Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände: Nature Reclaiming a Former Rail Yard

Updated on October 5, 2026

The Natur-Park Schöneberger Südgelände is a park of around ten hectares in Schöneberg where woodland and meadows have taken over a former railway marshalling yard. Rusty rails, a steam locomotive, a red-brick water tower and works of art line a path that winds through birch woods. It makes an offbeat walk just a few minutes from Südkreuz station. Admission costs €1 from age 14; children under 14 enter free. Trains stopped running here after the war and vegetation moved in undisturbed for decades. Recognised for its natural richness, the site is now a park managed by Grün Berlin, laid out so that nature and the railway remains take centre stage.

Highlights

The locomotive among the birches

Among the trees, an old steam locomotive has been rusting for years beside the path. The original tracks, points and signals are still in place and the forest grows between the rails: it is the park's most iconic image.

The water tower

The large red-brick water tower rises over the central part of the park and can be seen from afar above the trees. It recalls the days when steam locomotives came here to take on water.

The remains and the artworks

Along the route, vaulted passages, brick walls and metal structures stand beside artists' installations, often discreet and hidden in the vegetation. Take the time to step off the main paths a little to find them.

The walk and the rails

A raised path lets you cross the park from end to end without treading on the most fragile areas. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for an unhurried loop. Information boards explain the history of the site and its wildlife and plants, especially the birds and insects that thrive on this wasteland.

Practical info

Tips

The park is protected: stay on the marked paths, keep dogs on a lead and do not take plants or railway objects away. Bring a little change for the entrance fee. Depending on the season, the park closes towards nightfall (see opening hours). Price and hours checked in October 2026.

How to get there

Main entrance at Priesterweg S-Bahn station, Prellerweg, 12157 Berlin (lines S2, S25 and S26). Südkreuz station, on the Ring and the main rail lines, is just one S-Bahn stop away. To extend the outing, the Gleisdreieck park and Tempelhofer Feld are within reach by S-Bahn or bike; our guide to Schöneberg describes the district.

Opening hours

Best: A fine day, March to October

Every day from 9 am; closing at 4 pm from November to February, 6 pm in March and October, 8 pm from April to September. Admission €1 from age 14, free for under-14s.