Prinzessinnengärten (Princess Gardens) was created in the summer of 2009 at Moritzplatz in Kreuzberg neighbourhood. Before that, the site had been simply a wasteland for over fifty years. The 'Green Nomads' group with the help of other activists, friends, and neighbours cleared away the waste, constructed transportable organic vegetable plots, and later in the year harvested the first fruits of their hard work.
Prinzessinnengärten has also become a new urban space for learning. It is a place where people can gather for the sake experimenting and discovering more about organic food production, biodiversity, and climate change. Besides that, here you can learn more about healthy nutrition, sustainable lifestyle, and a future-oriented urban planning. Once you pass a door in the fence, you get in a quieter place where the noise of the city becomes somewhat muffled, and the pace slows down. In the gardens, you can see people gardening in the planter plots, walking between the plants, or simply sitting in the sun and having a coffee.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Prinzessinnengärten?
Prinzessinnengärten is at its peak growth between May and October, hence the best time to visit the gardens. However, the gardens are open all year round, and each season offers a unique experience. Winter, for example, is characterized by Christmas markets and bonfires. Visitors can enjoy the gardens in different ways, including picnicking, attending workshops, and using the space for leisure. Show more
Where is Prinzessinnengärten located in Berlin?
Prinzessinnengärten is situated in Kreuzberg, Berlin, near Moritzplatz, at Prinzenstraße 35-38, 10969 Berlin. Getting to the gardens is easy using the U8 subway line, which has a stop at Moritzplatz station. Visitors can also take a short walk to Prinzessinnengärten from nearby attractions such as Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Jewish Museum. Show more
What was the wasteland before the creation of Prinzessinnengärten?
The site where Prinzessinnengärten now stands was previously a dumpsite for rubble and trash for over half a century. The site was initially proposed for a subway expansion project that never happened. However, a group of activists turned the wasteland into a green urban garden that also doubled as a social experiment. Prinzessinnengärten offers visitors a chance to see what a public green space looks like in a densely populated urban area. Show more
How can visitors participate in the learning activities offered at Prinzessinnengärten?
Visitors can take part in the multiple workshops, events, and tours offered at Prinzessinnengärten. The workshops cover various topics such as urban farming, sustainable living, and urban planning. Tours provide visitors with an insight into the garden's history and urban farming. Prinzessinnengärten also hosts cultural festivals, storytelling sessions, and cookouts, where visitors can have a memorable learning experience while appreciating different cultures. Show more
Is there an admission fee to visit Prinzessinnengärten?
Prinzessinnengärten is a public space, and there is no admission fee to visit the gardens. However, visitors are welcome to make donations to support the gardens, which helps with expenses such as buying equipment and maintaining various activities. Prinzessinnengärten has an onsite cafe and shop that sells locally sourced organic drinks, snacks, and other souvenirs to further sustain the gardens. Show more
