Deep in the nature of Marzahn (Berlin district in the east), Gärten der Welt or Der Erholungspark Marzahn offers a vast green space for the whole family. Best in spring and summer, the park is spread out among the many concrete Plattenbau with Chinese, Japanese, Balinese, Italian and Korean Renaissance gardens, a koi pond, and a labyrinth.
Many people choose the site as the backdrop for their wedding – we saw three brides on our visit. But there is something for every visitor and season at Berlin’s Gardens of the World.
History of the gardens of the world
The 21-acre park was opened in 1987 as part of the Berliner Gartenschau (horticultural show). It has been continually updated and expanded with the addition of the “Garden of the Reclaimed Moon” in 2000, the Italian Renaissance Garden opened in 2007, the Karl-Forster-Perennial Garden in 2008 and the Christian Garden in 2011. There are plans to include a Garden English in the future.
The site will be the focus of the plant world in April 2017 for the IGA Berlin international garden exhibition. The 170-day festival will include events in the park and the 100 hectares of forest along the Wuhle River.
Attractions in the gardens of the world
Flower lovers will rejoice in the rainbow of colors in the gardens. Tulips, roses and lush grass cover the spaces between the stylized gardens. Among the attractions:
- Chinese Garden : This is the largest Chinese garden in Germany with 2.7 hectares and the first space developed in the park. The garden was designed by Chinese landscape architects and all materials were imported from China. The unifying moon symbolizes the reunification of Berlin with its perfect harmony.
- Japanese Garden – Along with a pavilion, ponds, Zen garden, and ornamental rocks, this enclosed garden features Japanese maple, Japanese flowering dogwood, and Japanese lavender heather.
- Oriental ‘Four Streams Garden ‘ – Designed to resemble structures from the Middle East and the Arab world, the elaborate tiles, jet fountains and shaded atrium provide a cool space in the heat of summer.
- Balinese Garden – Bali’s alien species are protected under a greenhouse in the Garden of Three Harmonies. There is also a section of a traditional Balinese dwelling.
- Korean Garden: The Seoul Garden was a gift from the Korean city and has 4,000 square meters of courtyards, figures and plants.
- Christian Garden – A unique golden structure made up of scriptures dominates this space.
- Italian Renaissance Garden : Based on a historic design, this elegant space focuses on the topiary of box trees and majestic statues. Follow the trails around the terracotta potted plants and dream of Tuscan villas.
- Labyrinth and Labyrinth – Visitors can try to find their way to, and then exit, a maze of tall yew hedges. In the style of the Hampton Court in Chartres Cathedral in France, there is a paved maze next to it.
- Karl-Forster-Perennial Garden – A garden of flowering plants all year follows the ideas of Karl Foerster, a cultivator of garden shrubs and philosopher Potsdam-Bornim beginning of the 20th century.
Food in the gardens of the world
I have only tried ice cream from one of the many stalls, but it is well known for its authentic tea ceremony and French dining room.
International Garden Festival 2017
This event is held every two years and takes place in Berlin this year. IGA Berlin 2017 takes place from April 13 to October 15 and presents projects related to the future of urban parks and green areas. The Gardens of the World, Kienberg and Wuhletal provide a spectacular setting to enjoy intricate gardens, information sessions, water features, themed games, live music, and even a low-energy tropical room. One of the highlights of this year’s event is the new network of cable cars that offer stunning views over the park.
Tickets are available on the IGA website and at selected ticket counters in Berlin and Brandenburg. Daily tickets cost 20 euros.
Gardens of the World Information for the visitor
- Address : Eisenacher Strasse 99, 12685 Berlin.
- Tel : 4930700906699
- Website : www.gruen-berlin.de/parks-gaerten/gaerten-der-welt/ueberblick/
- Email : [email protected]
- Admission : end of March to November: 5 euros for adults, 1.50 euros for children from 6 to 14 years old; Out of season 2 euros adults, 1 euro children
- Hours : every day 9:00 a.m. until dusk. The Japanese, Oriental and Korean garden opening hours vary.
- Park map : www.gruen-berlin.de/parks-gaerten/gaerten-der-welt/ueberblick/parkplan/
- Notes : Bicycles and dogs are not allowed.
