Treptower Park

Overview

Treptower Park is a Spree-side park in south-east Berlin, best known for the monumental Soviet War Memorial — one of the largest and most dramatic WWII memorials in Europe.

Highlights

• Soviet War Memorial: A 12 m bronze statue of a Soviet soldier cradling a child while crushing a swastika, flanked by marble reliefs and the burial mounds of 7,000 soldiers.
• Spree island: The small Insel der Jugend (Island of Youth) is connected by an arched footbridge and hosts open-air events in summer.
• Archenhold Observatory: The park's 1896 observatory houses one of the world's longest refracting telescopes.

History

Designed in the 1880s as a public recreation ground, the park gained its Soviet memorial in 1949. Built from marble salvaged from Hitler's demolished Reich Chancellery, it remains an active place of commemoration.

Visitor Tips

• Free and open: The memorial is always accessible.
• Boat rental: Pedalos and rowboats available on the Spree in summer.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.