A Magical Tour Of Berlin's Secret Plnterwald Forests

Plänterwald is a forested playground within Berlin. It provides solace from the wild city and has so many magical elements to it – from the failed architecture of Spreepark to its nourishing invitation as a place to lie on the forest floor, and watch how the sunlight falls between the trees. The forest is calling; discover your inner nature fiend with a visit to this charming outdoor spot.

1. Waldspielplatz

Waldspielplatz

This is a children’s playground built mostly out of natural elements, and is a great place to get your hands dirty while also getting in touch with your inner child. The climbing frames, trains, tractors and boats are all crafted from pieces of trees, and make for an imaginative, happy space for children and adults alike.

Waldspielplatz Plänterwald, Berlin, Germany

An inner-city paradise | © Megan King

2. Spreepark

Amusement Park, Forest, Park

Spreepark

The sleepy abandoned amusement park is tucked away in all its eerie wonder within these forests. Enclosed behind green fences, it is the site of much mystery and intrigue. This was the GDR’s biggest amusement park – the ‘Disneyland of Socialism‘ – which went bankrupt after being privatized; today its destiny is still unclear. For forest explorers, it remains an enchanting place. Remnants of life-size plastic dinosaur sculptures lie in pieces on the forest floor, and a giant red Ferris wheel becomes increasingly rusty as nature takes its natural course. You’ll probably get caught jumping the fence to get inside, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it might still be worth a try.

Spreepark, Kiehnwerderallee 1-3, Berlin, Germany +49 30 7009060

Inside Spreepark | © Megan King

3. Insel der Jugend

Bridge, Forest, Park

Insel der Jugend

Insel der Jugend, or the Island of Youth, is a declared experimental ground for all forms of art. Situated between Treptow Park and the forests of Plänterwald, people come here to enjoy picnics, watch live music, hire a tug boat for a few hours of off-land fun, and pass over Germany’s oldest steel bridge, the Abteibrücke.

Kulturhaus Insel Berlin, Alt-Treptow 6, 12435 Berlin +49 30 80961850

A swing in the middle of the forest | © Megan King

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