Park am Gleisdreieck is a large public park in Berlin, built on the site of the former Potsdamer freight-yard junction. Railway tracks and trains overhead give its lawns and paths a distinctive setting, with Potsdamer Platz nearby. You can picnic beneath the trees, walk or jog, or spend time at the skatepark, sports courts and playgrounds. Families can also visit the nature-experience area, while cafés and a beer garden provide places to take a break. The park is at its liveliest in spring and summer.
From freight yard to public park
The park occupies the former Potsdamer freight-yard junction, where three train lines met. After the Berlin Wall fell, the site remained unused for decades. The area was turned into a public park between 2011 and 2013.
Plans for a highway had also been considered for the site after the war. Local residents instead pushed for the area to become a park. Today, railway remnants and active lines sit alongside lawns, paths and recreation areas.
Railway traces and overhead trains
Old rails remain visible across the grounds, while U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains cross above on elevated lines. The U-Bahn viaduct dates to 1903. These railway features give the park a different feel from a conventional green space and are easy to notice as you walk through it.
The former junction also connects the park to Berlin’s transport history. An experimental magnetic-levitation line, the MagnetBahn, ran for 1.6 kilometres and had three stations. It operated experimentally from 1984 to 1988, then carried passengers from 1989 to 1991.
Spaces for play and activity
The park combines wide lawns and meadows with wooded areas and individual trees. Paved routes suit skating and inline skating, and there are areas for skateboarding, basketball, football, ping-pong and sand volleyball. Playgrounds include swings and slides.
In the nature-experience area, children can get to know plants and animals through outdoor play. The park also has cafés and a beer garden, though food stands are limited. Its broad lawns and activity areas make it useful for a picnic, exercise or a family outing.
FAQ
How do you get to Park am Gleisdreieck?
You can reach the park by U3, with other U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations nearby. It has several entrances, so choose one that fits your route.
What can children do at Park am Gleisdreieck?
There are playgrounds with swings and slides, along with a nature-experience area where children can explore plants and animals.
Can you barbecue in Park am Gleisdreieck?
No. Barbecuing is not allowed in the park.
Are there places to get food in the park?
The park has cafés and a beer garden, but food stands are limited. Bringing snacks or a picnic is a practical option.
