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.

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.

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.

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.