In March or April, along a section of where the Berlin Wall once stood, you can find the most beautiful Cherry Blossom tress, lining a walkway filled with people young and old enjoying the gorgeous bloom and colour. Cherry Blossoms can be found across many parts of the city, however, this tree lined route is particularly spectacular and holds an important history...
This section of the Berlin wall was opened on the 9th November 1989. In 1990, a during a television show in Japan, people were asked to help raise funds to donate a large number of cherry blossom trees to Berlin to celebrate German reunification. These trees can be found all over the city (see this useful article from Slow Travel Berlin for more information) but two popular points to see the trees in bloom are near Lichterfelde Süd station and Bornholmer Straße station.
Cherry Blossoms at Bornholmer Straße
The photographs in this post were from the Bornholmer Straße route. There is a very large bridge crossing over the train station, on one side you can take steps down to a path along the water, cross under the bridge and you will find the cherry blossom route. Be aware that there is quite a bit of broken glass along the steps, however the walking route among the trees is beautiful and well worth experiencing.
Cheery Blossoms at Lichterfelde Süd
If you want to see the trees near Lichterfelde Süd, come out of the station and walk down Holtheimer Weg. At the end of the street you will see a path of grass and trees that goes to both the left and right, you will find the cherry blossom trees here (there is also a small playground on the route to the right if you are coming from this side.) Each year a 'Japanisches Kirschblütenfest - Hanami' takes place along this route (it's already over for 2015 I'm afraid.)
The photographs in this post were from the Bornholmer Straße route. There is a very large bridge crossing over the train station, on one side you can take steps down to a path along the water, cross under the bridge and you will find the cherry blossom route. Be aware that there is quite a bit of broken glass along the steps, however the walking route among the trees is beautiful and well worth experiencing.
Cheery Blossoms at Lichterfelde Süd
If you want to see the trees near Lichterfelde Süd, come out of the station and walk down Holtheimer Weg. At the end of the street you will see a path of grass and trees that goes to both the left and right, you will find the cherry blossom trees here (there is also a small playground on the route to the right if you are coming from this side.) Each year a 'Japanisches Kirschblütenfest - Hanami' takes place along this route (it's already over for 2015 I'm afraid.)
The cherry blossoms have been a little unpredictable this year along the 'Mauerweg' but they are fully in bloom as of the 26th April 2015 along the Bornholmer Straße route and the top section are open along the Lichterfeld Süd route, with the lower parts of the trees still to open.
The blossoms last around 10 days so make the most of them whilst you can!
There are many routes, walks, bike rides to be taken along where the Berlin Wall once stood. If you'd like to read more here and here.
The blossoms last around 10 days so make the most of them whilst you can!
There are many routes, walks, bike rides to be taken along where the Berlin Wall once stood. If you'd like to read more here and here.
all photographs © Sarah Winborn Photography
