It was time for another road trip. However, because the borders were still closed in early June, I decided to explore more of Germany instead. My first stop was Potsdam and the lakes. There, I was looking forward to cycling past beautiful lakes and impressive palaces. Afterwards, I also visited Tempelhof in Berlin, where I explored the former airport by bike.
The forecast predicted rain in Bavaria. So, I followed the sunshine north. My plan was simple: explore beautiful cities and towns by bike. After all, cycling in northern Germany should be nice and flat.
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Cycling in and around Potsdam
I had been saying I would return to Potsdam ever since my first visit on a very cold winter’s day in early 2018. Even then, Potsdam and the lakes looked like the perfect place to explore by bike. Back then, however, I wasn’t even thinking about owning a bicycle. This time, I finally made it happen and spent my days cycling in and around Potsdam. It was amazing!
I really love Potsdam. From Sanssouci Palace, once the summer residence of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, to Cecilienhof Palace, where the Potsdam Conference was held in 1945, the city is full of history. There are grand palaces, beautiful parks, and fascinating stories around every corner.
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Besides the city, there are lots of cycling paths around the Potsdam lakes. On my long cycling trip in and around Potsdam, I followed the Havel River and circled the Templiner See and the Schwielowsee. It was a big cycling day but also a great way to explore Potsdam and the lakes.
Bridge of Spies
The next day I went north/east of Potsdam and after passing a few Palaces (there are plenty of them) I found myself on the Glienicke Bridge, the border of former East Germany and West Berlin. This Bridge is especially known as the ‘Bridge of Spies’ due to the regular exchange of spies back then. More detail here.
And yes, the Tom Hanks movie was actually filmed on this particular bridge.
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Cycling around Potsdam and the lakes was great and I would highly recommend it. No matter whether with your own bike, or a hired one, E-bike or not, cycling is certainly the best way to explore. The Residencial Buildings are grand, the parks beautiful and the architecture stunning.
And although the contrast of grand architecture and run down and abandoned buildings from Cold War times are still quite visible, there is lots of improvement being done in Potsdam as we speak. I am sure it will only continue to improve and be more impressive!
Personally, I am glad I came back!
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Back in Berlin
After Potsdam it was clear that Berlin was next on the list. Once I checked into my hotel, it was time to get on my bike again. To be honest, I am not sure how I could ever travel without my bicycle. How amazing and fun is it to explore everything by bike.
Exploring Potsdam and the lakes was fun.
In bigger cities it has been a great way to see more while being outdoors and I see definitely more than walking. I can walk specific areas, e.g. inner city old towns, and ride through suburbs and various parks to see other monuments and “must see” things. I love it!
This time I didn’t focus too much on the historical part of Berlin, I did that last time, on a cold winter’s day (read – The little towns of Germany – Freiburg, Heidelberg, Bamberg), and instead decided to enjoy the gorgeous sunny day by cycling to the Tempelhof Airport Berlin.
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Tempelhof Airport Berlin
From my hotel it was approx. 15km to cycle to the Templehof Airport Berlin. Besides being once a commercial airport it was also the site of Nazi rallies and the Berlin Airlift in 1948-49. (Read more here).
Tempelhof was one of Europe’s three iconic pre-World War II airports, the others being London’s now defunct Croydon Airport and the old Paris Le Bourget Airport.
The Tempelhof Airport Berlin now is a huge park with picnic areas, communal gardens and preserved runways, attracting runners and cyclists every day. How often do you get to ride around on an old international airport runway? Quite adventurous and unique I thought.
Cycling in Berlin
Cycling in Berlin is pretty easy. The roads, no matter how big or small, are mostly marked with a special path for cyclists. Furthermore, getting around on your bike is very popular in Berlin. So when I was unsure where to go, I just followed someone else. From little coffee spots to unique shops and bars, Berlin has lots to offer, for all ages and cultures.
It was nice to be back here in summer, exploring Berlin and especially the Tempelhof Airport Berlin. I had a great time. All up, starting at Potsdam and the lakes, I certainly had some great cycling days behind me. Where to next?
Potsdam and the lakes + Tempelhof Airport Berlin
And so…
After a few days, it was time to pack up and head further north towards Rostock.
However, just as I was leaving Berlin, I heard on the radio that the German-Polish border had reopened that very morning after more than three months of lockdown. Of course, I had to make a little detour and visit the nearby city of Szczecin (Stettin).
After all, there is nothing better than a Polish lunch. And, of course, I couldn’t resist stopping by a shop selling Polish vodka… but don’t tell anyone. xx
(post 136)
