Explore Berlin: 8 essential nature spots to visit this summer
The warm seasons are here which means vibrant blooms, song-filled trees, and the reemergence of the lively park culture Berlin is so famous for. Whether in pursuit of gardens or outdoor activities, from Neukölln to Wedding and beyond, you can follow along with our guide and discover Berlin through your new favorite green spaces and nature spots.
At Plantclub we believe a touch of nature in your everyday life, in the office or out, is important for a healthy, happy mind and body. In fact, according to experts, 120 minutes a week outdoors is proven to boost mental health, lower stress levels and decrease blood pressure, and even increase life expectancy.
At least 45% of Berlin is made up of green spaces and woodland due to a concerted effort by the government, and although the city has earned a reputation for its seemingly hard exterior, the lush expanses of urban wilderness, architectural parks, and winding waterways has made Berlin an oasis for hidden gems.
So whether you’re visiting or local to the city, it’s time to grab a blanket and some friends and head to these must-see local parks, gardens, lakes and more.
Here are 8 essential nature spots to visit this spring and summer.
1. Volkspark Humboldthain, Mitte/Wedding
On the borders of Mitte and Wedding lies the forests and hills of Volkspark Humboldthain. Summit the hills that house World War II bunkers, or flak tower, now used for scenic lookouts and Berliner Unterwelten tours. Frolic through the Italian Renaissance-inspired, maze-like rose gardens where you can find peaceful nooks for reading or moments of solace from the hustle and bustle of nearby Gesundbrunnen.
The Humboldhain rose garden is the perfect place for an afternoon read.
2. Gärten der Welt, Marzahn
Tucked away in the eastern stretches of Berlin, Marzahn offers a popular hidden gem for nature and travel lovers alike. The Gärten der Welt is host to 11 internationally-themed botanical gardens from the luscious wonderlands of Chinese bamboo forests to the robust brutality of the Christian garden, each garden offers a taste of varied cultures with captivating transporting abilities, their authenticity supported by the presence of flora and fauna native to the regions they represent.
Take a ride on the Ropeway which guides you through the sky in a translucent gondola, or if you prefer the ground, check out their Nature Bobsled Run, a summer rollercoaster feature that will have you dashing through the greenery.
The Chinese garden is just one of many themed gardens at Gärten der Welt.
3. Viktoriapark, Kreuzberg
With a replica of a waterfall from the Krkonoše mountains, Viktoriapark stands out as a unique green space that can double as an enchanting picnic spot and little inner-city hike.
Follow the waterfall up the 66 meter high hill to find robust views of the city below and a national monument or head down to the Gartenbau where you can find an organic nursery filled with perennial blooms from Forget-Me-Not flowers to spotted toad lilies and various climbing plants.
The waterfall at Viktoriapark is a surprising find in an inner-city park.
4. Spreewald
About 100 km outside of Berlin, the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO world heritage site and ideal destination for those seeking more of a day-long getaway. Referred to as “the Green Venice”, Spreewald’s canals wind through wetlands, forestry, and nearby villages which can be seen by boat tours, kayaking, and more. If you’re a fan of cycling, the Gurkenradweg lends a scenic bike path through the reserve, or if you prefer to go by foot, you can explore the outdoors on hiking trails.
Spreewald also serves as a protected habitat for 5,000 species of animals and plants and the alder groves and marshes are home to vibrant sundew, wild rosemary, cotton grass and more.
Kayaking through Spreewald is a great weekend activity.
5. Charlottenburg Palace Gardens, Charlottenburg
With a regal backdrop and echoes of Paris’ Versailles, the Charlottenburg Palace Gardens is definitely a Berlin must-see this spring. From manicured shrubs to elegant flower beds, all framed within a grand lake and forest, a visit to these sprawling gardens can offer a lesson in history and landscape architecture as well as your next Instagram photo-op.
Visit to both the Charlottenburg Palace and gardens is a must while in Berlin.
6. Prinzengarten, Wedding
Popular guerilla gardening practices have sprouted community gardens around the city for all residents to enjoy. And at Prinzengarten in Wedding, neighbors gather together to grow vegetables and herbs, share knowledge and experiences with one another, and welcome everyone to seasonal celebrations. Check out their Facebook page for more information and visit the garden to see what’s in bloom!
Urban gardening in Berlin is as much about community as it is about plants.
7. Liepnitzsee, Wandlitz
Looking to cool off? Take a bicycle ride over to Liepnitzsee, a popular bathing lake just northeast of Berlin. The spot boasts the cleanest and clearest waters in Brandenburg and is surrounded by a sandy beach and deep forest. You can also rent boats and kayaks to check out the campsites on the island of Großer Werder.
Liepnitzsee boasts some of the clearest water in the Berlin-area.
8. Körnerpark, Neukölln
Just below street level, follow white stairways down to Körnerpark, where vines reach up the arched walls and cherubic statues greet park goers. The park’s blumengarten is dotted with purple, white, yellow, and orange pansies, which frame swathes of neatly trimmed grass. Plane trees build symmetry around the park which is also home to a former greenhouse turned Galerie im Körnerpark.
Neukölln’s Körnerpark is a surprisingly regal park in the midst of Berlin.
Don't get FOMO this summer! Sometimes we have to be in the office. But whether you’re missing the outdoors or want to make nature a bigger part of your routine, you can bring the outside inside with a Plantclub membership.
Plantclub.io provides you and your colleagues with the benefits of plants, wherever you work. Rent office plants and transform your space into a green oasis, with flexible monthly membership options to suit your size. Diversify your employee perks with a dedicated company store, where you can give green gifts and your team can buy plants for their home office. Book a time to chat with us today.