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