Home to a long and colourful tradition of folklore, Germany has birthed many of the world’s most celebrated fairy tales. Exploring the country’s brooding forests, rolling pastures and majestic hills, it’s easy to identify the inspiration behind Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty and the iconic fables of the Brothers Grimm. To inspire your little ones to imagine their own enchanting stories, however, there’s little need to venture far from Berlin’s centre.
Grunewald, or ‘Green forest’ occupies 3,000 hectares in Berlin’s southwest with verdant woodlands and wilderness. Once upon a time, it was reserved exclusively for the political elite, who punctuated its wilds with ornate summer houses. Today, the dappled shade beneath its conifer forests, fresh gleam of its waterscapes and myriad monuments and look-out points provide an idyllic rural escape for parents and children.
In the warmer months, Grunewald’s glassy lakes, secluded islets and pristine riverfront beaches are ideal for sunbathing, swimming and fishing. Cool off with a paddle at Kuhhorn Badestrand, a peaceful sandy cove on the Havel where the ice-cream boat makes regular stops, or take a longer dip in the broad expanse of the Schlachtensee. While there, seek out Die Fischerhütte which serves the catch of the day on a sunny terrace, with rowing boats nearby for a picturesque post-lunch excursion across the water.
Landlubbers have plenty to entertain here, too. Grunewald’s rolling hills are ideal for an invigorating hike or cycle. For incomparable views over the city skyline, scale 120-metre man-made hill Teufelsberg. Berlin’s highest point, it’s the ideal place to fly a kite or, in the colder months, teach children to sledge and ski. Alternatively, ascend the 19th-century Gothic lookout tower atop Karlsberg hill for panoramic views in a setting reminiscent of Rapunzel.
In addition to its magical landscapes, Grunewald is scattered with architectural relics well worth seeking out. The Jagdschloss Grunewald, Berlin’s oldest palace, can be found on the southwest bank of the Havel, while in the woods surrounding Waldsee lake, the 1920s Haus Am Waldsee sits like Snow White’s cottage. This leafy mansion is home to ever-changing art exhibitions parents will love, and its verdant gardens, peppered with sculptures, are a leafy paradise for children to explore.
To book your stay in Berlin and discover Grunewald, please email reservations.derome@roccofortehotels.com or call +49 30 460 609 1430.
While air travel becomes ever more functional, the pleasures of the train are undeniable. you can lose yourself in a book, chat with your favourite people or watch from the window as scrolling landscapes unfold. A rediscovered love for rail journeys and a move towards more sustainable travel has fuelled a European-wide rail revolution over the last few years – but Italy has been running its brilliant services for decades.
What makes a ‘five-star’ experience? Between seamless hospitality and indulgent surroundings, Forbes Travel Guide knows a thing or two about luxury service. As the only independent rating system for international luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas, we are delighted that six of our hotels are amongst the winners of its 2024 Five-Star Awards. Read on to uncover some of the highlights…
Take a moment to picture the scene. You’re sipping a glass of ruby-red wine on a sun-drenched terrace, overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany. Below you, the city of Florence stretches out like a tapestry, its iconic Duomo and terracotta rooftops bathed in golden light. A gentle breeze carries the scent of wildflowers and ripe grapes, and the distant hum of the city.
