Sunday walk in Volkspark Friedrichshain

I don’t know any big city that has as many green spaces, parks and forests as Berlin. Not only on the outskirts, but also in the city centre you can find beautiful recreational areas, such as Volkspark Friedrichshain.

As the name suggests, the park, which was created in 1846, is located in the Friedrichshain district. It was the first municipal green space to be created in Berlin and was planned and built on the occasion of Frederick II’s jubilee on the throne.
We took a wonderful Sunday stroll here and explored the varied park.

Märchenbrunnen (Fairytale fountain)

In 1913, the Fairy Tale Fountain at the park entrance (Am Friedrichshain / Friedenstraße) was completed after 12 years of construction. The fountain, which is a listed building, measures 90 metres × 172 metres. Around the beautiful fountain stand figures based on the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm.

The fountain itself has a shallow water basin with several fountains. Water-spouting frogs stand in the fountain and the turtles at the edge of the fountain are particularly popular with the children.
We were not able to assign all the figures in the fountain to the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. But Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Puss in Boots were clearly recognisable to us.

For me, one of the most beautiful fountains in the city.

Mont Klamott at Volkspark Friedrichshain

Unfortunately, the Second World War also left its mark on Volkspark Friedrichshain. Flak towers were erected and many of the old trees were destroyed. In 1946, the bunkers were blown up and the area filled with rubble. Two rubble mountains (Mont Klamott) were created, which are now beautifully overgrown.
There are paths leading up the two “mountains”, which are enthusiastically used by joggers, especially at weekends. We walked up the higher of the two mountains. It is 78 metres high, but unfortunately there is no view over the park from the top. Everything is overgrown and looks a bit unkempt.
From the smaller, only 48-metre-high mountain, a toboggan run leads into the park. We spared ourselves the climb here.

Open-air stage

There is an open-air stage in the southern part of the park. It was built in 1950 and is still in use today. In the summer months, you can enjoy cinema films here in the open air.

Almost 1500 visitors can watch the varied programme here.

World Peace Bell

Our way led us further through the park until we arrived at the Great Pond in the middle of the park. In an Asian-looking pavilion directly at the large pond of the People’s Park hangs the World Peace Bell , which was placed here in 1989. It is one of several bells that have been placed around the world to commemorate world peace.

Every year on 6 August, the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, wreath-laying ceremonies and memorial services are held here.

It’s a pity that the Peace Bell in Volkspark Friedrichshain is a bit out of the way and you hardly see any visitors here. I think the pavilion is worth a visit because of its design and you should also plan a short pause at the bell.

We discovered some more beautiful places in the Volkspark during our walk. For children there are many nice playgrounds and everywhere there is variety and relaxation. A really great facility that is worth a visit.