Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the vibrant German capital, Berlin, there’s one place you shouldn’t miss: Volkspark Friedrichshain. This urban park, spanning over 52 hectares, offers an escape from the bustling city, with its lush greenery, recreational activities, and historical significance. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Volkspark Friedrichshain a must-visit destination.
A Historical Gem Amidst Nature
Volkspark Friedrichshain makes a part of Berlin’s history and the park was opened earlier than other parks in the city. Established in 1848, it was originally known as Friedrichshain Park and later as Volkspark meaning people’s park in 1951, in conformity with socialistic values prevailing at that time. At this park, you will not miss elements of historical significance and these are; Fairy tale Fountain: Sculptures and Monuments.
Gorgeous Sites and Places
When visiting Volkspark Friedrichshain, make sure to explore some of its most notable landmarks and attractions:
Fairy Tale Fountain
One of the best attractions of Fountain Park is Fairy Tale Fountain. Constructed in 1913, the house has tiled paintings in a fairy tale style with characters from some fables of the Brothers Grimm. Both children and adults can draw interest in these great stories while in the park with beautiful and quiet atmosphere.
Folk Lore – Märchenbrunnen Open-Air Theater
Just to the right of the Fairy Tale Fountain is the Märchenbrunnen Open Air theater, which presents many cultural events and shows in the summer. Musical performances or plays and theater, this is a venue to watch your favorite artists in the comfortable open-air setting.
Victory Column
The War Memorial-Nord remembered as the Victory Column of Germany is situated in the Volkspark Friedrichshain. It was formerly situated in Königsplatz and was built to commemorate the Prussian victories but after 1873 was relocated to the park. Go to the top where you get a great view of surrounding region which includes the television Tower.
Recreation and Outdoor Activities involve any activity that is performed out of doors or as a pastime away from work.
Apart from being a historical and cultural aspect, the site known as Volkspark Friedrichshain offers indeed many areas of leisure activities and free time.
Lakes and Ponds
The park has many lakes and ponds among which the attractive Kleiner Tiergarten and Großer Tiergarten. You may take a stroll or even have a lunch in Nature accompanied by the shore of a clear water stream.
Sport Facilities
The athletic guests can pay their attention to numerous amenities for various kinds of sport, such as tennis and basketball grounds, or soccer fields. Sport your apparels and fit your best to challenge your friends for friendly game on this attractive setup.
Playgrounds and Open Spaces
Children will simply love it because the park is equipped with a lot of playgrounds for kids all over the place. Let them use up some of the energy when you sit on the well manicured grassy lawns to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Relaxation and Leisure
Sleek away all the worries of modern society and have a relaxing time in Volkspark Friedrichshain.
Picnic Areas and BBQ Spots
Have a BBQ or simply carry packed lunch and drinks with friends and family at any of the provided picnic zones. Or, why not start up a BBQ and enjoy a good quality meal in the fresh open air environment of the green-carpeted area. Please do not forget the park rules about barbecuing and fire standards of the park.
Cafés and Beer Gardens
However, if you are the type of person who loves to let other prepare food for her, then there are nice cafés and beer gardens inside the park. Why not have a cup of coffee or a snack or relax with a beer or a glass of wine with a view on a serene place and have some traditional German food, if you are hungry.
How to Get There
Volkspark Friedrichshain is situated in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg area of Berlin and therefore, well situated for locals as well as tourist.
If you’re using the public transportation then you can go near the park via U-Bahn (subway) reaching the Weberwiese or the Frankfurter Tor stations. From there it is only a few steps to the entrance of the park as far as I can tell.
If cycling interests you, it is a plus because Berlin possesses great biking facilities to afford you a hassle-free travel to the park. Bike lanes and dedicated paths should be sought out to directly lead to Volkspark Friedrichshain.
Final Thoughts
It is not just a park but a park of history, play and tranquility in the center of Berlin city needing the status granted to the historical parks across the country. Take a hike, dine, bike, sight see and immerse hundreds of activities in its stunning surroundings. This lush urban park provides all the historical interest of traditional countryside destinations or the physical activity of a more extreme outdoor adventure, as well as a place to unwind. If you happen to be in Berlin, it’s about high time you paid a visit to the Volkspark Friedrichshain.