Green Spaces in and around Berlin

The natural city

Despite being the highly developed capital city of arguably the most successful industrial country in Europe, Berlin offers a surprisingly high number of parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature and explore the green spaces that Berlin has to offer. Whether you're walking or cycling, the whole city is within reach thanks to convenient public transport links. Read on to learn which of the more than 2000 public parks, gardens and green spaces in Berlin are best suited to your needs and tastes.

Greenery for all

For active families, the Wuhlheide park is one of Berlin's greatest offerings. This open-air amusement park boasts a miniature railway, playground, recreation centre and a stage for music performances. In addition to the entertainment areas, the park includes a huge skate park, a number of sports fields and specifically-designed toboggan runs.
Another fun and fascinating garden to visit is the Prinzessinnengarten. Started in 2009, this project of a local non-profit organisation seeks to rehabilitate disused land into a sustainable garden. Visitors can support the initiative by helping out with the labour or simply contributing via the little café that serves mostly organic food. Everything raised is funnelled into an education programme run by the gardens. The centre also offers workshops throughout the year to promote natural activities such as beekeeping in the city or growing an organic garden in an apartment. This is surely one of the most unique and unusual green spaces Berlin has to offer.
Formerly the private hunting ground of the Elector Friedrich Wilhelm, the Tiergarten park is now a famous landmark and one of the main green spaces in Berlin, a firm favourite among locals and tourists. Containing a large playground for the little ones and open expanses on which to play football and barbecue, the Tiergarten sees a constant stream of visitors throughout the year. Numerous small lakes can be found in the park, providing marvellous views from the beer garden during summer and a beautiful snowy landscape in the winter.
The Germans love outdoor activities and the hills of Müggelberge offer arguably the best hiking and cycling terrain in the region. The wooded area covers roughly 7 km2 and is dominated by the two peaks of Kleiner (smaller) and Großer (larger) Müggelberg. These summits offer spectacular views from the highest natural elevation points in Berlin. Enjoy a romantic stroll on one of numerous woodland footpaths or, for the athletic at heart, grab a mountain bike and head off on an adventure trail. Stop at the Müggelturm observation tower for an incredible, panoramic view of up to 50 km. A number of pubs and traditional German beer gardens can be found in and around the Müggelberge area for those looking to indulge in the local cuisine and specialities.

The magic of water

The green spaces of Berlin stretch beyond just the land. The majestic Spree river provides a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This river, around which the original centre of Berlin was built, spent much of its recent life being largely ignored. However, it seems the city has realised the benefits of its waterways and you can now take a boat tour to get a different perspective on the city's diverse geography and architecture.

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Author: David Rickerson-Seidel

Guest Relations Manager at NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse

My name is David Rickerson-Seidel and I have been part of the NH Hotel Group since September 2015 when the first NH Collection Hotel opened in Germany. After 16 years of hotel experience, I was offered a great chance to meet people from all over the world and each time I was able to learn from them – this is one of the reason why I love my position as a Guest Relation Manager. My daily task is to fulfil our guest’s needs before they actually asking for it. With my passion for my job it is always a great pleasure to see our guests happy and smiling before they leave the hotel and I know that we have done the job right. I always say that the only thing that a guest can’t buy and book in advance is our smiling receptionist with a warm welcoming, the friendly breakfast host who would like to know if you slept well, and our elusive room maid, who is preparing the room so that it feels like home – our employees make the difference – this is why you are not checking into your room at a terminal. Whatever you need – we are always there for you.