On Sunday 27 September 2026, thousands of runners will take on one of the world’s most recognised marathon courses as the BMW Berlin Marathon returns to the German capital. Starting on Straße des 17. Juni and finishing near the Brandenburg Gate, the 42.195-kilometre route takes participants through central Berlin and past some of the city’s best-known landmarks.

For Berlin Marathon spectators, the day requires almost as much planning as it does cheering. Road closures, busy stations and large crowds can make it difficult to move between viewpoints, particularly around Tiergarten, Mitte and the finish area. However, with a clear route and a few well-chosen locations, you can spot your runner at several points during the race.

From the Berlin Marathon start and finish area to popular cheering locations and public transport advice, here’s everything you need to plan your Berlin Marathon weekend.

What is the official route of the Berlin marathon 2026?

The route of the Berlin Marathon covers 42.195 kilometres, beginning on Straße des 17. Juni between Brandenburg Gate and Kleiner Stern. From Tiergarten, the course travels through several Berlin neighbourhoods before returning to the centre for the final approach through the Brandenburg Gate.

Along the way, runners pass some of Berlin’s major sights and neighbourhoods, including the government quarter, Friedrichstadt-Palast, Alexanderplatz, Neukölln, Schöneberg, Wilmersdorf, Kurfürstendamm and Potsdamer Platz. The predominantly flat course has helped make Berlin particularly popular with runners pursuing personal bests.

The official Berlin marathon map is available through the event website’s interactive course map. Spectators can use its filters to view the course and supporting event information. As operational arrangements can change, check the official map again shortly before race day.

Only registered participants with an official race number and athlete wristband can enter the secured start and finish area. Spectators should therefore arrange a separate place to meet runners after the race rather than attempting to enter the participant zone.

The official family meeting point is in front of the Paul Löbe House. Meeting signs are organised alphabetically, allowing runners and supporters to meet beside the first letter of the runner’s surname. Agree on the correct letter in advance and allow additional time for the runner to leave the finish area.

Where to watch the race: Official cheering points

Choosing where to watch the Berlin Marathon depends on whether you’d like to experience the excitement and energy at the start line, follow a particular runner or enjoy the atmosphere near the finish. Although it’s possible to visit several locations, aim for a realistic plan of two to three points and allow plenty of time for station queues and walking.

Before planning your route, check the final event map to confirm the locations of the official cheering points and any access restrictions for 2026.

Tiergarten, race start to kilometre 2

Tiergarten puts spectators close to the Berlin Marathon start and the opening kilometres of the race. The broad roads surrounding Straße des 17. Juni create an impressive and leafy setting as the field begins to move through the city.

The immediate starting area can become extremely busy, and barriers restrict movement around the course. For a clearer view, consider moving farther along the opening section rather than waiting directly beside the start line.

Bundestag, around kilometre 7

The government quarter provides a combination of race-day atmosphere and views of the Reichstag, Federal Chancellery and surrounding modern architecture. It’s a particularly useful early viewing point for spectators who want to leave Tiergarten and see their runner again after the opening kilometres.

The Bundestag U-Bahn station and Berlin Hauptbahnhof provide convenient access, although parts of the area may be controlled or crowded on race morning. The government quarter is regularly listed as one of the marathon’s most popular spectator locations.

Friedrichstadt-Palast, around kilometre 8

Friedrichstadt-Palast provides another central viewing option shortly after the government quarter. It’s also easy to reach on foot from Tiergarten to see your runner again near the start.

Friedrichstraße station is the main public transport hub nearby, with S-Bahn, U-Bahn and regional connections.

Alexanderplatz, around kilometre 11

Alexanderplatz is one of the easiest marathon viewpoints to reach by public transport. Its numerous S-Bahn, U-Bahn and tram connections make it a practical choice for groups and spectators who are unfamiliar with Berlin.

The area is likely to be busy, so choose a precise meeting or viewing position rather than simply agreeing to meet “at Alexanderplatz”. Arriving early will also make it easier to find a clear section of the route.

Volkspark Hasenheide, around kilometre 17

The Neukölln section has a different perspective from the grand avenues and landmarks of central Berlin. Find a spot along Hasenheide away from the largest crowds and enjoy watching the runners go by.

The closest useful U-Bahn stations will depend on the precise section of road where you watch the marathon from, with Hermannplatz and Südstern serving the area.

Platz am Wilden Eber, around kilometre 28.5

This spot is a long-established Berlin Marathon spectator favourite. By this stage, runners are approaching the most demanding final third of the race, so cheering and encouragement are especially important.

This is a residential part of the course and is less directly connected to public transport than central viewing points. However, you can reach the wider area from Podbielskiallee U-Bahn station, followed by a walk to the course. Allow additional time and check the route before travelling.

Queer Cheer, around kilometre 35.9

As runners approach the final few kilometres, they pass a series of lively cheering points. One of these is Queer Cheer, which brings together Berlin’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies with music, drinks and an encouraging atmosphere for runners tackling the closing section of the course.

Both Wittenbergplatz and Nollendorfplatz are both within walking distance from the Queer Cheer.

Potsdamer Platz, around kilometre 38.5

Potsdamer Platz is one of the most exciting places to watch the closing stages of the race. With fewer than four kilometres remaining, runners are digging deep and making their final push towards Brandenburg Gate.

The area has S-Bahn, U-Bahn and regional rail connections, making it relatively straightforward to reach without crossing the course. It’s also officially listed among the city’s spectator hotspots.

There’ll be large crowds and limited space beside the barriers. If you’re following a particular participant, use the official race tracking service and position yourself somewhere distinctive and easy to describe.

Brandenburg Gate, around kilometre 42

This is perhaps the most iconic viewpoint on the route and has the defining view of the Berlin Marathon finish line. Free-standing grandstands are positioned on both sides of the road shortly before the finish, with access from the side of Brandenburg Gate. Crossing the marathon course in the finish area is only possible at Pariser Platz.

Brandenburg Gate is one of the busiest parts of the entire route. If seeing a particular runner clearly is more important than experiencing the finish-line atmosphere, Potsdamer Platz or an earlier point may have a more practical view.

Remember that runners must still cover a short distance after passing through Brandenburg Gate before reaching the finish line. Spectators aren’t allowed in the secured finish zone, so arrange to meet at the family meeting point rather than beside the finish gantry.

Public transport: How do I get around on race day?

Public transport is the best way for Berlin Marathon spectators to move around the city. Extensive road closures are expected across Tiergarten, Mitte, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Neukölln, Schöneberg, Steglitz, Wilmersdorf and Zehlendorf, and buses may be diverted away from the race route.

The U-Bahn and S-Bahn will generally be more reliable than buses or taxis, but stations near the start, finish and most popular cheering points are likely to be very crowded. Check the BVG and S-Bahn Berlin apps before every journey, as planned routes can be affected by service changes or temporary disruption. Make sure to allow plenty of time for your journey too.

Walking can sometimes be faster than making a short train journey, particularly between nearby central locations. However, don’t assume that you’ll be able to cross the marathon route wherever you choose. Barriers, participant flows and security restrictions can add significant time to a short walk.

A few practical tips to make race day easier:

• Save your runner’s race number in the official tracking app
• Note their starting wave and expected pace
• Choose your cheering points before leaving your hotel
• Build extra time into every journey in case trains or stations are busier than expected
• Use stations on the same side of the course wherever possible
• Agree on exactly which side of the road you will stand
• Carry water, a portable charger and clothing suitable for changing weather
• Check the final route map and live transport information on race morning.

How to get to the start and finish area

Unter den Linden, Brandenburger Tor, Bundestag and Potsdamer Platz are the U-Bahn stations closest to the start and finish area. Brandenburger Tor, Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Potsdamer Platz are also served by S-Bahn services, while regional trains call at Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Potsdamer Platz.

For spectators, Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Potsdamer Platz may be more manageable than Brandenburger Tor when the area is particularly busy. From there, continue on foot while following event signage and instructions.

Only participants can enter the secured start and finish area. Spectators shouldn’t plan to accompany runners to their starting blocks.

Public transport near the official cheering points

The most useful stations for the main viewing areas include:

• Tiergarten and the opening kilometres: Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Bundestag, Brandenburger Tor or Tiergarten, depending on the selected section
• Bundestag: Bundestag U-Bahn station or Berlin Hauptbahnhof
• Friedrichstadt-Palast: Friedrichstraße
• Alexanderplatz: Alexanderplatz
• Volkspark Hasenheide: Hermannplatz or Südstern
• Platz am Wilden Eber: Podbielskiallee, followed by a walk to the route, or local bus connections from western Berlin, subject to race-day diversions
• Queer Cheer: Wittenbergplatz and Nollendorfplatz
• Potsdamer Platz: Potsdamer Platz
• Brandenburg Gate: Brandenburger Tor, Unter den Linden, Bundestag or Berlin Hauptbahnhof.

Do not attempt to visit every location. Alexanderplatz, Potsdamer Platz and Brandenburg Gate may look close together on the Berlin Marathon map, but crowds and restricted crossing points can make journeys considerably longer.

Travel tips: What to do in Berlin during marathon weekend?

Berlin Marathon weekend is also an opportunity to explore the city beyond the course. If you’re arriving before Sunday, use Friday or Saturday morning for attractions that may be more difficult to reach during the road closures.

The Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag are natural additions to a central Berlin itinerary, while the neighbourhoods around Kurfürstendamm and Charlottenburg provide shopping, restaurants and cultural attractions away from the busiest parts of Mitte. Berlin Zoo, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, KaDeWe and the boutiques around Kurfürstendamm are also easily accessible from Park Plaza Berlin.

On race day, keep your sightseeing plans flexible. Choose attractions within walking distance of your final cheering point rather than trying to cross the city repeatedly. Reservations are advisable for restaurants on Saturday evening and after the race, when runners and spectators will be looking for places to eat.

Most importantly, avoid relying on cars or taxis on Sunday. Road closures and diversions can affect even journeys that don’t appear to cross the route directly. Public transport and walking will usually be the simplest options.

Where to stay during Berlin Marathon weekend? 

Park Plaza Berlin is a convenient base for runners and spectators visiting the city for Berlin Marathon weekend. Located at Lietzenburger Strasse 85 in Charlottenburg, the hotel is close to Kurfürstendamm and within easy reach of several western sections of the marathon route. 

The route passes approximately 100 metres from the hotel at around kilometre 34, putting guests close to the action as runners enter the closing section of the race. This makes it possible to support participants near the hotel before travelling towards another viewpoint, or to enjoy the atmosphere locally without making a long journey across Berlin. 

Savignyplatz S-Bahn station is around a 15-minute walk from the hotel, with connections towards Berlin Hauptbahnhof. The surrounding area also offers access to Kurfürstendamm and Zoologischer Garten, although marathon-day routes and journey times should always be checked in advance. 

After a day spent following the race, Park Plaza Berlin’s Charlottenburg location also puts restaurants, boutiques and some of western Berlin’s leading attractions within easy reach.