Gardens of the World

The Gardens of the World (Gärten der Welt) in Berlin take you on a botanical trip around the globe without leaving the city. In the eastern district of Marzahn you can wander through a Chinese garden with a lotus pond and pavilions, a tranquil Japanese garden, a walled Oriental garden, a Korean garden and a maze, then float above it all in a cable car. It's a calm, green contrast to Berlin's museums and nightlife, and a big hit with families.

From East German garden show to global gardens

The park opened in May 1987 as a garden show for Berlin's 750th anniversary, East Berlin's answer to the Britzer Garten in the West. The international theme began in 2000 with the Chinese "Garden of the Recovered Moon," followed by Japanese, Balinese, Oriental and Korean gardens. For the International Garden Exhibition (IGA) 2017, the grounds were expanded and gained a cable car, an English garden and small "garden cabinets" from five continents. A Jewish garden followed in 2021.

Highlights

• Chinese Garden: A large pond with water lilies, weeping willows and traditional pavilions.
• Japanese Garden: Streams, rocks and maples, especially lovely in fall; it opens at 10 a.m.
• Oriental Garden: A walled courtyard garden with fountains and roses.
• Korean and Balinese gardens, the latter with a tropical greenhouse.
• Maze and labyrinth: Great for kids.

As of fall 2026, the Brazil and Thailand garden cabinets are closed for renovation.

Tickets and opening hours

The park opens daily at 9 a.m. and closes at dusk. Ticket counters close at 6 p.m. in March and October, 8 p.m. from April to September, and 4 p.m. in winter. Prices as of October 2026:

• March to October: adults €9, children 6+ and reduced €4, under 6 free
• Combo ticket with cable car: €12.90 (reduced €7.50)
• November to February: €4, reduced €2

Ticket machines are cashless; buying online saves time on busy weekends.

How to get there

From Alexanderplatz, the U5 subway takes you to Kienberg (Gärten der Welt) station in about 25 minutes; a Deutschlandticket or Berlin AB ticket covers the trip. From there, ride the cable car 1.5 km over Kienberg hill, up to 35 meters above ground, with a stop at the Wolkenhain viewing platform, to the main entrance. The cable car runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until November 1, 2026, then pauses for maintenance and returns on weekends from December 5. Drivers can use four free parking lots around the park.

Good to know

Dogs and bikes are not allowed inside. Picnics are welcome on the lawns, but barbecues are not. The park is certified as accessible, with a recommended wheelchair route; the Japanese and Korean gardens are only partly accessible. Cafés and bistros are spread around the grounds. Plan at least two to three hours; it's worth a half-day if you love gardens.

Nearby

• Kienbergpark and Wolkenhain: Hilltop viewpoint with views across Berlin.
• Biesdorf Palace: A 19th-century villa with a park, a short ride south.