If you go for a walk in Berlin's Grunewald forest, you quickly forget that you are in a metropolis of millions. Grunewald is the largest forest area in the west of Berlin at 3,000-hectares. The forest is a popular destination and recreation area for stressed city dwellers. Whether walking, jogging or cycling, the many small and large paths offer plenty of space for activities.

To the west, the forest is bounded by the Havel with its numerous bathing spots. There, the peninsula Schildhorn is located with a memorial of the Slavic Prince Jaczo, who here hung shield and horn on a tree and supposedly converted to Christendom. Somewhat further south, with a ferry, one can cross over to the small Lindwerder island. Or, one climbs up the Karlsberg and from out of the Grunewaldturm enjoys a wonderful view over the Havel and Wannsee. From the Teufelsberg, one has an equally magnificent view over the Grunewald and the bordering town areas, which is situated at the northern edge of the Grunewald. Next to the Müggelbergen, it is, with its 115 meters, the highest elevation in Berlin. In winter, the mountain is used as a ski-slope and toboggan run. At all other times of the year, hang-gliders fly in the sky here. Here you will also find Berlin's oldest palace - a Renaissance hunting lodge Jagdschloss Grunewald.

Avus: Race track through the Grunewald forest The Avus runs through the middle of Grunewald. Today it is part of the A 115 city highway, and in the past daredevil racing drivers competed against each other here. Even today, the 200-metre-long grandstand on the Nordschleife is a reminder of the racetrack's fast-paced past.

Lost Place: Teufelsberg with listening station In the northern part of the Grunewald forest, thousands visit the Teufelsberg every year. The mountain of rubble with the dilapidated American listening station on top is a monument to history and can be visited. Apart from that, the Teufelsberg and its neighbor, the Drachenberg, offer a sweeping view over Berlin.

Popular destinations: Grunewald Tower and Schildhorn peninsula A popular destination in Grunewald is the Grunewald Tower. The red brick tower on the Karlsberg is a monument, observation tower and tourist attraction all in one. At its foot, visitors can indulge in culinary delights in a restaurant. An excursion to the Schildhorn peninsula is just as popular. On the peninsula in the west of the Grunewald forest, a monument commemorates the Wendenfürst Jaczo, who is said to have swum across the Havel at this point while fleeing from Albrecht the Bear. When he reached the rescuing shore, he is said to have hung his shield and sword on a tree and promised to be baptized.

A castle in the forest The Grunewald Hunting Lodge is also worth a visit. The oldest castle in Berlin was once built as a base for hunting. Today, in addition to a large exhibition on the castle and hunting, it houses Berlin's largest Cranach collection.