Berlin’s Top 10 : Sport & Fitness Venues

Olympiastadion

The
Olympic Stadium is worth a visit even if no particular sports events
are scheduled. The giant edifice, constructed by Werner Mach for the
Olympic Games in 1936, reflects the architectural style typical of the
Nazi period. Two statues by Arno Breker flank the main entrance.
Opposite the 80,000-seater stadium are the Maifeld, inspired by the
architecture of ancient Rome, and a belltower from where you have
fantastic views of Berlin. The stadium itself was renovated and
partially covered in 2000–4. Berlin’s premier-league football club,
Hertha BSC, plays its home games here. An exhibition documents the
history of the stadium .

Galopprennbahn Hoppegarten

Horse
races take place against the historical backdrop of the Union Club
1867’s traditional race track, considered to be the most attractive
track between Moscow and Paris. In the audience, horse- and betting-mad
Berliners mingle with the city’s upper classes.

• Goetheallee 1, Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten

• races 2pm Sat & Sun

• 03342 389 30

Trabrennbahn Mariendorf

Exciting trotting races such as the annual derby for the “Blue Ribbon“ take place on the Trabrennbahn in Mariendorf.

• Mariendorfer Damm 222

• races 6pm Mon & Fri, 1pm Sun

• 030 740 12 12

Velodrom

This
futuristic, silvery sports arena is the focal point for Berlin’s
cyclists. Every year in January, this is where the legendary
Sechstagerennen (Six Day Race) takes place.

• Paul-Heyse-Str. 26

• times vary depending on event

• 030 44 30 44 30

Cycling

The
large green spaces in Berlin and Potsdam are ideal for cycling
excursions. Districts such as the Scheunenviertel or Dahlem are also
well suited for exploration by bike. There are several places where you
can hire a bicycle – for example, in the centre at Friedrichstraße
station .

Stadtbad Neukölln

The
most attractive swimming baths in Berlin date back to the late 19th
century. These luxuriously fitted Art-Nouveau baths make swimming a
rather special experience.

• Ganghoferstr. 3

• 2–5pm
  Mon; 6:45–8am & 2–10pm Tue & Thu; 6:45–8am & 5–6:30pm Wed
  (also 2–5pm women only); 6:45–8am & 10am–10pm Fri; 8am–10pm Sat–Sun
  (8–10pm Sun for nudists)

• 030 68 24 98 12

Sport Oase

This
charming badminton and squash centre is based in a former Schultheiss
brewery. It has four halls with 23 courts on several levels; and there
is also a bar.

• Stromstr. 11–17

• 8am–11pm Mon–Thu; 8am–10pm Fri; 10am–8pm Sat; 9am–10pm Sun

• 030 390 66 20

Fitness First

In
the western centre of the city, gym for women guarantees a relaxed and
cheerful atmosphere for exercise on standard equipment as well as many
specialist classes, away from prying eyes. The staff are very helpful.

• Tauentzienstr. 13a

• 7am–11pm Mon–Fri, 10am–8pm Sat, Sun

• 030 21 459 442

Inline-Skating Tiergarten

The
paths and tracks in the northern half of the Großer Tiergarten park, as
well as around the perimeters of Straße des 17 Juni, are excellent for
inline-skating away from the traffic. Skating in the busy city streets –
though practised – is officially forbidden.

• Tiergarten

Aspria

Berlin’s
premier health and wellness club offers everything from a full-sized
swimming pool and sauna to a beauty salon, a health-orientated
restaurant, massages, and a rooftop relaxation area.

• Karlsruher Str. 20

• 6am– 11pm Mon–Fri, 8am–10pm Sat & Sun

• 030 890 688 80

• Admission charge