Leaf-Peeping in Berlin
Berlin is heralded as Europe's "greenest city," but with the onset of another endless winter, now is the time to inhale that last breath of fresh forest air and marvel at the brilliance of Berlin's fall foliage before it shudders, shrivels up, and dies. Indian summer has hit the hauptstadt like a ton of god-sent bricks, and Berlin's many parks are begging for one final Runde under golden shade. The obvious destinations for nature lovers, like the sprawling Tiergarten and Botanical Gardens, are merely preludes to Berlin's greener pastures, tucked away under leafy awnings. Here are some picks of the best parks off the beaten path, as well as couple of cafes where leaf-peepers can warm up with hot wine and enjoy the final days of Berlin's beautiful autumn scenery.
[Photo]
Volkspark Wuhlheide
An der Wuhlheide 30
12459 Oberschöneweide, Berlin, Germany
This is yet another sprawling leafy retreat in the east of Berlin that has been known to throw the random rave under leafy cover. But for the dedicated leaf peeper, it … offers much more than drum 'n' bass. Myriad trails, hidden ponds, and sprawling lawns are dotted with playgrounds and sport centers, but it's easy to lose yourself here, which is the park's main attraction. (photo) [link]
Treptower Park
Treptower Park, Germany
Treptower park is heralded as the formerly divided city's eastern equivalent to Tiergarten. This enormous oasis of green along the Spree River boasts uber-popular … beergardens, bike trails, rolling lawns, and a large lake. Besides hosting an eclectic flea market every Sunday, this park is home to Berlin's Soviet War memorial for the fallen Red Army soldiers of WWII. (photo) [link]
Schlosspark Niederschönhausen
Am Schloßpark 10
13187 Pankow, Berlin, Germany
This palatial garden accompanied the residence of the GDR's first president, hence the surrounding wall. The park offers open lawns for picnics, shaded footpaths, … gardens, and bike trails. The palace was recently renovated and deserves a visit in its own right. (photo) [link]
Restaurant Bakemuhle
Zehlendorfer Damm 217
14532 Kleinmachnow, Germany
On the outskirts of Berlin just before Potsdam is Kleinmachnow, an idyllic destination for hikers and nature lovers. At one entry to Kleinmachnow's sprawling nature … preserve is this upscale restaurant, located in a historic house with a patio that faces the gorgeous park with its streams and lakes, walking trails, and bridges. [link]
Lietzenseepark
Neue Kantstraße 21
14057 Charlottenburg, Berlin, Germany
This quiet park in Charlottenburg is directly on the Lietzen lake, from which it takes its name. In the southern part of the park is a gorgeous fountain called the … grosse kaskade (big cascade) that flows over steps down the lawn and into the lake. The Café am Lietzenseepark is a favorite among local university students and residents. (photo) [link]
Humboldthain
Humboldthain
13357 Wedding, Berlin, Germany
This beautiful park in Wedding was built on top of debris from bombed out buildings and a bunker left over from WWII. Now it is a retreat from the stress of city life, … offering wide open spaces, a labyrinth of dirt walking trails, topiary rose gardens, and even the occasional illegal party in one of the park's isolated lawns. Humboldthain is heaven for runners, bocce ballers, and nature lovers alike. [link]
Cafe am Neuen See
Lichtensteinallee 2
10787 Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany
[link]
