SAYSKY where to run in Berlin

Where to run in Berlin

This is the second instalment in the where-to-run series, and we're going to Berlin - arguably, the running capital of the world. Berlin boasts the fastest and most popular marathon race on the planet, while the social running scene is next level with crews all over the city.

The Berlin Local

Our man on the ground is Henrik Niehus, co-founder of Run Pack Berlin, and he's told us where to find the following in Berlin:

  1. Best scenic/tourist run
  2. Best long run
  3. Best tempo run
  4. Best interval run
  5. General tips

Henrik says that Berlin is fantastic for running, because the city is so big and vibrant. Berlin might be known for the club scene and nightlifte, but with so many green areas, parks and lakes (just outside of the city), this is truly a runner's paradise.

1) Best Scenic/Tourist Run

The most touristic running route is definitely along the Spree, the Bundestagsgebäude. Unter den Linden, Tierpark and Brandenburger Tor. Even though there are obviously a lot of tourists, it's still surprisingly easy to run there, especially in the early evening or early morning.

2) Best Long Run

I love to run through the city at night, but for a long run, I would suggest to take the train to Schlachtensee and run the really beautiful 20k route back to the city from there. You will see lots of woods and lakes along that run.

3) Best Tempo Run

If you visit Berlin and need to do a tempo run, I would definitely suggest to chose one of the parks. You could go for a run in Tiergarten, which is super big, Treptower Park along the water or Humboldthain, or whatever is close to you.

4) Best Interval Run

We have a lot of stadiums with tracks, which are usually open to the public. My home track is Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark in Prenzlauer Berg.

5) General Tips

Generally, if you visit Berlin and don't have a particular training session in mind, I would recommend to just plan a rough route, which "Kiez" you want to check out and then start to run and enjoy the city. For me, it's always more fun to explore a city that way - and of course, you can always ask local running crews like Run Pack for insider tips.