A Reward of Peace: How Berlin’s Cherry Blossoms Got here to Be
In 1990, because the Berlin Wall crumbled and the world watched Germany reunify, not everybody simply sat again and watched. Japanese TV station TV-Asahi launched a fundraising marketing campaign referred to as the “Cherry Blossom Initiative”—a logo of pleasure, peace, and new beginnings. The end result? Over 9,000 Japanese cherry bushes have been donated to Germany, with many planted proper the place the Wall as soon as stood or slightly in what was often known as the loss of life strip!
Berlin’s cherry blossoms are greater than stunning—they’re dwelling symbols of hope, unity, and the therapeutic energy of nature. Each spring, they bloom throughout town, reworking former border zones into breathtaking pink corridors.
The place to See the Cherry Blossoms in Berlin
With peak bloom anticipated between April 6 and April 16, 2025, listed here are the highest locations to expertise the magic—and that means—of Berlin’s cherry bushes.
1. Bornholmer Straße & Bösebrücke – The place It All Started
Why it issues: That is the place the primary cherry bushes have been planted—proper close to the Bösebrücke, one of many first border crossings to open on the night time the Wall fell.
What you’ll discover: 215 cherry bushes bloom alongside a surprising stretch of the previous border between Prenzlauer Berg and Marriage ceremony. Locals name it the Sakura Tunnel for good motive—the branches kind a pink cover you’ll be able to stroll beneath.
Get there: Begin at S-Bahn Bornholmer Straße, stroll north alongside the previous Wall route.
2. TV-Asahi Kirschblütenallee – Berlin’s Longest Cherry Blossom Avenue
Notice: Closed for 2025 on account of soil relaxation & path renovation.
Why it issues: With over 1,000 cherry bushes, that is Berlin and Brandenburg’s longest cherry blossom path. Positioned between Lichterfelde Süd and Teltow, it was one of the vital plantings from the TV-Asahi marketing campaign.
Why you’ll be able to’t go (this 12 months): The world is closed in 2025 for important regeneration and Mauerweg restoration. However mark it for 2026—it’s a vital hanami expertise.
3. Gärten der Welt (Gardens of the World), Marzahn
Why it issues: Dwelling to Berlin’s official Cherry Blossom Competition and a serene Japanese backyard with 80 cherry bushes.
What you’ll discover: Expertise hanami the standard manner—stroll by way of a zen backyard, sip tea in a Japanese pavilion, and revel in cultural performances through the annual pageant.
Cherry Blossom Competition 2025: Dates TBA (Mid-April anticipated)
Entry payment required
4. Maybachufer / Landwehrkanal, Kreuzberg-Neukölln
Why it issues: These cherry bushes bloom the place East as soon as met West—on the border between Neukölln and Treptow, now considered one of Berlin’s trendiest spring walks.
What you’ll discover: A delicate riverside path flanked by flowering bushes and energetic city power. Deliver a espresso and be part of the locals strolling between flea markets and cafés.
Begin at Görlitzer Park, cross Lohmühlenbrücke, and stroll south towards Maybachufer.
5. Wollankstraße to Bürgerpark Pankow
Why it issues: This lesser-known stretch options one other 120 cherry bushes and provides a quieter escape from the crowds.
What you’ll discover: A peaceable, barely wild cherry tree path alongside the railway line from Wollankstraße S-Bahn towards Pankow. Finish your stroll with a picnic at Bürgerpark.
6. Wartenberg Panorama Park, Lichtenberg
Why it issues: This japanese fringe of Berlin blooms with round 50 cherry bushes, providing one of many calmest hanami experiences within the metropolis.
What you’ll discover: Open skies, area to take a seat, and a slower tempo—supreme for households or solo spring explorers.
Take the S-Bahn to Wartenberg and stroll towards Hagenower Ring.
Cherry Blossom Festivals to Catch in 2025
Even with closures, Berlin nonetheless is aware of methods to have a good time spring. Right here’s the place to get your hanami repair.
Gärten der Welt Cherry Blossom Competition
- Anticipated mid-April 2025
- Dwell music, conventional Japanese dance, meals stalls, and vibrant blossoms.
- Location: Marzahn, contained in the Gardens of the World.
Bonus: Chinese language and Korean gardens additionally participate within the celebration!
Expertise Extra: Mix Historical past & Blossoms
In search of the proper pairing to your blossom journey?
Birchy’s Berlin Excursions provides guided strolling excursions that hint the identical former borders the place cherry bushes now bloom. Our Chilly Conflict & Berlin Wall Tour walks proper by way of cherry-lined paths close to Mauerpark—including wealthy historic context to the wonder.
