Night Trail Running in Berlin

As winter arrives and the days grow shorter, we're left with fewer hours to run in daylight. But this doesn't have to compromise your trail running. In Berlin, trailheads remain accessible via reliable public transportation well after sunset, making night runs possible.

Beyond the normal precautions we discuss in our community, here are some specific tips for running Berlin's trails in the dark. This isn't exhaustive, just thoughts that come to mind from my own experience.

Test Your Headlamp Before You Need It

Always bring a headlamp you've tested recently. Do you actually know how long your headlamp lasts? If not, do the test. Charge it until it's full, turn it on at room temperature, and check on it periodically. Does the intensity stay the same? If not, note how many hours it took to dim. This way, you know what to expect on the trail.

Also batteries drain faster in cold temperatures, and you don't want to discover this five kilometers into your night trail run. Keep a spare battery or smaller backup headlamp in your vest. It never hurts to have a replacement ready.

Wear Your Glasses or Contacts

I wear glasses but rarely use them for running during daylight. At night, though, good eyesight becomes crucial to avoid roots, rocks, or holes in the ground. Your depth perception changes significantly in the dark, making obstacles harder to judge. 

Clear vision also makes navigation easier and more reliable, especially when you're trying to spot trail markers or read the GPS on your watch.

Run Familiar Routes and Always Carry Your GPS

You'll be surprised how different trails look at night. Even paths you know well during the day can seem foreign in the dark. Shadows transform familiar landmarks, and that obvious turn you always take becomes easy to miss.

Run routes you already know, and always carry your route loaded on your wearable device. Before heading out, inspect your route and the elevation profile. Have a sense of what to expect. Being mentally prepared makes a difference.

Find a Running Buddy

The dark can be intimidating, and it's natural to feel fear at first. There are noises from animals (though they're more likely to be scared of you) and occasionally other people in the forest. Running alongside someone else helps the fear decrease. It also makes the experience more enjoyable and adds an extra safety layer.

If you can't find a running buddy, make sure to let someone know your plans. Share your route, expected return time, and when they should worry if they haven't heard from you.

Be Aware of Wildlife

Berlin's forests are home to wild boar, deer, and foxes, all of which are more active at dawn and dusk. Boar, in particular, can be startling if you encounter them suddenly. They generally want nothing to do with you and will move away, but give them space and don't approach. Making noise as you run (talking, humming, or just the sound of your footsteps) usually alerts them to your presence before you get too close.

Adjust Your Expectations

Everything else constant, night running is slower. Your reduced visibility means you need more reaction time for obstacles, and your brain works harder to process visual information in limited light. Plan for a pace slower than your normal trail pace.

The trade-off? Night running builds mental toughness, sharpens your focus, and offers a unique sensory experience. The solitude of a dark forest is something special. You become more aware of sounds, of your breathing, of the feeling of the trail beneath your feet.

Be safe and happy running.

-Paulo