Humboldthain Park
Humboldthain Park is a city oasis that’s easy to get to on public transport. Situated in the center of Berlin’s Gesundbrunnen district, Humboldthain Park is not on the radar of most tourists, but well-liked by locals.
A highlight, and the most talked about feature, is the formal rose garden in the northeast corner, however there’s plenty more than this to enjoy.
This is a fine park for walking or jogging along wooded trails or to just sit back and capture a few rays of sunlight on the grassy lawns.
During the warm days of summer, visitors and locals can swim in the outdoor swimming pool complex complete with a water slide and a paddling pool for toddlers.
History buffs will be interested in Flak Tower III, the remains of an anti-aircraft gun tower and the bunker below, which now houses about 250 bats over winter.
Ascend the stairs to the top where you can view the city from an elevated vantage point. Don’t be held back by the amount of graffiti. Some of it is imaginative and artistic and it pretty much goes with the territory. In the summer, guided tours of the bunker are available,
Other park amenities include a children’s playground and a soccer field.
History
Volkspark Humboldthain was established as a garden in memory of natural historian Alexander von Humboldt. Work on the park began in 1869 (the 100th anniversary of his birth) and took seven years to complete.
During World War II, the park was heavily targeted because of the bunkers and anti-aircraft guns that were present. Following the war, the bunkers were filled in and rubble was piled up to form the present-day hill. The bunkers were later partially dug out again, providing a place for the bats in the winter and facilitating summer tours.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoHumboldthain Park Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Address: Brunnenstraße, 13357 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 030 90250
Official Website: Humboldthain Park
Humboldthain Park Reviews
Rated out of 5
The nearly 90-meter-high Flak bunker in Humboldthain offers a stunning view over Berlin. You can take a relaxing walk up the hill in a circular path, and in winter, it’s even great for sledding. The divers experiences here are fantastic: from small raves to live concerts and just hanging around. On New Year’s Eve, it’s one of the best spots to watch the city’s fireworks! If you’re lucky, you might even see climbers scaling the bunker wall. The adjacent park is perfect for a picnic and surprisingly well maintained, especially for Wedding. Definitely worth a visit!
M J - 4 months ago
Origins & Design
Designed by Gustav Meyer, it was created from 1869 to 1876 to mark the 100th birthday of naturalist Alexander von Humboldt .
Originally featured sweeping lawns, diverse tree species, a botanical display, the first public playground, glasshouses (1885–1894), a schulpture of a marble bull (€1902) and a pavilion church .
🏗️ War’s Impact: Flak Towers & Rubble Hills
During 1941–42, two massive flak towers (gun tower + control tower) were constructed for air defence and civilian shelter—up to 15–16k people .
Post-war, French forces partially demolished and buried these bunkers beneath rubble, creating two hills: the northern Humboldthöhe (about 84 m) and southern Gustav-Meyer-Höhe with a sledding slope .
🚶♀️ What to See & Do Today
Feature Description
Humboldthöhe viewpoint Climb winding paths or 163 stairs to the top—two flak towers’ remains serve as viewing platforms with sweeping views of Berlin .
Underground bunker tours Berliner Unterwelten offers guided visits April–October. Winter sees around 250 bats hibernating below .
Rock climbing The exposed bunker walls are used by the German Alpine Association (DAV) for climbing .
Rose garden & sculptures The rosegarden offers a peaceful retreat; also note a 1967 reunification sculpture by Arnold Schatz and a bronze "Diana with greyhounds" by Walter Schott (~1926) .
Sommerbad Humboldthain A 50 m outdoor pool with slide, diving board, paddling area, sunbathing lawns, restaurant, playground—open in summer .
Playgrounds, meadows & paths Excellent for families, dog-walkers, picnickers, joggers—plus some vineyards producing local "Hauptstadtsekt" served at official events .
fawaz thazhatheri - in the last week
I had a brief visit, but even seeing only a fraction of what the park has to offer, I can say I love it. Wonderful soft meadows with a perfect density of trees, allowing for plenty of shade and also plenty of sun. Perfect for picnics on a summer day.
H - a month ago
A fairly big and nice park to be in. It is quite the place amongst a good amount of people. There are many smaller play parks for kids within this park and also a summer pool area. One can go there and experience it with a small fee. A highlight in that area.
Alka Purushotham - 2 years ago
Very large and spacious park! Was beautiful coming here during spring :)
The view at the top was alright--a bit messy with broken glass bottles on the ground and the bars aren't that inviting for looking out.
Allie W - 3 years ago
Directions
How to get to Humboldthain Park by U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram Line(s): S1, S2, S25, S26, S42, S46, U8
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram Station(s): S+U Berlin-Gesundbrunnen
There is a pathway into the park directly across the street from Berlin-Gesundbrunnen Station.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Humboldthain Park:
Photo Gallery
-
Photo Credit: Chrissie Sternschnuppe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Chrissie Sternschnuppe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Chrissie Sternschnuppe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pantareimadrid - cc license via Flickr
