In Japan, cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, are a symbol of spring and stand for peace and transience. But why do they actually bloom in Berlin? After the reunification of Germany, the Japanese television station TV Asahi called for a major fundraising campaign in 1990 to plant Japanese cherry trees as a sign of joy. More than 9,000 trees were financed, many of which were planted in Berlin along the former border strip. The first trees were planted on Glienicke Bridge, but today you can admire the sea of pink blossoms in many parts of the city. Here are the five best places to experience the spring spectacle in Berlin.
1. TV-Asahi cherry blossom avenue (Mauerweg Teltow)
Probably the most famous cherry blossom avenue in Berlin stretches along the former Wall Trail between Teltow and Lichterfelde. Over 1,000 trees were planted here in the 1990s as a gift from the Japanese television station TV Asahi – as a symbol of reunification. Today, the avenue is one of the best places for a spring picnic or a bike ride under a canopy of pink flowers. Once a year, the cherry blossom festival “Hanami” even takes place here – a real highlight!
📍 Wall Trail, between Teltow and Lichterfelde
ATTENTION, current information: the TV-Asahi-Allee is closed this year so that nature can recover there.
2. Gardens of the World (Marzahn)
There are several fantastic cherry blossom hotspots in the Gardens of the World! The Japanese garden is particularly beautiful, where the splendor of the blossoms is combined with traditional pagodas and waterscapes. But the Korean Garden also offers impressive cherry blossoms that you can enjoy in an absolutely peaceful atmosphere. Tip: The cable car runs directly over the gardens – from the top you have a unique view of the sea of blossoms!
📍 Gardens of the World, Eisenacher Str. 99, 12685 Berlin
3. cherry blossom avenue on Bornholmer Straße
One of the most beautiful and historic cherry blossom avenues in Berlin has developed along the former border strip. Over 200 trees line the Wall path here, where East and West were once separated. Today, this place is a symbol of spring and freedom – and a perfect destination for a long walk. The cherry blossoms here stretch from Kolonnenweg, along Norwegerstraße to Schwester Straße.
📍 Bornholmer Straße, Prenzlauer Berg
4. East Side Gallery
If you walk along the Spree, you can enjoy the cherry blossom splendor directly at the famous East Side Gallery. Start at the Oberbaumbrücke and follow the path along the river towards Ostbahnhof – soon a beautiful avenue of blossoming cherry trees stretches along the banks. A special highlight: you can also see the pink blossoms from the water – so a boat trip is doubly worthwhile!
📍 East Side Gallery, directions: S+U Warschauer Straße
5. Schwedter Straße
An insider tip for anyone who wants to enjoy the cherry blossoms with an iconic Berlin panorama! An impressive avenue of cherry blossoms stretches along Schwedter Straße, giving you a perfect view of the Berlin TV Tower. Especially in March and April, when the blossoms are in full bloom, this is one of the most beautiful photo spots in the city. Wonderful for walks in the spring sunshine.
📍 Schwedter Straße, directions: S Bornholmer Straße, bus Gleimstraße
Special tip at the end: it’s best to check out the sakura spots during the week or early in the morning if you can, as it can get pretty crowded at the weekend.
Whether it’s a natural idyll or urban charm – Berlin offers numerous magical places to experience the cherry blossom in all its glory. So grab your camera, pack your picnic blanket and enjoy spring to the full! 🌸✨
