Nothing says spring quite like cherry blossom, and luckily there’s no shortage of them in Berlin – you just need to know where to look. Here are the best places to experience those fleeting but wonderful white and pink petals, from quiet little streets to wide open parks.
Norwegerstrasse
In the same place where the Berlin wall once divided Wedding and Prenzlauer Berg, strips of cherry trees now bloom delicate petals that sway peacefully in the spring breeze. Flanking the Bornholmer Brücke – the first border crossing point that opened on November 9 1989 – this spot lets you immerse yourself both in the transience of the season and the enduring remnants of Berlin’s rich history.
- Norwegerstrasse, Pankow, map location.
Lohmühlenstrasse
At the place where the neighbourhoods of Treptow, Kreuzberg and Neukölln meet, white blossom overlook the glittering canal. Use them for shade as you sit on the bank, or hop on a boat and watch the beautiful branches wave in the wind as you float by.
- Lohmühlenstrasse, Kreuzberg, map location.
Lilienthalpark
Though its name brings lilies to mind, springtime brings a different kind of blossom to this park in Lichterfelde. Go for a stroll in Lilienthalpark to see thousands of pink petals pop against the bright blue sky.
- Lilienthalpark, Lichterfelde, map location.
Lottumstrasse
Post-Wende, it was a hub for squatters – now it’s popular with people passing through to see the cherry trees. Watch this quiet street near Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz come to life this spring in a whirlwind of white blossom.
- Lottumstrasse, Prenzlauer Berg, map location.
Viktoriapark
In Viktoriapark, spring speckles the vast green slopes of the Kreuzberg with yellow, white and pink. Bring a picnic blanket and watch sunlight filter through the cherry blossom on one of Berlin’s few hills.
- Viktoriapark, Kreuzberg, map location.
Wollankstrasse
Next time you’re riding the S-Bahn through Wollankstrasse, look outside and watch a blur of bubblegum-pink petals wash by through the window. For a more substantive spring fix, hop off and head over to the impressive old trees and sculptures at the nearby Bürgerpark Pankow.
- Wollankstrasse, Pankow, map location.
Sonnenburger Strasse
Even on gloomy days, cherry trees cheer up commuters on Sonnenburgerstrasse with their life and colour. Located right around the corner from Mauerpark, this is the perfect street for a stroll to get into the spring spirit.
- Sonnenburger Strasse, Prenzlauer Berg, map location.
Zeiss Planetarium
The vast greenery surrounding the Zeiss Planetarium has always been a sorely underrated park, but spring highlights just what a shame it is that it’s so often overlooked. After you see stars light up the solar system inside, step out to watch cherry trees bloom just as bright down here on Earth.
- Zeiss Planetarium, Prenzlauer Allee 80, Prenzlauer Berg, map location.
Mehringdamm
The cherry trees in full bloom complete the picturesque tableau of tenements, cafes and cobblestone on the corner of Bergmannstrasse and Mehringdamm. While you’re waiting in line for a kebap, you can pass the time by watching pink petals flutter in the breeze.
- Mehringdamm, Kreuzberg, map location.
Parchimer Allee
Not far from Hufeisensiedlung, one of Berlin’s most famous (and charmingly designed) large-scale housing projects, you’ll find Parchimer Allee. Both sides of this street in are lined with numerous cherry blossom trees, each one more beautiful than the last.
- Parchimer Allee, Britz, map location.
Oberbaumbrücke and East Side Gallery park
The Oberbaumbrücke, one of Berlin’s most well-known landmarks, makes for an especially scenic view in spring as it comes to life with candy-coloured blossoms. Not far from Oberbaumbrücke is the East Side Gallery, behind which you’ll find a charming park running along the Spree. The park is home to around 70 Japanese Kanzan cherry blossom trees, planted in 2001.
- Oberbaumbrücke, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, map location.
- East Side Gallery park, Friedrichshain, map location.
Gärten der Welt
Keen for more a more curated experience? Take a tour of Gärten der Welt to admire the iconic cherry trees as they were meant to be experienced: among a backdrop of running water and beautiful East-Asian architecture. Those who want to know more about the significance of cherry blossom in Korean, Chinese and Japanese culture can also attend Gärten der Welt’s annual cherry blossom festival!
- Gärten der Welt, Eisenacher Str. 99, Marzahn, map location.
Ruppiner Strasse and Mauerpark
With trees just outside the Serbian-orthodox church, you can enjoy both cherry blossom and churchbells on Mitte’s Ruppiner Strasse. And if you don’t mind the crowds, head over to Mauerpark, which is just a short walk away.
- Ruppiner Strasse, Mitte, map location.
- Mauerpark, Prenzlauer Berg, map location.
Monbijoupark
What it lacks in size, it makes up for in scenery: Monbijoupark boasts beautiful pink and white blossom. Relax in the shade underneath them or get your blood pumping with some table tennis, basketball or some of the park’s workout equipment.
- Monbijoupark, Mitte, map location.
This article was adapted from German by Seraina Birdsey
