Leafy Road in
Schlachtensee |
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Typical Old House |
Well marked Cycle lanes along many roads encourage the
use of this healthy and environmentally clean form of transport. However to an
English visitor unused to them it is too easy to walk on the cycle lanes and
not hear the riders approaching from behind!
The buildings around the area known as Mexicoplatz, in
Zehlendorf are well known for their unusual architecture. |
Mexicoplatz |
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Mexicoplatz |
Nearby the natural mixed woodland of Grunewald is criss-crossed
by numerous paths and tracks, and on account of the level nature of the ground
is an ideal environment for walkers, joggers and cyclists of all ages and
levels of fitness.
Equally pleasant is the large area of
water, both of lakes and the River Havel which is like a large lake in this
part. |
Schlachtensee |
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Sandy Beach on
Krummelanke |
The twin lakes of Schlachtensee and
the smaller Krummelanke, both within Grunewald, with their wide perimeter paths
form superb open air fitness bases, and are very popular with joggers,
cyclists, walkers and swimmers. The grassy areas are attractive in summer to
sun bathers.
The vast expanse of the River Havel is popular for
sailing and for pleasure boat trips.
Glienicke Bridge which
linked West Berlin to Potsdam in East Germany was on a number of occasions the
scene of exchanges of spies or dissidents. In February 1962, Francis Powers,
the American pilot of a U2 spy plane shot down over Soviet territory was
exchanged for Soviet agent Rudolf Abel, who had received a 30 year jail
sentence in the United States. In 1985, 23 East German political prisoners were
swapped for 4 Eastern spies in American prisons. In February 1986, 4 communist
agents were exchanged for the Soviet dissident Anatoly Shcharansky and 4
western spies. |
Famous Glienicke
Bridge |
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Riverside
House |
The riverside resort of Wannsee
welcomes hundreds of Berlin families each summer week-end to enjoy the water
activities. Several large pleasure boats take visitors on interesting river
trips. |
Promenade at
Wannsee |
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Boat Trip at
Wannsee |
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