Treptower Park is a pleasant common on the banks of the Spree, where spacious lawns and intriguing monuments reveal some of Berlin’s history. Walk or cycle along the riverfront promenade, relax at lakeside gardens and find some of the heritage monuments scattered within the park.
A good place to begin your discovery of Treptower Park is by exploring its 2.5-mile (4-kilometre) riverfront promenade. You’ll see walkers, joggers and cyclists enjoying this tree-lined trail, which presents captivating views of one of the city’s main waterways. You might see boats, canoes and swans gliding around the Spree waters.
Reach the heritage-listed Abbey Bridge, which arches over the Spree to the Insel der Jugend (Island of Youth). Check out the traditional architecture of the Kulturhaus Insel Berlin. You can rent paddleboats and rowboats at this pretty little island. Look out across the river to the intriguing leaning tower of the Stralau Peninsula. Take a break at the old-fashioned beer garden, which has a terrace facing the river.
Nearby, you’ll find the boarded-up amusement park, Spreepark, which closed in 2001. You'll be able to get a glimpse of the spooky abandoned rides and roller coasters through the fence.
Continue your stroll to the Alt Treptow section of Treptower Park, which is characterized by wide meadows and heritage trees. At the heart of the park is the Soviet War Memorial. The immense sculpture of a Soviet soldier towers above the paved cenotaph.
Germany’s oldest and largest public observatory, the Archenhold Observatory, is situated next to the memorial. Visit its fascinating exhibits and see one of the world’s longest refracting telescopes.
Explore the southern end of the park to find a large lake surrounded by garden beds and manicured woodlands. In summer, see locals soaking up the sunshine or visit in winter to experience some quiet solitude amid the bare trees and tranquil waterways.
Treptower Park is located in Alt Treptow, south of central Berlin. It is easy to reach by train and bus. The park is free to visit daily.
