Tempelhofer Feld in Berlin stands out as one of the city’s largest public parks, and honestly, every season brings its own kind of magic to this huge, open space.
Summer? That’s when I think the place truly comes alive. Crowds spill onto the grass for laid-back BBQs, cyclists zip along the old runways, and groups of friends just lounge on picnic blankets, soaking up the Berlin sun.
There’s this feeling of freedom here that’s hard to describe. You can play, sprawl out, or just wander and watch the buzz around you.
Autumn transforms the park all over again. The winds pick up, and suddenly the sky fills with kites. I love watching the colors dance above the old airfield, while kite enthusiasts line up along the long, flat fields.
Even when it’s not peak season, Tempelhofer Feld keeps its charm. There’s always a spot for anyone looking for Berlin’s biggest breath of fresh air.
Seasonal Vibrance: When Tempelhofer Feld Is Most Alive
Tempelhofer Feld shifts with the seasons, and honestly, you never know exactly what you’ll find on any given visit.
Different crowds show up, new activities pop up, and the whole mood changes with the weather. That’s part of what keeps me coming back.
Summer BBQs and Community Gatherings
Summer afternoons mean the grassy fields fill up fast. You’ll see groups hauling in barbecues, spreading out blankets, and firing up small grills.
The smell of grilled food mixes with laughter and whatever music’s drifting over from someone’s Bluetooth speaker. The BBQ zones are clearly marked, which keeps things safe and friendly.
Community really shines here in summer. Birthday picnics, family reunions, and casual hangouts all happen side by side.
Kids race around on scooters, adults toss frisbees, and friends kick back with cold drinks. Big tables and open picnic spots make it easy to share food and stories.
As the sun dips lower, people stick around to watch the sky change colors over the old airfield. Those warm evenings? They’re the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
Autumn Kite Flying Adventures
When autumn rolls in, the winds pick up and kite flyers flock to the field. The runways stretch out with no trees or buildings to block your kite—honestly, it’s the best spot in Berlin to let one soar.
Families bring homemade kites, and sometimes vendors set up nearby if you need a last-minute one. Dozens of kites fill the sky, and it turns into this lively, colorful scene.
Kids chase after their kites, learning the ropes (sometimes literally). The air’s crisp, and the trees around the edge start to glow yellow and orange.
Flying a kite here in autumn is pure relaxation for me—a reminder that this old airfield still gives Berliners room to breathe.
Spring Sports and Outdoor Activities
Spring brings longer days and that first hint of warmth. Groups return for sports—cycling, jogging, skating—right on the old runways.
The trails are smooth, wide, and perfect for anyone who wants to move without dodging crowds.
Picnics make a comeback as the grass turns green and wildflowers pop up. Soccer, badminton, and volleyball games break out all over.
Sometimes, I catch yoga or tai chi groups gathering early in the morning. After winter, everyone seems eager to stretch out and reconnect with the outdoors.
Spring at Tempelhofer Feld feels like the city’s big exhale.
Winter Walks and Urban Solitude
Winter? It’s a different world. The field empties out and quiet settles in.
I like to bundle up and take walks across the open space. Sometimes, I only spot a handful of people braving the cold.
Snow can blanket the runways, turning everything white and making the sky feel endless. Birds huddle along the edges, and the air has a sharpness to it.
Barbecues and big picnics disappear, but a few folks wander with thermoses of something hot. There’s a kind of peaceful solitude here in winter that’s hard to find anywhere else in Berlin.
Iconic Experiences: BBQs, Kites, and Everyday Freedom
Tempelhofer Feld buzzes with life. You’ll find open spaces for grilling, kite festivals, and year-round spots for sports or just a quiet walk.
Whether I’m meeting friends for a meal or just lying on the grass, the field’s wide-open layout fits every kind of outing.
Designated Barbecue Areas and Picnics
The barbecue zones are hard to miss. I always spot the designated barbecue areas—they’re scattered across the park, especially on the north and south sides near main entrances.
These spots are close to restrooms and have plenty of bins, which makes cleanup easy. People set up portable grills, picnic blankets, and sometimes even little tables.
On sunny weekends, families and friends camp out for hours. The best spots fill up fast, so arriving early helps.
Dogs are welcome, as long as they’re leashed. Water points are nearby, which is handy in the summer heat.
Kite Flying Hotspots
Kite flying is a big deal here, especially in autumn. The flat, open space and steady breezes make it perfect.
Every year, the Festival of Giant Kites draws crowds—massive, colorful kites (some 40 or 50 meters long!) drift above the field.
For everyday flying, the central and eastern parts work best. I see people of all ages with everything from tiny delta kites to wild, homemade creations.
There’s plenty of space, so even on busy days, you won’t have to fight for room to launch or land. The vibe is friendly and relaxed.
Group Sports and Recreational Activities
Tempelhofer Feld isn’t just for chilling out. There’s room for almost any sport you can think of.
I’ve joined impromptu football and frisbee games on the grass. Runners, cyclists, and skaters take over the old runways—they’re long, flat, and super smooth.
Families with strollers stroll along the same paths as speed skaters and joggers. On warm days, sports clubs and casual groups show up for volleyball, basketball, or yoga.
There’s an adventure playground for little ones, and dedicated dog zones for off-leash play. Recreation here can be organized or totally spontaneous.
The atmosphere is respectful, and everyone—from pro athletes to casual walkers—finds their own pace and space.
History and Heritage: From Tempelhof Airport to Urban Oasis
Tempelhofer Feld has a history that runs deep in Berlin’s story.
This land has seen military parades, Cold War drama, and a transformation into one of the city’s favorite parks.
The Tempelhof Airport Legacy
Tempelhof started as open land and a parade ground for Berlin’s military in the 19th century. Later, it became a major aviation hub.
The airport opened in the 1920s, and its sweeping terminal building quickly became a Berlin icon. Airlines from around the world landed here, and the place became a symbol of progress.
For years, Tempelhof Airport ranked among the world’s largest buildings. Its architecture and massive runways stood out—not just in Berlin, but across Europe.
Today, the old hangars and runways still stand. They remind us how this spot once connected Berlin with the world.
Berlin Airlift and Cold War Significance
Back in 1948, Tempelhof Airport became the heart of the Berlin Airlift. When the Soviets blockaded West Berlin, the Western Allies used Tempelhof as a lifeline.
Planes landed every few minutes, bringing food, medicine, and fuel. The stats are wild:
| Dates | Planes Landed | Tons Delivered | Nickname |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1948–1949 | ~277,000 | 2.3 million tons | “Operation Vittles” |
This operation turned Tempelhof into a symbol of hope. During the Cold War, the US Air Force kept a base here, watching over a divided city.
I always find this part of the story moving—Tempelhof helped Berlin survive some of its toughest days.
Transformation into Tempelhofer Freiheit
Tempelhof Airport closed in 2008. Two years later, the area—now called Tempelhofer Freiheit (“freedom”)—opened as a public park.
Grass took over the old runways. Fences came down, and suddenly everyone could wander in.
Now, people skate, bike, barbecue, fly kites, or just sprawl out under the sky. The old terminal and parade grounds mix history and fun.
Sometimes I walk along the same concrete strips where planes used to taxi. The blend of past and present makes Tempelhofer Feld feel like nowhere else in Berlin.
Exploring Nature and Urban Gardening
Tempelhofer Feld brings city life and nature together in a way that feels rare.
People work in green spaces, tend plants, and just hang out with friends or family.
Community Gardens and Urban Farming
One of my favorite corners is the urban gardening area. The Allmende-Kontor community garden sprawls across about 5,000 square meters near Oderstraße.
Raised beds, handmade planters, and quirky seating areas invite anyone to join. Gardeners from all over Berlin grow veggies, herbs, and flowers, building real community along the way.
You’ll hear people swapping tips about composting or watering. Families and groups use the gardens for meals, workshops, or just hanging out.
The recycled wood, creative signs, and casual layout give the gardens a laid-back, welcoming vibe.
Popular crops grown here include:
| Vegetables | Herbs | Flowers |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Basil | Sunflowers |
| Zucchini | Mint | Marigolds |
| Lettuce | Parsley | Lavender |
Biodiversity and Wildlife
Even though it’s smack in the middle of Berlin, Tempelhofer Feld is a haven for wildlife.
Wildflower meadows and open fields give birds, insects, and small mammals plenty of space. Sometimes I spot skylarks nesting in protected zones.
Bees and butterflies love the flowers around the gardens. The mix of mowed lawns, wild grass, and cultivated plots creates all sorts of habitats.
Tempelhofer Feld acts like a “green lung” for the city, cleaning the air and keeping things cool.
Some wildlife you might see:
- Skylarks and sparrows
- Bees and butterflies
- Hedgehogs and rabbits
The mix of urban gardening and wild nature makes this space special. I honestly think it helps make Berlin healthier—and just a little bit happier.
Practical Tips for Your Visit to Tempelhofer Feld
I always get the most out of my Tempelhofer Feld visits by knowing the best entry points, checking out the park’s unique features, and planning for the right activities.
The park’s huge, open, and designed for all ages and abilities.
Opening Hours and Entrances
Tempelhofer Feld stays open every day, though the hours shift with the seasons. In summer, gates open early and close around sunset. Winter brings shorter days, so the park shuts its doors a bit earlier.
You’ll find three main entrances: Tempelhofer Damm, Columbiadamm, and Oderstrasse. Each one drops you into a different slice of the park. Personally, I always gravitate toward the Columbiadamm entrance—it’s just so convenient if you want to get straight to the old airfield or wander around the historic terminal.
All the gates are wide enough for bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs. That’s a relief, especially if you’re rolling up with a crew or a lot of gear.
Here’s a quick peek at the main entrances:
| Entrance | Closest Transit | Features Nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Tempelhofer Damm | U-Bahn Tempelhof | Community gardens |
| Columbiadamm | U-Bahn Platz der Luftbrücke | Historic terminal, event spaces |
| Oderstrasse | U-Bahn Leinestrasse | Picnic areas, playgrounds |
Accessibility and Barrier-Free Facilities
Tempelhofer Feld feels welcoming to everyone, thanks to its mostly flat layout and paved paths. I’ve cruised along those walkways on a bike and pushed a stroller, and honestly, it’s a breeze.
Most restrooms are barrier-free, and you’ll spot clear signs for accessible toilets. If you ever need a hand, some park staff hang around, especially on busy weekends or during big events. The main entrances don’t have steps, so getting in isn’t a hassle.
You won’t find any steep hills here—unlike Teufelsberg, which can be a real challenge for wheelchairs. For families or older visitors, benches and shaded areas pop up along the main routes.
Maps with accessible routes sit at every entrance, which is super handy. And if you’ve got a guide dog with you, they’re welcome everywhere in the park.
Mini Golf Course and Playground Areas
Tempelhofer Feld has this charming mini golf course tucked near the Oderstrasse entrance. It’s honestly perfect if you’re with family or a group of friends and just want to do something low-key and fun.
You can play during daylight hours. Usually, you’ll find equipment to borrow right there for a small fee, which keeps things simple.
Across the park, several playgrounds pop up in different spots. The adventure playground by Tempelhofer Damm? That one’s a real hit with kids—full of climbing frames, slides, and enough space to just let loose.
The open fields nearby make it easy to fly kites, especially once autumn rolls around and the wind starts to pick up. There’s just something about seeing kites dance over that wide-open space.
Designers really thought about safety with these playgrounds. Soft surfaces cushion the ground, and there’s plenty of seating scattered around for parents or anyone who just wants to watch.
Water fountains and shaded corners sit close to the main play areas, so you can always take a breather or cool off on a sunny day.
