There’s nothing quite like spring in Berlin. I always feel it coming like I’m some sort of early warning device. My hands start to develop red spots and my throat gets scratchy. Pollen, like the White Walkers in Game of Thrones, tend to creep up on you like that. Before you know it, they’re in full-attack mode and you’re sneezing like there’s no tomorrow, stifling that curse word you want to direct at nature. But you stop yourself completely, knowing that this season has its pros. Number one on my list? The cherry blossoms in Berlin.
“It’s like a unicorn threw up all over Berlin,” I found myself telling my husband last spring. “I love it!”
Call me basic but pink everywhere is definitely my cup of tea. From wet, grey, gloomy winter, Berlin comes of out of its closet (intended), leaving its black, puff jacket behind to reveal itself dressed in the prettiest pastel shade. Pink goes with everything and taking pictures around the city is just made a lot more fun. Just don’t forget to take your anti-histamines.
More pros in case you aren’t convinced yet: As the temperature rises, so do people’s spirits and the sides of their lips. Skies in Berlin have a distinct shade of blue – bright but calming at the same time. The sun complements it so well.
Flowers – aside from my cherry blossom favourites – are absolutely everywhere. And not in the perfectly-manicured way some gardens tend to look like here in Europe. They’re quite spread-out, offering a feeling of being one with nature despite being dead-centre in this sprawling, urban jungle.
Hanami in Berlin
One of the hobbies I picked up while living in Berlin is going for hanami. This Japanese tradition that’s more commonly known as Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of everything that’s temporary. Like beauty, life, and basically everything.
Japanese people gather around the trees to appreciate their beauty while eating, drinking, and chatting with their friends. I just love that this is something we could experience here in Berlin.
It started last spring when I accompanied Eiko-chan to check on the blossoms. They don’t last long so there’s always this feeling that you have to go now or you might miss out.
I’ve dropped a couple of commitments just to stand there and take photos of the flowers. When the wind blows and you get that petal shower, you just know it’s going to be a good day. That is, if you’re not allergic.
How come there’s a lot of them in Berlin?
Back in 1990, Japan’s TV Asahi launched a campaign to celebrate the reunification of Germany. Money was collected Japanese cherry trees – popular ornamental trees that are said to bring peace and serenity – can be planted in different parts of the country but mostly, in Berlin and Brandenburg. The campaign was able to raise 140 million yen (that’s about a million Euros) and those donations made it possible to plant over 9,000 trees. The first batch was brought to Glienicker Brücke a.k.a. Bridge of Spies and the rest were spread out in former borders and other public areas.
Where to see cherry blossoms in Berlin?
Ah, the information you came here for. There are a lot of places for you to stop and admire the cherry blossoms in Berlin. Trees have been planted in other parts of the city so you sometimes see a couple in random straßes and wegs. For me, however, these are the best places to go to based on the number of trees and beauty of the blossoms you’ll see in the area:
TV-Asahi Kirschblütenallee (TV-Asahi Cherry Blossom Lane)
The Japanese TV station that started the campaign gets its place of honour at the border of Berlin-Lichterfelde and Teltow. A two-kilometre stretch lined up with cherry trees becomes one of the prettiest places in Berlin every April.
A yearly festival, organised by Japan-related clubs in the city, celebrates the arrival of the blossoms. For 2019, it’s going to be on 28 April. There’s music, Japanese food, and even cosplayers – a slice of Tokyo in the outskirts of Berlin.
It’s a bit of a walk from the nearest S-Bahn station (Lichterfelde Süd) but it’s definitely worth the trip. If you’re bringing a car during the festival, go there early as street parking can quickly become scarce.
Kirschblütenweg (Bornholmer Straße)
A bit tricky to find if you’re not a frequent visitor of this area, the Kirschblütenweg begins at Schwedter Straße, near Gleimstraße. The most beautiful bit can be found in the small path along Norwegerstraße, after you cross the bridge.
It’s in this area where the last cherry trees that were financed by the Sakura Campaign were planted. Platz des 9 Novembers 1989 was officially opened to the public back in 2010 to commemorate the Japanese’s act of goodwill.
Kollwitzkiez (Rykestraße)
This beautiful neighbourhood in Prenzlauer Berg is one of my year-round favourites to visit. Restaurants, small shops, and one of my best friends in Berlin live near here. One thing I can tell you is that It’s at its prettiest in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Walk around this kiez and you’ll find these pretty trees scattered in most of its streets. If you want that Instagram-perfect photo, however, you should head over to Rykestraße where the wasserturm and fernsehturm provide you with a glorious backdrop.
Go ahead and snap that photo. It’s P-berg. People won’t judge.
Japanese Embassy
If you want that authentic experience, head to the Japanese Embassy just next to Tiergarten. The address says Hiroshimastraße but go to the side of the complex that’s facing Tiergartenstraße and you’ll be greeted by a handful of cherry trees planted right in front of the official residence. Not everyone gets to go inside but if you’ll be able to see them just fine as they’re planted near the fence.
The ones at the embassy are also quite special. My friend Eiko says they resemble the ones in Japan the most since they’re not too pink – almost white, even.
From there, cross Tiergartenstraße and you’ll find a couple more cherry trees that are part of Tiergarten. Here, they have a stronger shade of pink and the trees are quite spread out in the area but you can actually come close to them.
There you have it – my favourite spots to admire cherry blossoms in the city. I’d love to know where you go for hanami here in Berlin! Sharing is caring! So, let me (and the other readers) know in the comments section below!
Oh, and remember: hanami responsibly! Don’t shake the trees to make more of the blossoms fall. I’ve seen people do this just for the ‘gram and it makes my blood boil. Be kind to the trees and think of the other people who have yet to see the blossoms. If you’re planning to do a bit of a picnic, be a civilised human being and don’t leave your trash behind.
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More later!
** Huge thanks to my friends Eiko and Carmina for being my favourite models. 😉
