The Best Places To Play Basketball In Berlin

While basketball might have its origins in the United States, it is also a very popular sport throughout Europe, with the continent even having its own league series. In Germany’s capital, it is not uncommon to witness pickup games abound for the game’s more amateur players. Here are the top places to play basketball around the city.

Join FBL Berlin e.V.

While there are a good number of basketball courts located around the city, for those looking for consistent practice, competition, and improvement, it can be useful to join a basketball club association like FBL Berlin. A common challenge is not locating courts, but rather coordinating between enough people to form a team and ensuring that usage of the city’s nicest courts is actually permitted. FBL Berlin practices at a myriad of different places, including Jahn Sports Hall and Albert-Einstein High School. Membership fees are €60, and they come with many compelling reasons to join, including a low level of commitment after becoming a part of the association.

1. Gleisdreieck Park

Park, Skate Park

One of Berlin’s most modern and ergonomic parks, Gleisdreieck in Kreuzberg was converted from a former train platform. Now it is equipped with a number of amazing outdoor features making it a suitable place for gathering with friends to engage in a myriad of different outdoor activities, from picnicking to table tennis to basketball. There are spacious courts along with places to play beach volleyball and trails for joggers and bikers. The park is so impressive that it actually won the German Landscape Architecture Prize in 2015. For those looking to play in an unbeatably accommodating atmosphere, Gleisdreieck is the best.

2. Dreilinden Freiplatz

School

For those looking for some serious pickup competition, Dreilinden Freiplatz at the south-western edge of the city in Zehlendorf near Grunewald Forest is the place to go. Here, b-ballers will encounter professional players from second and third division leagues practicing during the summer months, and there are three full courts available. The court is part of the adjoining Dreilinden Gymnasium, a school with excellent facilities. This means, however, that during times when class is in session the courts are not available to non-students, something worth keeping in mind before making the trek out from the city center.