Opening of the new INSEL circular path: nature and sport combined on the shore!

Opening of the new INSEL circular path: nature and sport combined on the shore!

On Monday, September 15, 2025, District Councilor Oliver Schruoffeneger opened a new section of the INSEL circular path on the Goslarer Ufer. This expansion is part of a comprehensive concept that has been intended to develop Charlottenburg's Mierendorff Island into a place for encounters, sports and relaxation since 2015. The INSEL circular route, which stretches over 5.3 kilometers, runs along the Spree, the Westhafen Canal and the Charlottenburg connecting canal and offers many opportunities for the city's residents and visitors.

The new area of ​​the circular route not only improves the quality of stay, but also the natural design. This includes a bouldering rock for climbing enthusiasts, an event area under the trees with a flexible stage and various sporting activities such as slacklines and hammocks. The forecourt was also redesigned with reused paving, benches, table tennis tables and fresh planting. Particularly noteworthy is the barrier-free design of the paths, which lead through perennial plantings to the bank and create retreats for flora and fauna.

Progress of the redesigns

The ongoing process to develop the INSEL circular route includes various construction phases that are being implemented step by step. The first construction phase, which includes a modern skate park between the Sickingen Bridge and the DB Bridge, was opened in April 2025. The second construction phase complements the existing offering with additional leisure opportunities such as climbing, relaxing and socializing. The work on the new section of the circular route has now been successfully completed.

The initiative to further develop the circular route was not only launched by the district administration, the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf Roads and Parks Department and the SWUP planning office, but also with the active participation of local residents. Important ideas and suggestions were collected at several INSEL conferences, which are incorporated into further planning. In particular, the results of the third INSEL conference in November 2018, where projects such as crossing under the castle bridge and access to the castle park were discussed, represent important key points.

Sustainable urban development

The development of the INSEL circular route is in line with the goals of sustainable urban development. This aims to create lively and livable settlements and includes various areas of responsibility such as land-use planning and urban renovations. Sustainability requirements set out in the building code require that social, economic and environmental requirements be reconciled. The aim is to increase the environmental and quality of life in urban areas and to take social and cultural needs into account.

Work will continue to expand and improve the circular route for Charlottenburg's Mierendorff Island in the coming years. The Sustainable Mierendorff-INSEL initiative plans to transform the circular route into a first-class art, culture, leisure and recreational area by 2035, which will be available to citizens as a valuable local recreation area.

For more information on this topic, please visit the website Berlin.de, Mierendorffinsel.org and Umweltbundesamt.de.