhöhenweg - Grunewald Tower - Teufelssee - Teufelsberg

After the construction of the wall, there were constant calls in the West to get children out of besieged Berlin during the summer holidays. Many of us imagined pale, undernourished beings who only got sun in their third courtyards between 12 and 1 p.m. Playing could only be done on piles of rubble or busy streets. Nothing but concrete and bad air.

Well, there were definitely some, but not only that. We see that on our second hike in old West Berlin territory. It is definitely large and green enough that we can get thoroughly lost and get a lot of fresh air.

It all starts at S-Bahnhof Nikolasee with one of the beautiful old tile furnishings that can still be found all over Berlin. The first stop after crossing the Avus is the legendary beach bath Wannssee. Conny Froboess didn't sing anything about standing in line there for at least an hour every sunny day. The parking lots and the roadside are overcrowded, although you can get there cheaply from everywhere by bus and train. However, the hiking trails are sometimes hard to find. We have to clear our entry staircase. Due to lack of a machete, we burn our arms and legs on the nettles.

We are compensated with a beautiful high-level path that offers views of lakes, moors, and lots of wealth everywhere. After detours, we reach the Grunewald Tower at kilometer 8 with a well-stocked beer garden and a beautiful view.

On our way again, it becomes apparent once again that the hiking guide is more confusing. The listed blue marking is now somewhat exaggerated. A forest educational trail is not yet mentioned and we wander around. Along the way, there is also a moorland for the sake of completeness.

We want to continue to Teufelsberg, which we only find after we have almost passed it. We walk on covered paths that end at a double high-security fence. Passers-by we ask don't know because they are only a few steps away from the parking lot. Finally, we discover a wooden staircase that we then climb with the last of our strength after some fatigue-induced hesitation.

And? Ta-da! We are at the top and have a breathtaking view of the city and the old listening station. Goal achieved. More and more young people come up the stairs with blankets, folding chairs, drinks, and snacks after us. A stand-up grill is laboriously carried. The evening atmosphere is beautiful, you can definitely endure it here. We will come here again, but now hunger drives us home and we are tired after 12 planned, 16 actual, and 20 perceived kilometers.