Our Story
Dutch expats who fell in love with Berlin — and decided to share it on two wheels.
Who we are
Johann and Almar founded Doggy Bag Tours after moving from the Netherlands to Berlin. What began as a love for the city became a mission: share Berlin's real stories on two wheels — told by people who live here, not read from a script.
Why we fell for Berlin
When we moved to Berlin from Holland and got into this guiding game, we had no idea Berlin could be so fascinating. Little did we know that when you let the initial 'WOW' wear off, you get to know the city all over again — and she, you. It's this feeling of living in Berlin for more than a year that we want to convey to you. We want you to fall in love with Berlin as a Berliner, not because Wikipedia tells you to.
How Doggy Bag Tours began
We started Doggy Bag Tours because we wanted visitors to experience Berlin the way we do: not as a checklist of monuments, but as a living city full of stories, contradictions, and surprises. Every tour is designed to leave you with a feeling — not just facts.
The name comes from our dog Murphy and the idea of packing Berlin's stories into every ride — unfiltered, human, and a little bit rebellious.
The first ride
Our first tour was a leap of faith — a small group, routes we had ridden countless times, and the hope that guests would feel what we feel on these streets. It worked. Every season since, we've refined the routes but never the spirit: show Berlin as it lives, not as a brochure.
Who is Murphy?
Murphy is an extraordinary "East German" Dachshund and the official mascot of Doggy Bag Tours. She is named after one of our favourite singers Roisín Murphy. Murphy's spirit is in our name and our tone: warm, a bit cheeky, and never taking ourselves too seriously. Berlin's history is serious; Murphy reminds us it can still be fun.
Who is Magnus?
Magnus is a Dutch dachshund who has been welcoming guests at our starting location since 2022 and is always happy to receive a scratch on the head.
He is named after Magnus Hirschfeld, the German physician, sexologist and LGBTQ+ advocate whose pioneering work during the Weimar Republic helped promote understanding and equality for LGBTQ+ people.
Today, Magnus continues that welcoming spirit by greeting visitors from around the world before they set off to explore Berlin.
Personal tours, real stories
Our tours usually have around 15–16 participants, creating a lively group dynamic while still allowing plenty of interaction with your guide. During exceptionally busy periods, groups may occasionally be larger, but we never exceed 20 participants.
Your turn to explore
Berlin is waiting. Pick a tour, hop on a bike, and let us show you the stories behind the streets.
What we believe
Stories over statistics
Dates matter, but people matter more. Our guides tell the human stories behind Berlin's history.
Personal tours, real stories
Our tours usually have around 15–16 participants, creating a lively group dynamic while still allowing plenty of interaction with your guide. During exceptionally busy periods, groups may occasionally be larger, but we never exceed 20 participants.
Berliners, not tourists
We want you to fall in love with Berlin as a Berliner would — curious, open, and a little bit rebellious.