Köpenick Palace Gardens in Berlin offer a serene blend of Baroque elegance and riverside charm. Surrounding the 17th-century Köpenick Palace—Berlin’s only Baroque palace preserved in its original state—the gardens occupy a small island in the River Dahme. Originally laid out in 1690, the grounds were later redesigned in the 1960s, integrating sculptures and shaded paths that complement the palace’s ornate façade and stuccoed interiors. The site’s history stretches back to a Slavic fortress and a Renaissance hunting lodge, with the palace itself commissioned by Elector Frederick III and expanded by architects Rutger van Langervelt and Johann Arnold Nering. Today, the gardens serve as a tranquil setting for the Museum of Decorative Arts, which showcases Renaissance to Rococo furnishings and silverware. Seasonal concerts and cultural events enliven the lawns, while a riverside café invites visitors to linger. The Köpenick Palace Gardens remain a hidden gem, offering historical depth and peaceful retreat just beyond Berlin’s bustling center.
Berlin GermanyThe Köpenick Palace Gardens are located in southeast Berlin’s Köpenick district, beautifully set on Schlossinsel 1, 12557 Berlin, an island in the River Dahme. Surrounding the Baroque Köpenick Palace—also called the Water Palace—these tranquil gardens offer tree-lined walkways, water views, and views of historical architecture dating to the late 17th century. The palace, famed for its Dutch-inspired Baroque style, is the only such building in Berlin to survive unchanged, now home to the Kunstgewerbemuseum’s exceptional collection of Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo decorative arts. Just steps from the palace gardens, you’ll find Köpenick’s charming Altstadt (Old Town) with cobbled streets, quaint cafés, and restaurants. Directly across the river, riverside hotels provide views of the palace and easy access to boating on the Dahme. Public transport links are excellent, with Spindlersfeld S-Bahn station and Köllnischer Platz tram stop both within walking distance, and Berlin Brandenburg Airport a short drive away. The gardens and nearby historic Köpenick district offer an idyllic setting for exploring Berlin’s royal history and scenic riverfront.