Bike tour around Potsdam, Wannsee, Kladow covering about 40 km

So, have you ever been to Potsdam? And seen everything already? Probably not – with all the palaces alone in Potsdam, that's almost impossible. Maybe that's why a slightly longer bike round trip is just the right thing for you. So, what are you waiting for? Get on your bike! But first, it's best to book a 24-hour bike ticket – the Germany ticket is a must. And don't forget: a proper snack for the way!
The tour can be wonderfully started in Potsdam – or alternatively at the Wannsee S-Bahn station. Our tip for Berliners from the southeast: take the S-Bahn to BER and then the RE train to Potsdam Pirschheide. This way, you avoid city traffic – trains on this route are usually pleasantly empty.

From Pirschheide station, the route leads directly along the Havel riverbank towards the city center. Even here, the charm of water, villas, and architecture from all eras is evident. A small detour through the old town is worth it: Potsdam is simply always beautiful – and compared to Berlin, it usually has very well-developed bike paths.
But we didn’t linger long and cycled on to the Glienicke Bridge – a former border crossing between East and West. The Berlin Wall trail accompanies us partially today. But before crossing the bridge, we made a small detour to Günther Jauch's villa – including a friendly wave through the fence.

Beyond the bridge, we continue along the Havel riverbank. In the distance, you can already see a small chapel, known as a filming location for various Til Schweiger movies and series like Babylon Berlin – but more on that later.
After a few green kilometers and past hidden inns – including a Russian-inspired restaurant honoring a lady by marriage – we reach Peacock Island. Those who want can take the ferry for 6 €. But that's worth a day trip of its own – we stay on course and continue along the Havel riverbank, past numerous DLRG stations. It's nice to see how present the voluntary water rescue service is here.

Soon the Wannsee appears on the horizon – complete with a beach bath. After a short snack at the "Flensburger Löwen," we head to ferry F10, which takes us and our bikes to Kladow – the Germany ticket and a bike ticket are sufficient. On busy days, it can get a bit crowded, but the ferry is surprisingly large and well equipped. By the way: the tour can also be started directly at the Wannsee S-Bahn station.
During the crossing, there is a lot to see: sailboats in strong wind that looked like they might capsize any moment – (spoiler: none actually capsized).

Arriving in Kladow, we head back on the other side of the Havel. The path starts a bit bumpy, with some puddles, but remains consistently charming. Soon we reach the mentioned chapel – half built into the Havel, with beautiful, newly restored tiles. When we passed by, the last rehearsals for a wedding were underway. Very atmospheric!

Afterwards, the path leads through the forest – unusually without any magnificent palaces. Now it's time to cover some ground! We cycle around Jungfernsee and Krampnitzsee. Unfortunately, for several kilometers, the route follows a busy road – but that's manageable. After the Bridge of Peace, you can return to the riverside path and cycle through the northern suburbs, past impressive villas and gardens, back to Potsdam city center.

A small Kaiserschmarrn stop is a must. Then – due to time constraints – it was straight up to Sanssouci Palace, whose column-adorned "backyard" can be admired from the street. Then past the Orangerie to the university. Here, there is a "No Cycling" sign on one side, while the bike path is marked again on the other – not quite consistent.
Finally, we roll back to Pirschheide station – and from there, via BER, back home.