Berlin, Germany is filled to the brim with historic sights, dark corners and colorful artistic expression. Little did we know that there are also an astounding number of beautiful Berlin parks right in the city center.
Swaths of open land dot the city landscape. From centuries-old parks to repurposed public spaces, we were in awe of the ample nature retreats.
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Our winter visit – when the weather was brisk and sometimes snowy – didn’t deter us from navigating these outdoor spots.
When planning your Berlin Itinerary, we highly recommend including a few of the city’s best parklands!
10 Best Berlin Parks
There are heaps of places to see in Berlin, but we believe these parks shouldn’t be missed! Below, we share a map marked with each of our suggested places for nature in Berlin.
#1 Tiergarten Park
MAP. Tiergarten is Berlin’s 520-acre, inner-city park. It was originally designed in 1527 as hunting grounds for royalty.
As the desire to hunt waned and the city grew, the land was converted into Berlin’s first public park. Wide paths, statues and monuments were added to the open space.
The most notable – and visible – monument is the Victory Column (Siegessaule). The bronze ‘Victoria’ that tops that column is 27-feet tall.
It was erected in 1873 to celebrate Prussian victories, but moved to its current location in the 1930s.
#2 Berlin Tempelhofer Feld Park
MAP. The Tempelhofer Feld Park is one of Berlin’s coolest public spaces. An adaptive re-use project, the land was formerly an airport – and it’s history is fascinating!
Tempelhof Airport opened in 1923, but plans for an improved airfield were already in the works by 1936. During WWII, it was a forced labor camp. Afterwards – from 1945 until 1993, the airport was a base for the US Air Force.
In 1948, when the Soviet Union imposed a food and supply blockade on West Berlin, the airport was used as an ‘air bridge’ to fly in provisions.
Tempelhof also became an evacuation point for Berliners who wanted to flee the region and reestablish their families and lives elsewhere in Germany and Europe.
In the 1960s and 70s, the field functioned as a commercial airport with 5.5 million passengers passing through it’s terminal in 1971. Still, it was closed when Berlin Tegel fully opened for scheduled flights in 1974.
Then, due to increased travel through Germany in the 1980s, the airport was reopened. However, in 2008, the Tempelhof closed permanently.
Rather than developing the site, the runways and surrounding land were repurposed as a massive Berlin city park.
While taxiway signs and runway markers remain, the pavement is now utilized by joggers, bikers and stroller-pushers. The grassy lawn is used for lounging and BBQ’s in the summertime.
Both history buffs and aviation aficionados will want to put Tempelhofer Feld Park on their Berlin To Do list!
#3 Mauerpark
MAP. Mauerpark is another recreation site steeped in history. The name directly translates to Wall Park.
During the years that Berlin was divided – the open area around the wall on the East side was often referred to as No Man’s Land – or the Death Strip.
Watchtowers manned by armed guards looked over the land where sand, traps and spikes were placed to deter East Berliners from attempting to escape into West Berlin.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the open space was converted into a park. Today, it’s well known for the Sunday flea market, where you can find almost anything imaginable.
The park is also where the famous Sunday summer Bearpit Karaoke Show takes place. Crowds – which often number into the thousands – gather around the small amphitheater to cheer and jeer the brave karaoke singers.
#4 Treptower Park and Soviet War Memorial
MAP. Treptower Park lies to the southeast of Berlin along the west bank of the Spree River. It was created in the late 19th century for the 1896 Great Industrial Exposition of Berlin.
The main feature today – in addition to the open space and plentiful pathways – is the dramatic Soviet War Memorial (Sowjetisches Ehrenmal Treptow).
The vast monument was designed as a cemetery for 5,000 Soviet soldiers. It also commemorates the 80,000 USSR soldiers who died fighting in the Battle of Berlin.
The memorial includes a 40-foot-tall statue of a Soviet soldier carrying a German child while standing over a broken swastika. Surrounding it are 16 sarcophagi featuring carved depictions of war scenes and quotes from Stalin.
Today the memorial is most definitely controversial, but the forested park is certainly a delightful city escape.
#5 Natur-Park Sudgelande, Berlin
MAP. Train enthusiasts and families traveling with kids will not want to miss Natur-Park Sudgelande. This park, which opened in 1999, is set in an abandoned railyard.
Built in 1889, the railyard closed in 1952. Rather than removing the tracks and clearing the carriages, they were left to the mercy of nature.
The rails became overgrown with foliage and trees took root between the ties. The rusted water tower – once used to power steam engines – still stands along with a 1940 locomotive and an original railyard turntable.
Two trails wind through the area, allowing visitors to glimpse the past while being completely immersed in nature. Ticket required for entry. 1 euro per adult; children visit for free.
#6 Volkspark Friedrichshain
MAP. An oasis of recreational fun and leisure activities, Volkspark Friedrichshain is much-loved by both locals and tourists.
The park – one of the oldest in the city – was designed in the mid-1800s as a space for the people. It was the first public Berlin park that was not previously royal grounds.
Today, visitors can partake in a number of outdoor activities – like rock climbing, sand volleyball and wintertime sledding. Numerous paths crisscross the green space and trails lead to the top of old war bunkers.
The top feature of the Volkspark Friedrichshain, however, is the fairytale fountain, which features stone-carved animals and a Baroque arcade.
#7 Volkspark Humboldthain
MAP. Berlin’s northern park, Volkspark Humboldthain, opened in 1872. It features greenhouses, a rose garden, an outdoor pool and the city’s first park playground.
Humboldthain Park – like so many other spots in Berlin – has a WWII story, as well. Towers were built on the grounds to defend Berlin from aircraft attacks. The Flak Towers also served as above-ground bunkers.
The nearly indestructible structures could accommodate 15,000 people and still partially stand. The northern tower, Flakturm Humboldthain, offers exceptional views – especially at sunset.
Berlin Foodie Tip: Curry Baude (MAP) sits just to north and is one of our favorite currywurst shops in Berlin!
#8 Lustgarten
MAP. This wide-open space on the doorstep of Berliner Dom is a historic city park in Berlin.
Once a swamp, its origin can be traced to the year 1573. The land was drained and transformed into a garden for the palace kitchen; they planted fruit-bearing trees, potatoes and herbs.
A century later, the space was reconfigured into an ornamental pleasure garden. Later, the lush greenery was cleared to make way for a parade ground. Today, it’s a place for residents and travelers to rest their weary feet and soak in the summer sun.
Not to be missed is the Granite Bowl – Granitschale or Berlin Soup Bowl – which stands in front of the Atles Museum. With a circumference of nearly 70 feet, it ranks as the world’s largest bowl cut from a single stone.
Top Tip: Lustgarten is one of the stops on our Self-Guided Berlin Walking Tour!
#9 Schlossgarten Charlottenburg
MAP. Charlottenburg Palace stands 5 miles west of the Berlin City Center – and its gardens are said to be exquisite. We skipped it during our wintertime trip, but look forward to seeing it in full bloom!
The palace gardens were created in 1695 by a gardener from the Palace of Versailles. The pristinely landscaped space features Baroque elements and whimsical designs. Plus. it’s one of the best free Berlin parks!
#10 Berlin Botanic Garden
MAP. The Berlin Botanical Garden and Museum were developed in the late 1800s. Its aim was to allow visitors the chance to ‘tour the world’ in their gardens – and it still rings true today.
The world-class botanic garden hosts more than 20,000 plant species. With 15 greenhouses (the art nouveau glasshouse is amazing) – plus, plants from around the globe – you could easily spend half a day here.
BONUS: Tierpark Berlin Zoo
MAP. The Tierpark ranks as the largest zoo in Europe…and it’s nestled right into a forest. Although not necessarily a Berlin park, it has fantastic green spaces.
Top zoo attractions are the polar bears, monkey houses and petting zoo. Visitors also enjoy the surrounding grounds and Friedrichsfelde Palace (now a cafe and restaurant).
Map of Berlin Gardens and Parks
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Parks of Berlin Map below.
Tips for Visiting Parks in Berlin, Germany
We have just a few more bits of advice for enjoying the outdoors in Berlin. You can find additional travel info in our article, Top Tips for Visiting Berlin!
Be Prepared for Weather: Bundle up in winter, bring sunscreen and an umbrella any other time!
Wear Durable Shoes: Pack your most versatile travel shoes for your vacation to Europe!
Bring Your Camera: We use a DSLR Canon Rebel; it’s a great budget camera for travelers!
Don’t Forget a Day Pack: Carry a day bag that is big enough for your water bottle, snacks and extra layers.
Stay Organized: Get started with our travel planner to track all the details of your Berlin trip!
Start planning your trip to Germany! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Germany Travel Guides
- One Day in Munich (take our FREE Walking Tour!)
- Things To See in Frankfurt
- 5 Underrated Cities in Germany
- What To Do in Freiburg
- Top Dusseldorf Places To See
- 3 Day Dresden Itinerary
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
