Peaceful walk around Tegeler See lake in north Berlin with forests and the historic Humboldt Library on the island.
The Tegeler See Walk is a 7 km loop around the lake in Reinickendorf, in north Berlin, starting near U-Bahn station Alt-Tegel (U6), which also has street parking nearby; no permit is required. The route is essentially flat with only minimal elevation change, following paved lakeside promenades and packed-dirt forest paths through the Tegeler Forst. Shade is plentiful along the wooded northern shore, while the promenade near Greenwichpromenade in Alt-Tegel is more open. Landmarks along the way include the Greenwichpromenade waterfront in Alt-Tegel, the wooded Tegeler Forst, and the Humboldt Library building on Reiherwerder island, visible from the shore path, with the library area serving as a reasonable turn-around point for a shorter walk. Restaurants and cafes cluster around Alt-Tegel at the start and end of the loop, but the forested northern stretch has few services, so carrying water is sensible. There are no refuge huts along the route, and the paths are entirely below any real exposure to weather extremes given the flat, lake-level terrain.
| Distance | 7km |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2h |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | Year-round, though May to September suits lakeside activities like boat rental |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Reinickendorf, north Berlin
Highlights
- Lake scenery
- Forest trails
- Historic architecture
- Quiet neighborhood
Tips for visiting
- Start or end at Greenwichpromenade in Alt-Tegel, where several lakeside restaurants offer a place to rest
- Rent a pedal boat or kayak in Alt-Tegel for an optional break from walking
- Forest paths on the northern shore can be muddy after rain, so wear suitable shoes
- Visit on a weekday to avoid the busier boat traffic and crowds around Alt-Tegel on weekends
When to visit
Early evening in summer offers pleasant lakeside light and cooler temperatures for the walk.
Accessibility
The paved promenade sections near Alt-Tegel are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, while the unpaved forest paths on the northern shore are less even.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the full loop take?
The 7 km loop around Tegeler See takes about 2 hours at a relaxed walking pace.
How do visitors reach the trailhead?
U-Bahn line U6 to Alt-Tegel station puts visitors directly at the lakeside start of the walk.
Is the walk suitable for a family outing?
Yes, the flat, short loop and lakeside cafes make it well suited to families with children.
What is the Humboldt Library?
It is a historic library building on Reiherwerder island in the lake, visible from the shore path near the northern section of the route.