Five Unique and Photogenic Parks in Berlin
Berlin: A City Where Green and Creativity Converge
Discover Berlin’s Green Oases: A Journey Beyond the Urban Hustle
Berlin is a vibrant and creative city, but did you know it's also one of Germany’s greenest cities? A staggering 44% of its area is composed of waterways, forests, lakes, hills, and parks. That's nearly half the city! In Berlin, you’re never far from escaping the urban chaos to find peace in nature.
Many of the city's parks were once rubble heaps. After World War II, the city lay in ruins, and the debris was repurposed to create new spaces. These areas were later transformed into parks like Volkspark Friedrichshain and Park am Gleisdreieck. Recycling the rubble not only helped rebuild the city but also led to the creation of unique parks full of varied terrain, hills, and valleys.
Urban nature and city parks have always fascinated me, and in Berlin, I’m in my element. While Berlin might be famous for its raw, artistic energy, its natural beauty is just as captivating. In this article, I’m excited to share some of my favorite green spots around the city.
Viktoriapark: Climb to Berlin’s Summit
Location: Am Weinmann 1
Nestled in the Kreuzberg district, Viktoriapark offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Atop Kreuzberg, Berlin’s highest natural point, stands an impressive war monument that provides a stunning view over the city—a perfect mix of nature, history, and a great photo opportunity.
One of the park’s standout features is the artificial waterfall that cascades down the hill. While it’s not a natural spring (visit before 9 a.m. and you'll notice the waterfall is dry—been there, done that 🙈), it’s an excellent replica of a waterfall from the Giant Mountains.
The park was commissioned by Emperor Friedrich III in 1888 and is named after his wife, Viktoria. During summer, it’s a popular spot for locals who relax on the grassy slopes or cool off by the waterfall.
Wolkenhain: The Magical Cloud Forest with Panoramic Views
Location: Kienberg Park
Wolkenhain, or ‘Cloud Forest,’ at Kienberg is an architectural marvel. This 30-meter-high observation structure is held together by 170 steel nodes, supporting a cloud-like shape made of a translucent membrane that lights up from within at night.
Not only does Wolkenhain offer breathtaking views, but you can also climb to the top of the cloud itself. From here, you’ll have a fantastic view of the Plattenbau buildings in Marzahn and Berlin’s city center, with the TV Tower in the distance. In the panoramic café ‘Wolke Sieben,’ you can enjoy coffee and cake while taking in the scenery.
The Kienberg, which hosts the Wolkenhain structure, stands at 110 meters tall. Besides the Cloud Forest, you can take the cable car to the Garten der Welt or zip down the mountain on a toboggan. Three unique experiences on one hill, and epic photos guaranteed!
Garten der Welt: A World Tour Through Stunning Gardens
Location: Blumberger Damm 44
From the Kienberg, you can glide down into the Garten der Welt via cable car! (Afraid of heights? No worries, you can also enter through one of the park’s gates. 😉)
A visit to the Garten der Welt (@gaertenderwelt) feels like a world tour through beautiful and impressive gardens. The eleven themed gardens blend tradition with modern garden artistry, transporting you to places like England, Italy, China, Japan, and Bali. Each garden feels like a painting you can step into, and around every corner, you’ll find new photo opportunities.
The park offers more than just plants and flowers, with an open-air concert hall that features a diverse program, from classical music to techno. You’ll also find various art installations that provide a new perspective on the park, such as the surreal ‘Mirror Maze.’
After visiting this park, you’ll definitely leave with a collection of unique photos.
Teufelsberg: From Rubble Hill to Green Oasis
Location: Teufelsseechaussee 10
When thinking of green spaces in Berlin, Teufelsberg (Devil’s Mountain) might not be the first place that comes to mind. Yet, this fascinating location is an extraordinary blend of Berlin’s history and nature.
In the early 20th century, Grunewald was a flat swamp. After World War II, rubble from the destroyed city was transported to this area. With 25 million cubic meters of debris, two artificial hills were formed: Teufelsberg at 120 meters high and Drachenberg (Dragon Mountain) at 99 meters high.
During the Cold War in the 1950s, the Americans installed antennas and radar domes on top of Teufelsberg. Huge satellite dishes were used to intercept and disrupt radio signals from the Eastern Bloc.
Today, Teufelsberg is a unique destination where you can explore the remnants of this spy complex. For a small fee (10 euro), you can visit the site (@teufelsberg.official) and enjoy panoramic views of Berlin. The area is also famous for its impressive street art, known as Europe’s largest (and highest) outdoor gallery. Special tours (such as the ‘flashlight tour’) and events are often held, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your visit.
Teufelsberg is a beautiful mix of history and nature, offering a unique green escape right in the heart of Berlin.
Pfaueninsel: A Fairytale Island in the Havel River
Location: Accessible via ferry
Pfaueninsel, also known as Peacock Island, is a 67-hectare nature reserve situated in the Havel River. It’s regarded as one of the most idyllic spots in Berlin. The island is only accessible by ferry, marking the start of a magical journey to this enchanting location.
From the pier, you’ll spot the romantic ‘Schloss Pfaueninsel,’ a fairytale castle that looks like it stepped right out of a storybook. Built by King Friedrich Wilhelm II for his mistress, Countess of Lichtenau, the castle was inspired by a medieval ruin.
The island is named after the beautiful peacocks that roam freely, and you’ll also find a variety of bird species. In the summer months, you might even catch sight of water buffalo, who help maintain the island’s grasslands.
Pfaueninsel is a perfect destination for a peaceful day in nature, with a fairytale-like atmosphere that will transport you far from the city.
More Berlin Parks:
You can find more beautiful parks and many more photogenic spots in Berlin in my Berlin guide: "The Berlin Guide For Instagrammers". For sale at the better bookstore and online: Luster Books.
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