Sun, flowers, a riot of blooms –springis finallyhere! The most beautiful season is upon us and we’re really looking forward to it. Where’s the best place to enjoy the blue skies and the first warming rays of sunshine? We’ll show you in our top 11 spring destinations.
Tip 1: Take a stroll through the Gardens of the World
Everything is green and in bloom: now in spring, the trees in the Gardens of the World are in full splendour. Stroll through the Japanese Garden, head to the tea house in the Chinese Garden, or admire the blossoms in the English Garden. The little ones will love the varied playgrounds and the maze, whilst the grown-ups enjoy a cup of tea in the cottage. And even the journey there becomes an adventure as you glide over the grounds in the cable car .
Don’t miss the natural bobsleigh run – it reopens on 21 March and takes you at40 kilometres per hour along a 500-metre stretch through the park’s landscape down into the valley, before pulling you back up again in complete comfort.
Tip 2: Visit baby animals at the zoo or wildlife park
Spring means baby animals – and the best place to see them is at the zoo or wildlife park. At the zoo, for example, there are new arrivals among the sable antelopes, once extinct in their natural habitat. At the wildlife park , the Sumatran tigers are delighted with their cute twins. And the little kangaroo is also the star of the enclosure. At both wildlife parks, you can already take a look at the Easter programme , as there’s plenty on offer for the whole family.
Tickets for the zoo and wildlife park
Tip 3: Relax by the Spree or at the lake
Whether on foot or by bike: in spring, the banks of the Spree and Berlin’s other waterways are particularly beautiful. Whether you’re strolling through Berlin or fancy a trip into the countryside, here are the most beautiful spots by the water.
On a walk along the Havel, you can enjoy the view over the vast river landscape; along the Spree, you’ll discover whole new perspectives on the city centre; and a stroll by the idyllic Müggelsee will give you that spontaneous holiday feeling.
The 11 most beautiful spots by the water
Tip 4: Take a boat trip across the water
If you’re not in the mood for a long walk, why not hop aboard one of the excursion boats and cruise along the Spree, the Landwehr Canal or even Lake Tegel? Discover the most beautiful palaces on a boat tour across the Wannsee to Potsdam, or take a discovery tour around Lake Müggelsee. You can then experience the city in a truly romantic way on a moonlight cruise.
Tip 5: Just hop on a bike and set off
The sun is finally shining! Hop on your bike and head out into the countryside. You’ll find lovely paths along the Spree, the Teltow Canal or the Panke. The Berlin Wall Cycle Route also takes you out of the city through idyllic countryside. You’ll find plenty of ideas in our tips for cycle tours . Enjoy the spring!
Tip 6: Find pink happiness on the cherry blossom avenue
Beneath the branches
of the cherry trees in bloom
no stranger here
This haiku by the Japanese poet Issa is the motto of the Hanami cherry blossom festival. From around mid-April, the cherry trees bloom along the former border strip between Berlin-Lichterfelde and Teltow, transforming it into a sea of pink blossoms. The trees are a gift from Japan, celebrating the end of German division.
Tip 7: Welcome the new arrivals at the petting zoo
As well as cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, spring also brings new arrivals to the animal kingdom. On a trip to the petting zoo , you can visit the new animal families – and share in the joy of the guinea pig and rabbit mums over their spring babies.
Petting zoos and wildlife enclosures
Tip 8: Feel like royalty in a castle garden
Welcome spring with a stroll through one of the palace gardens in and around Berlin. Whether in Charlottenburg or on Peacock Island, here you can follow in royal footsteps through magnificently laid-out flower beds and parks.
Or set off on a trip to Potsdam to explore the impressive parkland stretching from Sanssouci Palace to the New Palace and beyond. Discover the romantic Chinese House, the Roman Baths or the Temple of Antiquity, and let your gaze wander over the extensive park from the Belvedere.
Tip 9: Kick off the ice cream season at your favourite ice cream parlour
Of course, the first ice cream of the year simply has to be on this list. Whether you’re into classics like stracciatella, vanilla or chocolate, or prefer to try new creations; whether you like classic Italian ice cream or prefer vegan options: a visit to the ice cream parlour is sure to conjure up that spring feeling straight away. If you’re still looking for your favourite ice cream parlour, here are our top 11
The top 11 ice cream parlours in Berlin
Tip 10: Discover the world in the Botanical Garden
In the Botanical Garden, Germany’s largest, 22,000 different plant species await you, which you can admire under the spring sunshine. True to the motto ‘The world in a garden’, you can stroll from the Italian Garden through the Alps to the Caucasus and the Himalayas in just a few steps, or visit the elegant Tropical House.
Right next to the Botanical Garden, by the way, is another perfect spot for a spring afternoon: at the Royal Garden Academy, you can find inspiration for your own garden or simply admire the plants and enjoy a coffee in the greenhouse.
More about the Botanical Garden
Tip 11: Climb Berlin’s highest mountain
If you ever want to experience Berlin with a truly sweeping view, Teufelsberg is the perfect spot. On the famous rubble hill in the Grunewald, you can look out over the city as far as the TV Tower, discover the striking domes of the former listening post and, in doing so, get a feel for a slice of Berlin’s recent history.
Particularly exciting: on site, you can not only enjoy the views but also experience street art and the ‘Declassified’ exhibition. Pack some sturdy shoes and combine your trip with a walk through the Grunewald – that makes for the perfect change of perspective.
