Bike Tours in Berlin

Bike tours in Berlin are a fun way to explore Germany’s capital city. You’ll take in multiple sites in just a few hours, which is ideal if you’re short on time. Some excursions are themed, with history and food being the most popular options.

The pace is relaxed, so you don’t need to be super fit to enjoy a Berlin bike excursion. Just bring a sense of adventure and you’ll have a blast.

Here's all you need to know about bike tours, some of the most enjoyable outdoor activities in Berlin.

What are the best bike tours in Berlin?

Berlin highlights cycling tour

This is the most popular bike tour in Berlin as it swings by several of the city’s major landmarks. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors who want to figure out the lay of the land. Both small group and private cycling excursions are available.

The typical route begins outside the beautiful Kulturbrauerei museum complex in the hip Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood. You’ll meet your guide and then head off to the historical Government District where you’ll see the famous Reichstag building.

The tour continues past the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall – there will be plenty of photo opportunities. Other highlights include the Gendarmenmarkt and Museum Island, which is home to both the Pergamon and Neues Museums.

Cold War and Berlin Wall bike trip

These Berlin cycling tours focus on the history of the capital while ticking off lots of key tourist sites. You’ll do a deep dive into the Cold War and discover how the divisive Berlin Wall has left its mark on the city. Stories of tragedy, heroism and espionage are all part of this immersive experience.

On this trip you’ll pedal along the route of the Berlin Wall, pausing for photos at the best political murals. You’ll see former border stations like Checkpoint Charlie, as well as an original watchtower and the notorious “Death Strip.”

Continuing on your journey, you’ll come across icons like the Brandenburg Gate and the Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears) on Friedrichstrasse. Final stops include Friedrichstadt Palace, the New Synagogue and the historic post office building.

Berlin food tour by bike

For something a bit different, you can explore the city on an evening Berlin food tour. It’s a great way to keep fueled up as you pedal around the city streets in search of adventure. Your guide will know all the best eateries and will regale you with tales about the neighborhood along the way.

These Berlin bike trips concentrate on the urban district of Prenzlauer Berg. Starting at the Berlin TV Tower, you’ll ride along bike paths and through parks on a culinary mission in the heart of the city.

You’ll enjoy a progressive three-course meal at a series of different restaurants, with Turkish delicacies, as well as local flavors on the menu. Come with a healthy appetite so you can dig into the platters of kebabs, currywurst and pork knuckles.

Hidden highlights of Berlin cycle excursion

This is the perfect excursion for culturally curious travelers who want to explore beyond the busy tourist sites. You’ll take in historic landmarks, as well as hidden gems that often get missed off standard sightseeing itineraries.

The tour kicks off with a few favorites like the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie – both must-sees on any visit to the city. Then you’ll cycle through the city to the Jewish Quarter, where stories of courage and resistance are key to understanding the past.

Next up on your journey is a visit to Potsdamer Platz, which is an urban hub of restaurants, stores and modern architecture. You’ll finish the trip in Tiergarten, where the towering 1864 Victory Column (Siege Säule) makes a fitting finale.

Nazi Germany and the Third Reich bike tour

You can’t visit Berlin without being aware of the city’s infamous Nazi legacy, so why not incorporate your learning with a bike tour? Berlin is the ideal place to discover more about the cause and impact of World War II. You’ll visit notable sites from the conflict, with a historian guide on hand to answer all your questions.

After a short introduction to the Third Reich and Nazi Germany, you’ll cycle off through the cultural heart of Berlin. First up is the Neue Synagogue in the old Jewish Quarter, followed by the Luftwaffe Ministry and the Reichstag building.

Other highlights include seeing civilian air raid shelters and the iconic Bebelplatz – this was the location of the Nazi book burning. You’ll be able to stand on Hitler’s bunker and visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial too.

Which places are visited?

Bike trips in Berlin take in several major city sites, many of which have historical connections. Here is just a flavor of what you’ll come across during your ride:

Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall is probably the most well-known feature of the German capital. Constructed in the 1960s during the Cold War, this impenetrable barrier divided the city in two. It became an icon of political suppression and fanatical ideology and was only torn down in 1989.

Much of the wall is now gone, but you can still see several sections at key points along the old border. Colorful murals adorn some parts of the wall, particularly at East Side Gallery which is a popular stop on a lot of Berlin city tours.

Museum Island

Located on the River Spree, the famous Museum Island is one of the most visited attractions in Berlin. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s best museums so it’s worth returning after your ride to explore further.

You can admire classical antiquities in the Pergamon Museum and see sculptures by famous artists like Canova in the Bode Museum. Meanwhile, over in the Neues Museum, the famous bust of Nefertiti takes pride of place.

Brandenburg Gate

Most bike tours in Berlin pass the iconic Brandenburg Gate. This imposing Neoclassical monument was built in the 18th century, in the style of the Acropolis in Athens. The gate later came to represent the East-West divide during the Cold War.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate was seen as a symbol of reunification. Today, it’s a photogenic landmark, crowned by the famous Quadriga horses statue which was once stolen by the French Emperor Napoleon!

Holocaust Memorial

The Holocaust Memorial is a sobering reminder of the atrocities of war. This modern sculpture was built in memory of all the Jews who perished during the Second World War at the hands of the Nazis.

These 2,711 concrete slabs form an immersive experience, where people can come to reflect, and remember. To learn more about the fate of the Jews you can take a day trip to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp from Berlin.

How much do bike tours in Berlin cost?

The highlights of Berlin bike tours cost €30 for 3 hours, €40 for 4 hours and €80 for a full day. These are group excursions, usually with a maximum of 15 participants. For a private cycling tour in Berlin, expect to pay €110 for a 2.5-hour ride.

For experiences with a Cold War and Berlin Wall focus, prices start at €40 for a 4-hour trip, or €70 for a full-day ride. The Nazi-themed trips also cost €70 for a whole day’s adventure. You’ll be cycling with a group of like-minded travelers, with up to 16 people on the tour.

The hidden highlights trips are €30 per person. These rides last for 3 hours and operate on a small group basis. Meanwhile, bike tours in Berlin that center on food tastings cost €90 for a 4-hour jaunt. There will be a maximum of 15 cyclists on this excursion, so it’ll remain an intimate experience.

What is included?

Most Berlin bike tours include a comfortable city-style bike and helmet, and an experienced guide. They also provide sunscreen and trouser clips, while gloves can be provided on request. Rain ponchos are often available in the event of bad weather.

On the culinary tours, food tastings at several different venues are covered in the package price. Drinks are not included so you’ll have to purchase these separately.

Providers of cycling trips in Berlin rarely offer hotel pickups, so you’ll need to get yourself to the starting point. Full details will be provided after booking.

Where does it start?

Popular meeting points for cycling tours in Berlin include the Kulturbrauerei in the north of the city. To get there, jump on the metro and alight at Eberswalder Strasse. It’s then a short walk to your destination.

Bornholmer Strasse is another common starting location and is also found in northern Berlin. It’s easily accessed on public transport – the Björnsonstrasse tram stop is just 1 minute away.

Food tasting bike excursions in Berlin begin at the base of the TV Tower. The Alexanderplatz train station is just a few steps away.

How long does it last?

Bike tours in Berlin range in length from 3 hours to a full day. If you’re not used to cycling, a shorter experience is recommended.

Most trips are around 3-4 hours long, which is just the right amount of time for sightseeing without getting too tired. Doing a half-day experience also allows you to fit in other city excursions like Berlin boat cruises or a walking tour.

When is the best time for a bike tour in Berlin?

Berlin bike rides are the perfect way to get the measure of the city, so the first day of your visit is the best time to do it.  By cycling around the center with a guide, you’ll soon figure out where everything is as an introduction to Berlin.

Most cycling trips start in the morning. This is when the streets are quieter which makes them easier to navigate in a group setting. Food excursions are the exception. These tend to operate in the evening, when the restaurants are open for your staggered multi-course dinner experience.

What are the other outdoor activities in Berlin?

• Boat Tours and Cruises in Berlin
• Airplane Tours in Berlin
• Hot Air Balloon Rides in Berlin
• Helicopter Tours in Berlin

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely – this is a relatively physical activity.
• Bike tours in Berlin run in most weather so check the forecast and bring a waterproof jacket if necessary. Some providers offer a rain poncho, so check your joining details if you’re unsure.
• It’s a good idea to book well in advance during summer as trips can sell out, especially at weekends.
• Some providers require you to present your ID on arrival, so remember to take some with you.