Nature reclaimed an abandoned train yard, and Berlin made it into a park. Come and discover Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände
In Berlin, you’re never far from a park. The German capital is home to thousands of them. Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände, an old train yard turned city park, is one of my favourite outdoor things to do in Berlin.
Located in the South West of the city, a visit to this formerly industrial Berlin park will take you off the well worn tourist tracks and introduce you to a different side of the city.
Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände
Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände is a triumph of nature over industry. In its former life, this was the site of of the former Tempelhof marshalling yard. Built in the 1800’s, the rail yard was operational through two world wars. It was closed in the 1950’s, Berlin was divided and the site was left to its own devices.
Left to get on with things, nature reclaimed the place. Woodlands and grasslands began to thrive, creating a haven for a variety of plants and wildlife.
By the late 1990s large sections of the park were declared a nature reserve. With a bit of people power and some generous funding , the site was officially reopened as a public park.
Now it’s a fascinating place to explore a bit of Berlin history, while also being a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. Berlin is beautiful but busy!
Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände: Berlin’s Train Park
The history of the park is clear to see in the railway remnants that are scattered about the place. They haven’t been artfully placed, the bits of track and suchlike were just left in situ when the trainyard closed.
You’ll spot sections of tracks alongside one of Germany’s oldest train turntables. The old water tower, landmark of the park, watches over it all. Whether you’re into trains or not, it’s intriguing. This is why this place is sometimes called Berlin’s ‘train park’.
Well, the remnants of its former use alongside the fact that ‘ Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände’ doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, especially for non-German speakers.
Being a former trainyard, it comes with trains. The string of small flat-bed rail wagons aren’t too surprising. The huge black steam train that has been cleverly sited in amongst the woodland so that visitors almost stumble across it is.
As well as history and nature, the park is a place of creativity. There are sculptures and a former retaining wall that graffiti artists can now legally use as a canvas.
Nature in the Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände
The biodiversity in the park is impressive; bird life is abundant alongside many species of spiders, bees & grasshopper. Hundreds of species of plants and fungi have also been identified as thriving here.
Several species have been recorded at the park that are rare elsewhere in Berlin. The theory goes that some alien species arrived here in freight in the trainyard days and decades free of human interference has allowed them to thrive.
Flower lovers should try to visit the park in April- June to see the fruit trees blossom and the beautiful pinks of the rare wild roses that bloom here.
This Berlin park is also home to a thriving population of Red Squirrels. An absolute pleasure to spot!
The best way to enjoy everything the park has to offer is by following one of the walking paths. There are two: choose between a 3km or 1km route.
Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände: Practical Info & FAQ
How do I get to Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände?
The nearest station is S-Bahn Priesterweg. Bus services 170, X76, M76, 246 also stop near the park. Arrival by bike or public transport is recommended, parking is very limited in the area.
When is the park open?
Times change slightly seasonally, but as a rough guide from 9.00 AM until dusk- about 16.00 in winter, 21.00 in summer.
Do I pay to enter the park?
Yes, it costs €1 per adult to access Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände. Children up to age 14 enter for free. Payment is by ticket machines at the park entrances, cash only.
Is the Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände dog friendly?
Sadly not, this is a dog free park.
What other facilities are there?
There is a small cafe serving drinks and light snacks. Toilets are also available. Full details & map here.
Why You Should Go
This hidden gem in Berlin is one of my favourite parks. I love it’s history and the fact that after being abandoned, it was intentionally revived as a park without sacrificing the history.
The railway relics give the place unique character, especially when you can hear the still operational station next door. Walking along an abandoned rail track, semi reclaimed by nature with real train sounds as a soundtrack? 10/10 for atmosphere!
Visiting Nature Park Schöneberger Südgelände takes you off the typical tourist trail. The industrial relics create interest and great photo opportunities while the green space is an escape from the city streets. An authentic Berlin experience.
If you like a bit of Berlin history, you might like to read this post next: The Disappearing Rabbits of Berlin.
Helen x
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