Once you are in the Grunewald Forest, it is hard to imagine that you are only a short train (or car) ride away from the heart of Berlin. This massive forest was originally a popular stomping ground for the German elite looking to get out of Berlin for a while and if you spend enough time in Grunewald Forest, it is easy to see evidence of its regal past.

There are a few key sights worth visiting in Grunewald if you are looking for something beyond a pleasant stroll in the woods. The landmark building in the Grunewald Forest is the Grunewald Turm (Grunewald Tower). This 55 meter structure provides for a stunning panorama view if you feel like climbing all the way to the top. If you plunge deeper into the forest, you will come to the Jagdschloss Grunewald, an old civic hall built in 1542 and rebuilt (Baroque of course) in 1700. The Renaissance Hall here has some paintings by Van Dyke and Rubens but the real draw to the Jagdschloss Grunewald is just to see the impressive structure buried deep in the woods. If you are looking for a bite to eat while in the Grunewald Forest, head to the southwest corner of the forest to Forsthaus Paulsborn, an old hunting lodge turned delicious restaurant.

While you can reach the Grunewald Forest via a short S-Bahn ride from central Berlin, a car and a whole day to stomp in the woods is my vote for the best way to take in this lovely forest.

Click here for more information about hotels near Grunewald Forest: Dorint Novotel Berlin Potsdam hotel, and the Best Western Parkhotel Potsdam.