Rieselfelder Karolinenhöhe

The many paths running through the beautiful countryside of the Rieselfelder Karolinenhöhe make it a great place for a walk or a picnic.

In the 19th century the Karolinenhöhe in Gatow, between Potsdamer Chaussee and Gatower Straße, became one of Berlin’s twenty Rieselfelder, or septic drain fields. Based on the idea of James Hobrecht and Rudolf von Virchow to build a closed water system in Berlin, these fields were used for the biological treatment of wastewater.

Today, in the protected landscape area, you can walk, ride or cycle on the many paths and trails across the fields. The unspoilt countryside makes you forget that you are still in the capital city. In summer, you can find a shady spot for a picnic under a tree while you enjoy the view of the fields and meadows. If you want to take in some culture and history afterwards, it’s worth making a detour to the Military History Museum, Fort Hahneberg or continuing on the Berlin Wall Trail.

Tip: A mountain bike is best suited for riding through the fields on the sandy and often uneven ground.