Volkspark Friedrichshain
Volkspark Friedrichshain is located in eastern Berlin, in the district of Friedrichshain adjacent to the district of Prenzlauer Berg. The boundary of the park is formed by the streets Danziger Straße, Am Friedrichshain, Friedenstraße and Landsberger Allee.
This is a mixed-use park where you are likely to see young and old taking a leisurely stroll. There are also several play areas for children. In the center of the park is a fairly high tree-covered hill with a wide path following a snail-like trail to the top, where you get an interesting view of the city. On the grounds are also an open-air stage for theater, a large public pool for swimming in the summer months, and a sand-filled beach volleyball area with a cafe. Further attractions include a pond, a skateboard/inline-skating area, and an ice-cream cafe.
Volkspark Humboldthain
Volkspark Humboldthain is located in the district of Wedding. The park has a rise in the south and one in the north with a sort of valley in between. Again, the main activity here is walking. There are picnic grounds and a big outdoor public swimming pool. What makes this park interesting are the remains of a large World War II bunker on the northern edge. After attempts to demolish the behemoth structure failed, the city decided to turn it into a lookout point. And indeed, you get an impressive view, especially to the north. An unusual safety fence makes sure nobody falls off the bunker, and a monument to German reunification which predates the event resides on the top. Local technical mountain climbers have also converted the northern face of the bunker to a practice climbing wall, which can make for interesting spectating if you happen to catch them in action.
The Botanical Gardens
Berlin´s Botanical Gardens offer an attractive landscape of garden beds and open parkland. The 42 hectare site is home to over 18,000 species of plants and includes greenhouse displays of tropical and wetland genera. Because the Gardens demand a small entrance fee they tend to be a quieter alternative to the main public parks which can become hectic on sunny afternoons.
The Gardens also offer a musical programme every Friday evening from June to August. These outdoor concerts feature local and international musicians and are located in a picturesque and sheltered garden between some of the main greenhouses. In case of rain, the concerts are relocated into one of the greenhouses - a pleasant experience in itself - music + tropical greenery + the pitter patter of rain on glass....
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