Easy walk through heathland and woodland in Pankow with the striking Soviet military cemetery and memorial as a key stop.
The Schönholzer Heide walk is a short 5 km route through heathland and woodland in Pankow, in northern Berlin, with the nearest access at Tram stop Wilhelm-Kuhr-Straße or S-Bahn Wollankstraße, both a short walk from the park entrance; no permit is required. The terrain is flat with no meaningful elevation change, following gravel and packed-dirt paths through open heath and light woodland with a mix of sun exposure and shaded tree cover. The central landmark is the Sowjetisches Ehrenmal Schönholzer Heide, a large Soviet military cemetery and memorial commemorating Red Army soldiers, which anchors the walk and serves as a natural turn-around point for a shorter visit. Beyond the memorial, the heathland habitat supports birdlife and low scrub vegetation typical of Brandenburg's sandy soils. There are no refuge huts or water sources within the park itself, so visitors should bring their own water, though cafes are available a short walk away in the surrounding Pankow neighborhood.
| Distance | 5km |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5h |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | Year-round, with spring and autumn offering the most comfortable walking temperatures |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Pankow, north Berlin
Highlights
- Soviet War Cemetery
- Heathland habitat
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Northern Berlin scenery
Tips for visiting
- Visit the Soviet War Cemetery respectfully, as it remains an active memorial site with formal sections
- Combine the walk with a stop in nearby Pankow for food, since the park itself has no cafes
- Weekday visits are quieter for viewing the memorial without crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes, as gravel paths can be uneven in places
When to visit
Late morning on a weekday allows quiet, uncrowded time at the memorial and heathland.
Accessibility
The main gravel paths through the heathland and around the memorial are mostly flat and manageable for wheelchairs and strollers, though some sections are unpaved and uneven.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sowjetisches Ehrenmal?
It is a Soviet military cemetery and memorial in Schönholzer Heide commemorating Red Army soldiers who died during the Battle of Berlin.
How long does the walk take?
The full walk through the heathland and memorial takes about 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace.
Is the site open to the public daily?
Yes, the park and memorial grounds are open to visitors year-round with no entry fee.
How do visitors reach Schönholzer Heide without a car?
Tram lines to Wilhelm-Kuhr-Straße or the S-Bahn to Wollankstraße both provide a short walk to the park entrance.