Berlin-Marzahn is a district of striking contrasts: a place where concrete high-rises meet lush greenery, and the bustle of city life mingles with the tranquility of a village atmosphere. This walking tour will take you through Marzahn’s most captivating spots, revealing the unique charm of this often-overlooked neighborhood.
Starting Point: Flower Tower
Begin your walk at the Flower Tower on Allee der Kosmonauten. This 18-story high-rise, transformed into a vibrant landscape of plants and flowers by the French artist group CitéCréation, is a remarkable example of how nature can thrive amidst concrete. The tower stands at a busy traffic junction, symbolizing the coexistence of urban development and green oases that define Marzahn.
From the Flower Tower, head north along Allee der Kosmonauten. After a short walk, you’ll reach Poelchaustraße. Cross the street and continue about 100 meters to the right. On your left, a lovely park opens up, inviting you to enjoy the greenery. If you have children with you, consider stopping at Café Krümelkeks, a parent-child café offering year-round Italian ice cream, perfect for a quick treat on the go.
First Stop: Marzahn Reading Garden
After enjoying your ice cream, continue north through the park, crossing Pekrunstraße and Blenheimstraße. A 15-minute walk will bring you to the Marzahn Reading Garden (Lesegarten), a serene spot where you can relax with a book amidst beautiful greenery. If you don’t have a book with you, no worries! The peaceful atmosphere and the shade of old trees provide a perfect place to unwind, even without a novel in hand. Once rested, continue your walk through the reading garden toward Alt-Marzahn.
Second Stop: Alt-Marzahn Village Green
Arriving in Alt-Marzahn, you’ll discover a preserved piece of rural Berlin history nestled among modern high-rises. The village green and its historic center date back to the 13th century, showcasing the district’s original village charm. On the left, you’ll find the KulturGut Marzahn, a converted farm that now serves as a cultural center. Here, you can buy handmade crafts in the arts and ceramics barn and learn about local fruits, vegetables, and herbs in the farm garden. To the right, explore the village church and the Marzahn-Hellersdorf District Museum, housed in a former village school that vividly tells the story of the district.
Third Stop: Marzahn Post Mill
A short walk down Alt-Marzahn Street leads to the Marzahn Post Mill, a fully functional windmill and one of Marzahn’s most iconic landmarks. Take a guided tour to see how grain is milled into fresh flour, and enjoy a glimpse into the district’s agricultural past.
Fourth Stop: Degewo Skywalk
After leaving the windmill, head north again. Cross the busy Landsberger Allee and continue along the small street in the shadow of the apartment blocks. After a few twists and turns, you will arrive at the Degewo Skywalk on Raoul-Wallenberg-Straße 40/42. This viewing platform, built into a high-rise, offers breathtaking views over Berlin and Brandenburg from a height of 70 meters. Free guided tours are available for those looking to experience the city from above.
Once back on solid ground, turn right and walk down Raoul-Wallenberg-Straße until you reach Landsberger Allee again. Continue along until you reach the Blumberger Damm intersection, where you’ll have a choice for your final stop.
Fifth Stop: Ahrensfelde Hills
If you choose to head up Blumberger Damm to the left, a 1.7-kilometer walk will take you to the Ahrensfelde Hills (turn right at Glambecker Ring). These two hills offer panoramic views over Berlin, with the western peak reaching 114.5 meters. From here, you can see landmarks like the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz and the wind turbines of Brandenburg. It’s an especially stunning spot at sunset.
Alternative Stop: Gardens of the World
Alternatively, turn right down Blumberger Damm and walk for about 15 minutes to reach Marzahn’s most famous attraction: the Gardens of the World. This expansive park features eleven themed gardens, including a Chinese Garden, an Islamic Garden, and a Balinese Garden, each showcasing the design traditions and signature plants of different cultures. In addition to the gardens, there are imaginative playgrounds for children and a cable car offering spectacular aerial views of the entire park.
Whether you choose the scenic Ahrensfelde Hills or the diverse Gardens of the World, your walk through Marzahn will reveal the district’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Marzahn may be an underrated part of Berlin, but its hidden gems make it well worth exploring.
