berlin wall trail cycle
A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe ‑ your way. It’s about U + the walking tracks and
cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known
as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative ‑ and very affordable. Set
your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits
of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our
sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours
across the continent and it’s many exotic islands. There’s an active
holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers
or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory
to challenging ‑ with all offering unique opportunities to discover the ‘untrodden’ Europe, spanning
postcard landscapes, centuries‑old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare
the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all‑inclusive,
giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you’ve come to experience. Whether
you prefer cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea –
UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
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explore europe your way
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TRIP COST
Joining Oranienburg :$970
Trip Concludes:
Oranienburg
TRIP NAME:BERLIN WALL TRAIL CYCLE
TRIP CODE:BER
TRIP DURATION:5 DAYS
All prices are per person GRADE:INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE ‑ 2
OPTIONS &
SUPPLEMENTS ACTIVITY:SELF GUIDED CYCLING
high season surcharge:$80
electric bike
supplement:$110
single supplement:$300
As the trip price is based on twinshare,
a single supplement is payable if a
single room is required ‑ or a single
traveller supplement if you are travelling
solo*. Please refer to the price options
for costs or ask our office for details.
Note regarding single rooms ‑ The
single supplement guarantees the
privacy of your own room, however,
rooms can at times be small and in
some places may not enjoy the same
facilities as double/twin rooms.
*The single traveller surcharge is only
available on trips deemed suitable
for solo travellers. It is usually more
expensive than the single supplement
due to the extra cost for luggage
transfers and organisation.
IMPORTANT NOTES
DN1 - Other departure days on
request for minimum 4 people.
DN2 - High season is from 21 May
to 3 Sep - supplement applies
Germany
Oranienburg
Potsdam
Berlin
Teltow
ACCOMMODATION:HOTEL
DATE DETAILS:
SUNDAYS FROM 14 MAY TO 17 SEP
highlights
Discovering the grand sites, hidden gems and incredible history of Berlin at handlebar level
Cycling along the former border line between East & West Germany
Potsdam and the impressive grounds of Sanssouci Palace
Experiencing Berlin’s unique neighbourhoods
the trip
The Berlin Wall, a onetime symbol of division, now provides a peaceful path for cyclists looking to
explore one of Germany’s most dynamic cities in an entirely different way. This urban cycle adventure
will uncover the diversity of Berlin offering a unique insight into the numerous faces of the city,
marked by historical adversity yet celebrated in the vibrancy of the landscapes and landmarks which
define it. The 160km (100mi) loop structure that was brought down in 1989 has now given rise to
the Wall Trail (Mauerweg) and cycling along the former border line between East and West Germany
is the ideal way to stop and soak in the history of the many check points, that are now sites of
interest, as well as other fascinating relics. During this circuit ride from Oranienburg through Berlin
and passing by important sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of peace, and Checkpoint
Charlie, once separating the American‑controlled zone of West Berlin from the Soviet‑controlled
East Berlin. The ride along the former patrol roads takes in forests and grand parks, such as the
World Heritage listed parks and palaces of Potsdam, namely the Sanssouci palace complex, where
philosopher Voltaire once stayed and the Spandau Forest, on a circuit returning to Oranienburg. At
night stay in comfortable hotels chosen for their location and service.­
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berlin wall trail cycle
itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Arrive Oranienburg
Day 2
Follow cycle route to central Berlin (40km / 25mi)
Day 3
Cycle past the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie to Teltow (50km / 31mi)
Day 4
Cycle to Potsdam, visit Sanssouci palace complex (25-30km / 15.5-18.5mi)
Day 5
Cycle through the Spandau Forest to Oranienburg (48km / 30mi), trip concludes
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Arrive Oranienburg
On arrival in Berlin, take the S-bahn to Oranienburg, a journey of just under one hour.
If you arrive early you may wish to take an excursion to the nearby Sachsenhausen
Concentration Camp Memorial (free entry). Please note that if you arrive on a Sunday
that the supermarkets and most shops are closed. Tonight is spent in Oranienburg.
meals: NIL
DAY 2Follow cycle route to central Berlin (40km / 25mi)
Your first day’s adventure begins by taking you through the nature conservation area
Tegeler Fließ. Soon, you will join the Berlin Wall Trail (Berlin Mauerweg) proper and come
across your first watchtower and orange steles, which are common along the route,
that provide you with information of people who lost their lives trying to cross the wall.
Following the boundary of the wall you pass through forest on your way to Wedding.
The trail continues to the former border crossing Invalidenstraße. As you arrive into
the city you will come across the street of Bernauer Strasse, where you will see your
first sections of the old wall as well as memorials dedicated to showing the impact it
had on the lives of residents. On the Kronprinzenbrücke the path leads over the Spree
river up to the Reichstag and to the grand 18th-century Brandenburg Gate, an iconic
symbol of reunification and peace. You are now in the middle of Berlin! Divided during
the Cold War, today Berlin has a vibrant art scene and nightlife. Reminders of the city’s
turbulent history include the Holocaust Memorial, the graffitied remains of the Berlin
Wall, and its eclectic architecture. A truly fascinating city to explore, don’t miss the
Schloss Charlottenburg, world heritage listed Museum Island and Mies van der Rohe’s
landmark Neue Nationalgalerie.
meals: B
DAY 3Cycle past the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie to Teltow (50km / 31mi)
Today’s ride heads through the heart of the city of Berlin. From the Brandenburg Gate
you continue to follow the path of the former Berlin Wall. Take time to enjoy the sights
in the city centre including the Gendarmenmarkt before continuing to Potsdamer Platz
city square. Continue on to the former border control Checkpoint Charlie, where you
may want to visit the Border Museum. From there, follow the path of the former Wall
alongside the city district of Kreuzberg, over the Spree River, to the Ostbahnhof. Here
you will find a remnant of the Berlin Wall called The East Side Gallery, which has been
transformed into a Wall of Art. It is the largest remaining section of the wall. You may
want to make a quick stop at the Soviet monument in Treptow Park before continuing
through Treptow’s small summer garden area to the former Sonnenallee border crossing
(which featured in Leander Hausmann’s 1999 film of that name). The first German airport
for engine-powered airplanes was built in 1909 in nearby Adlershof. Once you reach
Schonefeld, continue past Bukow and outlying areas to Teltow. Overnight in or near
Teltow.
meals: B
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berlin wall trail cycle
DAY 4Cycle to Potsdam, visit Sanssouci palace complex (25-30km / 15.5-18.5mi)
Today’s ride is shorter to allow you more time to explore the many sights in Potsdam.
Cycle the route of the ‘Stammbahn’, the first Prussian train to run from Potsdamer
Platz to Potsdam in 1838. Along the way you will pass the former border control point
of Dreilinden. Crossing over the Konigsweg you will cycle through the Berlin forest
towards Babelsberg and Potsdam. The ride diverts from the main Berlin Wall Trail so
you can view the Glienicke Bridge, where spies were exchanged, from a different angle
(you will ride over it tomorrow morning). In the afternoon, you can explore this former
royal capital and garrison town or visit the Sanssouci palace and terraced gardens.
Overnight in Potsdam.
meals: B
DAY 5Cycle through the Spandau Forest to Oranienburg (48km / 30mi), trip concludes
Today’s ride is mostly along the Havel River following the well marked Havel River cycle
route. For a section today you will leave the Berlin Wall Trail to enjoy the more scenic
option along the river. From Potsdam, cycle through the hills, park and lake landscape
designed by Lenné and Schinkel past the Glienicke Bridge and then by ferry (own cost)
across the Havel to Kladow. Follow the former border through the Großglienicker Heide
to Staaken. From Staaken, the route continues through the Spandau Forest to Nieder
Neuendorf and Henningsdorf. Here you will leave the Berlin Wall Trail and follow the
Berlin - Copenhagen bicycle route back to Oranienburg. Trip concludes on arrival at
the joining hotel.
meals: B
inclusions
4 breakfasts ‑ buffet style with breads, spreads, cheese, often meats and cereals, coffee, tea,
juice
4 nights in 3‑4 star hotels on a twinshare basis with ensuite facilities
rental bike with panniers and repair kit (electric bike available on request ‑ supplement applies)
luggage transfer to each hotel
information pack including route notes and maps ‑ one per room booked
emergency hotline ‑ 7 days, 8am to 8pm
welcome meeting and bike handover
GPS Data on request
items not included
travel to/from Oranienburg
lunch and dinner daily
drinks
travel insurance
items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
entrance fees
tour guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
helmet ‑ not available for hire. Can be purchased locally.
getting there
BY CARDriving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin.
com
PARKING & TRANSFERSIf you are arriving in Berlin by car you can park your car at the hotel for EUR30
per day during the trip. This price is payable locally and subject to change.
BY TRAINBerlin is well connected by rail to points throughout Europe. To get to
Oranienburg you will need to take the S‑Bahn from downtown Berlin.
BY AIRBerlin is well connected by air to points throughout Europe and beyond. If you
require assistance with booking flights please let us know.
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berlin wall trail cycle
trip grading - introductory to moderate
INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE ‑ Grade 2
This trip involves 4 days cycling with cycling stages from 25 to 50km / 15.5 to 31mi per day with gradual
ascent and descent. The terrain on this tour is flat with occasional hills however weather conditions can
impact on the riding difficulty. Most of the tour is on quiet roads or bike paths in the city. If you are not
familiar with cycling with light to moderate traffic conditions, it is recommended that you practise this
before you travel. This trip requires a good level of fitness. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets
are worn.
equipment provided
BIKES PROVIDED
We have a large selection of men’s and women’s 7‑speed bicycles with back‑pedal breaks with hub gears
and 26” or 28” wheels. We also have a selection of various size 24‑speed freewheel men’s and unisex
bicycles with derailleur gears and 28” wheels. They are top‑quality brand bicycles by Kettler and Kalkoff.
Please let us know your preferences at time of booking.
It is also possible to hire an electric bicycle, available on request only and for an additional surcharge. The
electric bikes we use are Kettler‑Obra and Kalkhoff, 28” wheels, frame‑sizes of 45 & 49 cm / 18 & 19”,
freewheel 8‑speed hub gears, hydraulic brakes, automatic light, Panasonic battery (260Wh, 26V/10Ah)
which lasts for up to 80km / 50mi.
All the bikes are supplied with a bicycle pannier bag with a 10l capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and
can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss
your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we
can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely
to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may
be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to
guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with
life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility
of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of
self‑administering these medications.
a note on our self guided adventures
Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a
keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make
minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be
able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that
you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding,
losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never
been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of
our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding
is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions
and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to
finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with
a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something
that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
joining instructions
Before departure you will receive details of your joining hotel. On arrival at the hotel you will have a short
introduction to the tour and receive your Information Package which includes:
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berlin wall trail cycle
route book and map
fast facts
COUNTRIES VISITEDGermany
VISASVisas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for
up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.
schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the
Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen
area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the
Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport
holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in
the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending
most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there
is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in
obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
CLIMATEThe trip runs between May and September, during the European summer &
autumn. Temperatures range between 5‑18 degrees Celsius (41‑65 degrees
Fahrenheit) in autumn, and 15‑25 degrees Celsius (59‑77 degrees Fahrenheit)
in summer (sometimes higher).
MIN GROUP SIZE1
SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIREDBike helmet, wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. (A
comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided
on booking).
how to book
Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own
convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form ‑ which can be found at the back of our brochure, on
our website or we can email you a copy ‑ then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks
or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card (note:
surcharges may apply for credit card payments if full payment is made). UTracks has access to competitive
airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including
flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation.
follow us
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https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/
https://twitter.com/UTracks_Travel
There’s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover
slide shows
UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are
designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure
travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows
can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure
news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks.
com or contact our office.
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berlin wall trail cycle
IMPORTANT NOTE
THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS
ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.
talk to us
If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest
UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.
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berlin wall trail cycle
AUSTRALIA
UTracks
Level 5, 71 York St
Sydney NSW 2000
T: (02) 8270 8488
F: (02) 8270 8489
Toll free: 1300 303 368
[email protected]
Feel free to visit our World Expeditions
offices in:• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Adelaide (Thor Travel)
For address and office phone numbers visit
www.worldexpeditions.com
NEW ZEALAND
UTracks
Level 1, 59-67 High St
Auckland CBD
PO Box 106-275
Auckland City 1143
T: (09) 368 4161
F: (09) 368 4162
Toll Free: 0800 350 354
[email protected]
CANADA - OTTAWA
UTracks
47 William St
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1N 6Z9
T: 613 241 2700
F: 613 2414189
Toll Free: 1-800-567-2216
[email protected]
UNITED KINGDOM
UTracks
1B Osiers Road
Wandsworth
London SW18 1NL
T: 0845 241 7599
F: 020 8870 7014
T: 1800 946 258 (Ireland)
[email protected]
UTracks is a division of the
World Expeditions Travel Group
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