Gardens of the World Berlin
Why One of Berlin’s Most Beautiful Places Is in Marzahn of All Places
Alright, friends,
today, for once, we’re talking about a place you’ll probably also find in other travel guides.
But not like this.
Gardens of the World is one of those places that gets recommended surprisingly often — and at the same time, surprisingly rarely actually explained.
A lot of Berlin travel guides show a few nice pictures, mention international garden design, talk about the cable car — and that’s it.
But I think that doesn’t really help you understand the place.
Because when people think of Marzahn-Hellersdorf, they rarely think of Gardens of the World or visitors coming to Berlin.
More like prefabricated housing estates.
Tall buildings.
Green spaces.
Neighbourhoods.
Outer districts.
And that’s exactly why I find this place interesting.
I’ve been there several times by now. As a date with my girlfriend, with the boys, or with my in-laws.
And every time I had roughly the same thought:
Why do so few people actually talk about this place?
For me, Gardens of the World is one of the best things you can do in Berlin when the weather is good.
Not because it’s secret.
Not because nobody knows about it.
But because it shows something a lot of visitors completely miss.
Most people only stay in central Berlin.
Between Alex and Brandenburg Gate.
One currywurst.
One photo.
One round of central Berlin.
And then sometimes people say: “So that was Berlin.”
Even though this city has so much more to offer.
To me, Berlin often feels more honest the further you move away from the city centre.
Berlin doesn’t only happen in the well-known places. It often happens in the outer districts.
After about half an hour on the U-Bahn from Alexanderplatz, the atmosphere suddenly changes.
Less city.
More space.
More sky.
And suddenly you’re standing between Japanese gardens, a Balinese jungle, waterfalls, a cable car, and a small oasis in the middle of Marzahn.
That’s exactly why, to me, Gardens of the World fits Berlin much better than you’d expect at first.
Where Is Gardens of the World in Berlin?
Gardens of the World is located in Berlin’s Marzahn-Hellersdorf district at the foot of Kienberg. The “Gardens of the World / Kienberg” station is only a few minutes’ walk from the park.
The site originally opened as the Berlin Garden Show in East Berlin and gradually developed into the park it is today over the following decades.
If your experience of Berlin so far has mostly been around Mitte, the trip almost feels like a small shift in perspective.
And that’s exactly what I like about it.
This place doesn’t try to be spectacular.
It just is.
Is Gardens of the World Worth Visiting?
Yes.
Especially in good weather. For families, walks, dates, or visitors from out of town, Gardens of the World is one of the best day trips within Berlin for me.
But I wouldn’t recommend it blindly to everyone.
If you’re looking for action, there are better places.
If you’re visiting Berlin as a checklist, probably too.
But if you’ve got a day and just want to get out for a bit — without leaving Berlin completely — then this can be really good.
A bit like with our Berlin walks:
It’s not just about the destination.
It’s about the pace and the detours.
What Can I Expect at Gardens of the World?
Not your typical walk through a park.
Instead, it’s a mix of garden design, walking paths, water, architecture, views, playgrounds, culture, and surprisingly a lot of quiet.
On top of that, there are different gardens shaped by different countries, religions, and traditions.
And honestly, that probably sounds a lot more kitschy than it actually feels.
Before visiting, I was worried it would feel like a theme park.
For me, it doesn’t.
Some areas are obviously more staged than others.
But overall, the site feels surprisingly calm.
Especially during the week.
My tip:
If you have the choice, don’t go on Saturday at 1 pm.
This place works best when you get to have parts of it to yourself.
Why Are Gardens of the World in Marzahn of All Places?
The story doesn’t start with tourism.
In 1987, the site opened as the Berlin Garden Show as part of Berlin’s 750th anniversary celebrations.
Back then, still in East Berlin.
It was meant to be a counterpart to Britzer Garten in the west.
Later, it became Marzahn Recreation Park.
It wasn’t until the late 1990s that Gardens of the World gradually took shape as a project. Over time, new themed gardens were added — China, Japan, Bali, the Orient, Korea, and later more areas.
And honestly, I think that’s pretty typical Berlin.
A place changes.
A place gets new ideas.
And suddenly something appears that nobody would have expected before.
If you’re interested in developments like that, you eventually end up looking into places like Tempelhof Airport or the history of the Berlin U-Bahn, because a lot of places in Berlin only really start to make sense once you know a bit of the background.
Getting to Gardens of the World – This Is How I’d Do It
The easiest way is to take the U5 to Kienberg – Gardens of the World. From there, you can either walk or get straight onto the cable car.
And I’d genuinely say:
Take the cable car.
Not because you won’t see anything without it.
But because it changes the visit.
For me, the cable car isn’t an extra — it’s the perfect way to start.
The first time, I honestly thought:
Okay.
Nice gimmick.
I was wrong.
The cable car is actually pretty impressive. You slowly glide over the park.
Below you are paths, water features, and garden areas.
Next to them, the large residential areas of Marzahn and Hellersdorf.
And that contrast really does something to the place.
Down below: everyday life.
Up here: suddenly a park.
It reminds me a little of places like Teufelsberg.
Not because it looks the same.
But because, for a moment, you experience the city differently.
The higher you go, the less it feels like a typical Berlin day out.
Almost like a small escape.
Not quite Spreewald.
Not quite Tropical Island.
But that feeling of:
Getting away for a moment.
Still being home.
Costs and Entry for Gardens of the World
Gardens of the World requires an entry ticket.
The price depends on the season, age, discounts, family options, and whether you include the cable car.
As a rough guide:
Entry is cheaper during the winter season. During summer, an adult ticket including the cable car is usually around €13. Prices for children, families, discounted tickets, and special offers may vary.
My tip:
Check current prices before your visit and, if possible, get a ticket that includes the cable car.
Personally, I’ve found the price fair so far.
But only if you actually give yourself time.
I wouldn’t do it just to tick it off in two hours.
How Much Time Should You Plan for Gardens of the World?
At least 4–5 hours.
Better: a full day.
Not because everything feels huge.
But because it’s surprisingly easy to lose track of time.
One garden.
Then another.
Sit down for a minute.
Playground.
One more round.
Cable car.
And suddenly it’s late afternoon.
Bring something to drink.
Something to eat.
A picnic blanket.
I wouldn’t plan the day too tightly.
That’s when this place works best.
Is Gardens of the World Good for Families?
Yes.
Very much so.
For me, Gardens of the World is one of the most family-friendly activities in Berlin.
Lots of paths.
Lots of space.
Water play areas.
Playgrounds.
And all of it without the usual theme park stress.
The play areas don’t feel like something that had to be included.
They feel like someone actually spent time thinking about the design.
And you notice that.
If you’re visiting with family:
Very good choice.
If you’re planning a Date:
Surprisingly good choice.
Chinese Garden – Why Everything Here Somehow Revolves Around the Moon
For many people, the Chinese Garden is one of the most well-known areas.
And I understand why.
It feels large, open, and almost like its own little world.
At the centre is a large lake.
Then there are bridges, pavilions, paths, water, and the teahouse with the pretty beautiful name Mountain House of Osmanthus Juice.
But what many people don’t notice:
The garden isn’t given a poetic name just because it sounds nice.
Its name is Garden of the Reclaimed Moon.
The moon symbolises reunification, harmony, and connection.
The garden was created through the city partnership between Berlin and Beijing and became the first garden of what would later become Gardens of the World.
And I think that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.
Berlin.
A divided city.
And somehow one of the first gardens ends up telling a story about connection.
If you’re there:
Don’t just walk through once.
Sit by the lake for a moment.
Take a look at the teahouse.
And don’t be surprised if you stay longer than planned.
Japanese Garden – One of My Personal Favourites in the Whole Park
If I had to name one garden that personally stayed with me the most:
Probably the Japanese one.
Not because it’s the most spectacular.
But because it works in a completely different way.
The garden was created through the city partnership between Berlin and Tokyo. Water is the main theme here — not just as decoration, but as a symbol of the past, present, and future.
And it starts right at the entrance.
You don’t simply enter the garden.
You walk through a gate.
The doorway is intentionally smaller.
You lower your head slightly.
And suddenly the atmosphere changes.
Sounds exaggerated at first.
But honestly:
I actually think it works.
One of my favourite details is the symbolic waterfall with a stone carp.
The idea behind it:
The carp swims against the current.
If it succeeds, it turns into a dragon.
I like little stories like that.
Balinese Garden – Suddenly Berlin Doesn’t Feel Like Berlin Anymore
The Balinese Garden is entirely inside a tropical hall.
And that alone makes it special.
Inside:
Humidity.
Plants.
Wooden structures.
Temple buildings.
Smells.
And a lot more jungle feeling than you’d expect in Marzahn.
The garden was created through the city partnership between Berlin and Jakarta. Parts of the architecture were prepared in Bali. Some areas are still used for religious purposes today.
I found that surprising.
It’s not just a backdrop.
There’s real cultural use happening there.
The garden is called “Garden of the Three Harmonies.”
Behind it is the idea of balance between people, the environment, and the universe.
That sounds big at first.
But somehow it fits.
This area works especially well with children.
Oriental-Islamic Garden – One of the Most Impressive Spaces in the Park
You enter through a reception area.
Then an enclosed garden courtyard opens up.
And suddenly everything feels calmer.
The idea behind it:
Paradise originally means something close to “a walled space.”
A protected place.
And that’s exactly what this area feels like.
Water.
Symmetry.
Shade.
Patterns.
Calm.
And details everywhere.
Mosaics.
Ornaments.
Geometry.
In total, 1.3 million mosaic stones were used here.
If you take your time, you keep discovering new things
Korean Garden – One of the Most Underrated Areas
I had the feeling that a lot of people just walk through here.
Unfairly.
The Korean Garden feels less spectacular than some of the other areas.
And I think that’s exactly why it somehow stayed with me.
The garden was created as a gift from Seoul to Berlin.
A lot of it was delivered directly from Korea.
Wooden structures.
Artworks.
Architectural elements.
And unlike some of the more open areas, this garden feels much more enclosed.
There are several courtyards.
Walls.
Pavilions.
Small transitions.
I think you notice something here quite clearly:
This garden isn’t trying to impress.
It works more through atmosphere.
And that’s exactly why I wouldn’t rush through it.
One of my favourite details:
The wooden figures.
At first they seem decorative, but originally they served a protective purpose.
If you’re looking for an area that feels a bit quieter:
Spend more time here.
Italian Renaissance Garden – Suddenly Marzahn Feels Different for a Moment
Okay.
That sentence sounds exaggerated.
But I think you know what I mean.
The Italian Garden works pretty quickly.
Symmetry.
Fountains.
Stone.
Order.
And suddenly everything feels much more structured.
The garden isn’t inspired by Italy in general.
It’s deliberately centred around the Renaissance.
I found that interesting.
Below the main area, there’s a small hidden garden.
The so-called Giardino segreto.
English Garden – Probably the Coziest Area
The English Garden feels completely different.
Not monumental.
Not symbolic.
Not exotic.
More:
pleasant.
A cottage.
Roses.
Perennials.
Fruit.
Vegetables.
Almost as if someone had said:
Let’s just create a nice afternoon.
I don’t think this will become everyone’s favourite garden.
But I do think a lot of people stay longer than planned.
Especially if you already enjoy being outdoors or find topics like Berlin camping interesting.
This area opened for IGA 2017 and feels a bit more open than some of the older areas.
Not better.
Just different.
Christian Garden – Probably the Most Unusual Garden in the Park
If you expect:
A church.
A cross.
Flowers.
Then you’ll probably be wrong.
The Christian Garden works in a completely different way.
At the centre is language.
Texts.
Thoughts.
Letters.
The central space is made up of gold-coloured letters.
Not as decoration.
But as architecture.
You literally move through language.
I found that surprisingly good.
Less religious than expected.
More quiet.
Almost meditative.
Maze, Labyrinth and Water Gardens – Much Better Than Expected
In the end, I had a lot more fun than I expected.
The maze is big enough that you lose yourself for a moment.
The labyrinth works differently.
Not confusing.
More slowing you down.
And then come the water gardens.
Honestly:
For me, one of the most underrated areas.
Especially in summer.
Water.
Mist.
Sounds.
Places to lie down.
They work especially well with children.
But also without.
Just sit down for a moment.
Don’t photograph everything.
Just be there for a moment.
And it’s exactly in moments like this that I understand again why I like Gardens of the World so much.
Not because every single garden is perfect.
But because at some point you stop trying to tick everything off.
Why Gardens of the World Fits Berlin So Well for Me
I think most mistakes happen before the visit even starts:
Too little time, too many plans, and the expectation of getting as much in as possible.
But that’s often exactly when you miss the moments that stay with you later.
For me, Gardens of the World doesn’t work through efficiency.
It works through time.
Sitting.
Walking.
Going back again.
That’s exactly why I’d especially recommend this place to:
- Families
- Dates
- People who enjoy walking
- People who already know Berlin a little or are simply looking for a quieter day.
I think it’s less suitable for “48 hours in Berlin and do everything” or maximum sights per hour.
And that’s okay — not every place has to be for everyone.
My personal tip:
Go during the week, start with the cable car, bring something to eat and drink, and don’t plan five more places into the same day.
Gardens of the World surprisingly carries a full day on its own.
And maybe that’s exactly why I like Gardens of the World so much.
Not because it’s perfect or because these are the most beautiful gardens in Europe.
But because it shows something that describes Berlin pretty well:
Variety, contradictions, and the realisation that interesting places often aren’t where you expect them to be.
A bit like with our insider tips, or a visit to market halls, places like Teufelsberg, or completely different perspectives like Berlin Wünsdorf.
Not because it’s the same —
but because you take your time and suddenly discover more than you planned.
Conclusion: Berlin Often Feels More Real the Further You Move Away from the City Centre
I understand everyone who wants to see Mitte first on their first trip to Berlin.
I’d probably do the same.
But at some point, you realise:
The city is bigger.
And suddenly you’re not only looking at the TV Tower and Brandenburg Gate anymore.
You start looking at places that don’t sit at the top of every classic travel guide.
For me, Gardens of the World belongs exactly in that category.
And if you’re already there:
Take your time.
Sit down.
Bring something to eat.
Don’t keep checking the time.
Maybe this will end up being one of the best days of your trip.
Or your summer.
And if not:
At least you got a pretty good view of Berlin.
Berlin is not a sight. Berlin is a city.
See you in the honest Berlin — or here in the next blog.
Take care 🖤
MOST IMAGES IN THIS ARTICLE ARE SAMPLE IMAGES AND WERE NOT TAKEN AT THE VISITED LOCATIONS.
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