Rathauspark Erkner, park

On the south-eastern outskirts of Berlin lies the charming small town of Erkner – a popular destination for many residents of the capital where they can escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

In the centre of the town is the 10,800-square-metre Rathauspark. It begins directly behind +Villa Bechstein, which is now the Erkner town hall, and offers an enchanting view of Lake Dämeritzsee. The park is freely accessible at all times and information panels are soon to be erected to provide information on the various trees, some of them rare, such as the Japanese cherry blossom, the ginkgo and the Caucasian wingnut.

“Stadtanleger Erkner” is also located here – a public guest berth that is marked with the “Gelbe Welle” (yellow wave) symbol. Very close to the park there is the Erkner regional and S-Bahn (rapid transit train) railway station with the central bus station, the Erkner – City-Centre bus stop and a passenger boat landing stage. During the local festival – the Heimatfest – the art market and children’s festival are held in the Rathauspark.

Not far from the park, on the other side of Friedrichstrasse, is the mulberry tree – the town's coat of arms symbol. Those interested in culture will find the Gerhart Hauptmann Museum within walking distance, which provides information on the life and work of the Nobel Prize winning author. Nature lovers can set out from here on the hiking trail “Bretterscher Graben”, which leads along the Spree meadows that have been cultivated for over 260 years.