Volkspark Friedrichshain: the fairy-tale fountain and the bunker hills

Updated on October 5, 2026

Volkspark Friedrichshain is Berlin's first municipal park: laid out between 1846 and 1848 for the working-class districts of the east of the city, it now covers 49 hectares between Friedrichshain and Prenzlauer Berg. Largely destroyed in the war, it was rebuilt and then restored from 1995 to 2004. People come for the fairy-tale fountain, two hills made of rubble, the lawns and walking paths and, in summer, for open-air cinema. Entry is free. For another large park, see the Tiergarten; for the district, our guide to Friedrichshain.

Highlights

The fairy-tale fountain (Märchenbrunnen)

Inaugurated in 1913 and designed by the city architect Ludwig Hoffmann, it is the best-known monument in the park: a large neo-Baroque fountain lined with ten sculpted groups based on Brothers Grimm tales. It stands near the park entrance on the Am Friedrichshain side and is a favourite spot for picnics and children's games.

The bunker hills

The Großer Bunkerberg (78 metres) and the Kleiner Bunkerberg (68 metres) are artificial hills built from wartime rubble; the larger one, nicknamed "Mont Klamott", covers the remains of a former anti-aircraft bunker. Paths climb to viewing platforms with views over the rooftops of Friedrichshain.

Open-air cinema and sport

The open-air stage (Freilichtbühne) hosts film screenings in summer. The park also has climbing rocks, volleyball and basketball courts, inline-skating paths, jogging routes and several playgrounds. For a drink under the trees, see our guide to Berlin's beer gardens.

Practical info

Tips

The park is hilly and full of paths: wear good shoes if you climb the bunker hills. Combine the visit with the East Side Gallery or a day in the district. The park is free to enter.