Whether you’re seeking new running routes for your fitness regime, romantic scenery for a first date or just a spot to chill in the sun, we have you covered. Here’s our pick of the city’s best parks.
Körnerpark
Körnerpark is a firm favourite with Neukölln residents, and because it’s sunk down below street level, it feels like you’re a million miles away from the busy city when you’re lying in the sun here. Bring a book and chill on a bench in the shade, or bring a picnic blanket and some drinks to hang out with friends. You can even dip your feet in the water at either side of the central lawn to cool down if its a real scorcher.
Rose Garden in Humboldthain
This little oasis sits in the midst of the city rush near Gesundbrunnen. Named after Alexander Humboldt and initially built in 1876, the park was completely redeveloped following the Second World War, with a rubble mountain that now serves as a toboggan run and viewing platform.
Straight out of a fairy tale, the park’s Rose Garden provides the perfect escape from fast-paced city life. Taking an afternoon to wander amongst the 70 species of roses in the carefully landscaped garden is like wandering into a parallel world. Perfect for a date or some alone time, you’ll be transported away from your urban woes, lost in the scent of 15,000 blossoming roses.
Grünes Band Schönholz
Lace up your running shoes or get on your bike, because Grünes Band is the green spot for everyone who likes to stay active. Up in the quiet Schönholz in the city’s north east, this spot stretches two kilometers to the neighbourhood of Wilhelmsruh. Bikers and skaters will stay out of the way of joggers thanks to separate gravel and paved paths, both surrounded by towering birch trees.
This unique park is composed of land that formed the DDR-era “death strip” between Mitte, Reinickdorf and Pankow. What was once a deadly wasteland is now a pleasant parkland avenue.
Volkspark Friedrichshain
Berlin’s oldest park, dating back to 1848, lies in the heart of Friedrichshain. Volkspark Friedrichshain, dotted with monuments and lakes, is full of spots to explore and enjoy. Our favourite is the Märchenbrunnen, a grand fountain framed by statues from the Brothers Grimm‘s most famous fairy tales.
There’s also a lookout at the park’s highest point, where after a short walk uphill a wonderful view over the city is yours. Don’t forget to visit the little herb garden, an idyllic spot to read a book and take in the fresh scent of lavender, rosemary and thyme.
Weichselplatz
Weichselplatz is a green spot ideal for families with children. Its massive playground is filled with children shrieking and laughing, while parents watch and natter nearby. Located next to the Landwehr Canal, Weichselplatz has a beautiful view across the water and of several bridges.
The excellent W Pizza is nearby, but there are also a few döner shops and Spätis around the corner for anyone on a budget. If you love table tennis, check out the three tables, a notable location on the Kreuzkölln ping pong circuit.
Viktoriapark
A waterfall in the middle of Berlin sounds like a fantasy, but you’ll find one in Kreuzberg’s Viktoriapark, which first opened in 1894. The artificial yet convincing waterway snakes down from the top of the hill (where there’s a monument to the Prussians who fell in the battle for victory over Napoleon), all the way down to street level. It’s beautiful, with shallow water and a gentle current, allowing families and children to splash around.
The park’s paths are steep, so they’re not necessarily ideal for a lazy stroll. For centuries, vineyards grew on these slopes, a tradition halted after the once rural area became amalgamated into Berlin proper. But the practise has been revitalised following a donation of vines from the Rhineland. Around 600 bottles of Kreuz-Neroberger wine are now produced here. If you can clamber up to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a great view of south Berlin.
Schustehruspark
Schustehruspark is a hidden gem, just minutes away from the famous Schlosspark in Charlottenburg, but more calm and secluded. This is perhaps due to its origins. It was built in 1882 as a private garden for Otto Openheim, a prominent lawyer and philanthropist.
It’s not regularly visited by tourists, and it’s a great lunch spot or place to wind down after work. Its large open field, framed by benches and trees, exudes calm, which explains why you might spot a guy practicing Taekwondo next to a meditation group. And don’t forget the charming Café Villa Oppenheim located in Otto’s former home, where a terrace overlooks the park. The villa and gardens were sold to the Charlottenburg district in 1911 by Otto’s heir.
Rüdesheimer Platz
Less green than the others but just as wonderful, Rüdesheimer Platz in Wilmersdorf is famous for its annual wine festival. It’s a picturesque location and the adjacent Rüdesheimerstraße, was dubbed by the New York Times as Berlin’s most beautiful street.
The Rheingauer Weinbrunnen is usually open six days a week for four months of the year. Drinking a nice glass of wine and getting delicious pizza at Pizza et Pasta next door is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. The beautiful flower arrangements and fountain don’t hurt, either.
Weberwiese
The cosiest park on this list sits a few streets south of one of Berlin’s busiest roads, Frankfurter Allee. Tens of thousands of cars cruise up and down this monochrome stretch of concrete every day, but anyone sitting on a bench at Weberwiese would be blissfully unaware.
A row of DDR-era apartment blocks, constructed in 1952 as an imposing tribute to Socialist classicism, loom nearby, adding to the unique atmosphere. This park is popular with families with young children, which isn’t surprising given the ultra-relaxed suburban feel.
Schlosspark Schönhausen
The sprawling Schlosspark Schönhausen circles Pankow’s centuries-old Schönhausen Palace. Huge oak trees line meandering dirt paths that never get too busy, except for groups of mums on their morning stroll, and it’s big enough to find a new corner each time you visit.
A visit to the well-kept flower garden is a must for first-time visitors, but there are also fish ponds and hidden corners stacked with hollowed-out tree trunks to explore. Look out for the wooden café down one of the paths, but anyone on a budget should note that a beer and ice cream will set you back €7.
