Now that I’m back to city life, I have made a promise to immerse myself in nature at least once a week for my mental and spiritual health.
Here I’m sharing all the adventures I’ve been on so far!
notes
>The amount or quality of pictures doesn’t say much about a destination. Some of my best experiences aren’t captured, as I was too immersed in the experience. Focus on the text as well ;)
>All opinions are mine. No content is sponsored. I only mention commercial places I’d visit myself a second time.
Hikes
There are plenty of hiking possibilities in the suburbs and surroundings of Berlin. Within one hour, you’ll definitely get somewhere where “it doesn’t feel like Berlin at all.”
I use the app Komoot to plan and track all my hikes and always leave space for improvisation, if a different path looks more promising or adventurous.
Hike & Swim in Grunewald
A good friend from Madeira spontaneously visited me in Berlin, after we found out by accident that we were both in Germany at the same time.
On one of the hottest summer days of 2026, we embarked on a little hike through Grunewald, while jumping into cool water at some of the many bathing spots along the Havel.
The forest offered shade from the heat and we didn’t meet many other hikers that day. Most people were bathing at the lake spots. The hike was diverse with quiet, peaceful flat paths and occasional refreshment in the cool water.
ending the day with a cool drink at a restaurant ship
Hike & Swim at Kaulsdorfer Seen, Erpetal + Müggelspree
The next day, my friend and I chose another hiking destination with lakes nearby. We got off in Wuhletal and walked through wide fields until we reached the Kaulsdorfer Seen, which consists of three lakes with bathing spots. We even saw one nudist beach. Walking along the lakes through the dense undergrowth was truly magical and we took our time to find a suitable swimming spot. I swam a few rounds in the wide open lake, feeling like a free fish, thanking God for my healthy body and for being alive.
Afterwards we decided to head off to another swim spot at Müggelspree through Erpetal, a nature conservation area that extends into Brandenburg.
well-deserved snack @Kombüse
Sunday Walks
Britzer Garten
📍 Start Entrance Buckower Damm
I went on a stroll through Britzer Garten on a Sunday afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised by the size and beauty of this oasis.
Well-maintained garden with gorgeous flowers, food options and live music, as well as plenty of quiet sitting options for reading or journaling.
Relax
Boat Tour at the Spree
📍 Start Rummelsburger Bucht
I did a boat tour at the Spree in the first month of my new job with my colleagues, which was paid by the company as part of a quarterly team event. At that point, I hadn’t explored much of the city yet, and was completely blown away by the vastness of the Spree and the beautiful interplay of city and nature.
We rented an electric boat for 4 hours and drove ourselves, starting at Rummelsburger Bucht all the way right before Köpenick and back.
Exploring Berlin through the water perspective is definitely a must-have experience I’d recommend to anyone, no matter if you drive yourself or participate in an organised tour! We met many sauna and party boats, SUPs, kayaks and enjoyed different views of the shore. On our way back we were greeted by a gorgeous sunset view.
