Berlin Marathon 2025 Tips: Best Spots and Routes

The BMW Berlin Marathon 2025 is almost here! On Sunday, 21 September 2025, more than 45,000 runners and hundreds of thousands of spectators will gather in Germany’s capital for one of the most exciting running events in the world. As part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the Berlin Marathon is famous for its flat, fast course—the perfect stage for world records and unforgettable experiences. If you’re planning to run—or cheer from the sidelines—this guide covers the best Berlin Marathon 2025 tips, including top spectator spots, sightseeing opportunities, and scenic running routes you can enjoy before or after the race.

 

Best Spectator Spots Along the Berlin Marathon 2025 Route

One of the best Berlin Marathon tips is to plan your viewing points in advance. The route doubles as a sightseeing tour, passing many of Berlin’s most famous attractions.

1. Start – Straße des 17. Juni (near Brandenburg Gate)

Soak up the atmosphere at the start line, where thousands of runners set off against a backdrop of Berlin’s grand boulevards.

2. Victory Column (Siegessäule, ~0.6 km)

Nicknamed the “Goldelse,” this golden angel on a tall column is the first major landmark of the race. It’s a lively spot and great for photos.

3. Reichstag & Federal Chancellery (~6.5 km)

Cheer runners as they pass Berlin’s parliament. The Reichstag was reconstructed after German reunification in 1990 under architect Norman Foster and reopened in 1999 as the seat of the Bundestag. Pets aren’t allowed inside, but the impressive exterior and glass dome are well worth a visit.

4. Potsdamer Platz (~8 km & again at ~38.5 km)

This bustling square is ideal for spectators—you can catch the race early and then again near the finish. Plus, plenty of cafés make it a comfortable viewing point.

5. Unter den Linden (~41 km)

This historic (shopping) boulevard is the penultimate stretch of the race, where runners dig deep before the grand finale.

6. Finish – Brandenburg Gate (~42 km)

The emotional finish line is pure magic. Watch runners complete their 42.195 km journey beneath Germany’s most famous triumphal arch.

Pro tip: Arrive early for a good spot, wear comfortable shoes, and move between locations on foot—often faster than public transport on race day.

Post-Marathon Sightseeing in Berlin

After the race, celebrate and recover with some sightseeing near the course:

• Reichstag Dome & Rooftop Restaurant – Book a tour in advance and enjoy a panoramic lunch with city views at Käfer Dachgarten-Restaurant on top of the Reichstag building .
• Brandenburg Gate – A symbol of Berlin’s history and unity, perfect for a post-race photo.
• Tiergarten Park & Victory Column – Berlin’s green heart, great for a gentle recovery walk or picnic.
• Government District (Regierungsviertel) – Along the Spree you’ll find the Bundestag offices and modern government buildings. In summer, a free openair cinema show about German history, which is projected on the Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus façade.
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe – A moving site next to Brandenburg Gate that should not be missed.

Running Routes in Berlin (Beyond the Marathon)

If the Berlin Marathon 2025 inspires you to keep running, the city offers many scenic routes:

1. Regierungsviertel Loop (~6 km) Run along the Spree past parliament buildings, finishing dramatically at the Brandenburg Gate.
2. Tempelhofer Feld (~6 km) Formerly an airport, today it’s a vast open park. One lap around the runway is roughly six kilometers, passing gardens, BBQ areas, and sports fields.
3. Tiergarten Circuit (~5.5 km) Berlin’s “green lung” is ideal for training or recovery. Pass landmarks such as the Victory Column, Soviet War Memorial, and Brandenburg Gate, before finishing at Café am Neuen See for a refreshing drink.
4. Treptower Park (~4.5 km) A riverside route shaded by willows, past the Soviet War Memorial and the picturesque Insel der Jugend (Island of Youth). Perfect for a spring or summer run.

 The Berlin Marathon 2025 is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of sport, history, and culture. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or cheering from the sidelines, Berlin’s mix of spectator-friendly marathon spots and world-class sightseeing makes the event unforgettable.

 

So pack your running shoes—or your cowbell—and get ready to catch marathon fever in Berlin this September!

 

The Berlin Marathon is just the beginning of your adventure. To discover Berlin like a local, explore my BertaBerlin walking maps. From charming coffee spots to cultural treasures, these guides are designed to help you uncover the city’s best-kept secrets.