In one of the last warm weekends in September, I decided to start a new trail. It wasn't planned this way: I originally wanted to continue the E11. But somehow I woke up late, and as it was a Sunday, transportation options were thin, and I figured if I still wanted to continue with the E11, I would have a very late start. So I opted for a Plan B, that is, the Paul-Gerhardt-Weg. And fortunately, this trail actually starts in the middle of Berlin!
But who exactly was Paul Gerhardt? I myself didn't quite know. Apparently, he was a very well-known theologian, Lutheran minister, and hymnodist. He was born in 1607 and left his traces in the area. And this trail now connects the various artifacts of his lifetime in a trail that leads from Berlin all the way to Lübben. And since it starts from Alexanderplatz in Berlin, I figured I could still save the day and make it a hiking day without going too far. So I had a leisurely breakfast at home, took a shower, and headed off. And about half an hour later, I was in Alexanderplatz, at the beginning of the trail.
After taking the metro, I emerged from underground, and immediately I saw the Fountain of Friendship. It's not the prettiest fountain I have seen, but nevertheless it is a very iconic fixture of Alexanderplatz. From here I crossed the S-Bahn railway tracks and headed south.
Soon enough, I passed by the Rotes Rathaus, or Berlin's City Hall. This is where the mayor's office is located. Come to think of it, I've been in Berlin for more than 11 years now, yet I still haven't visited the interior of this iconic building.
The trail then goes through the reconstructed Old Town of Berlin, the Nikolaiviertel. And I passed by the Nikolaikirche, an old church that has been converted to a museum. I actually
visited this museum quite early after I arrived in the city.
After following the river Spree, I crossed it southwards and passed by the Dutch, Chinese, and Brazilian embassies. And then I stumbled upon the Märkisches Museum. I have to admit, I haven't visited this museum yet, and now they are temporarily closed since this year for quite a while due to extensive renovations. Oh well, I should watch out for their reopening, as I am curious to see what's inside.
And then I continued with the trail until I reached Michaelkirchplatz, with the ruined church right in the middle.
And then I came across St. Thomas Church, at Mariannenplatz. And from there I headed south, towards Lausitzer Platz, and from there, towards Görlitzer Park. Of course, there were drug dealers, some of whom tried to get my attention, hoping to sell their goods. Eventually, I left Görlitzer Park from the other end, and headed towards Treptower Park.
I've been to Treptower Park several times by now, and in fact, parts of the path I took were rather familiar, as I have passed by it several times by now, due to the various other trails I have completed, which passed by it. In any case, I stopped by briefly again at the Soviet Memorial. I still remember
the first time I visited this place, back in 2013, in the middle of winter. It's a very different place when the weather is warm.
From here, I just followed the river, and at some point, I took the ferry that crossed the Spree, heading north. And I ended the trail at Treskowallee, in Wuhlheide.
