Emily, Founder of Staycation Collection
How to make the most of Sakura season in Germany
For many of us, spring in Germany is a lifeline; after grumbling about the grey, cold, rainy skies for the past months, the first waves of spring usher in an optimism triggered by bird song, blue skies and the soft pinks and whites of Sakura, or Japanese cherry blossoms.
I’d never taken much time to interrogate the reason Germany, and its cities especially, have so many cherry blossom trees and numerous Hanami festivals (flower viewing events). But did you know that many of the cherry blossom trees in Germany have actually come from Japan?
The close bond between Japan and Germany dates back to the late 19th century. However, the cherry blossom tradition in Germany began during post-World War II efforts to rebuild and foster peace. In the 1990s, Japan began donating cherry trees to Germany as a symbol of friendship and reconciliation. This gesture sparked a tradition that has grown both in scale and significance, and exists to symbolise not only the enduring friendship between the two nations but also the universal themes of renewal, beauty, and unity.
One of the most notable initiatives that catalysed the Sakura tradition in Germany is the "Sakura Campaign," launched by the Japanese television network NHK in 1990. The campaign facilitated the planting of thousands of cherry trees across Germany, especially in areas bearing historical significance, such as along the former path of the Berlin Wall.
Japan's involvement didn't stop at the donation of trees. Japanese communities in Germany and cultural organisations have actively promoted and celebrated the Sakura season through festivals, cultural events, and educational programs.
With that in mind, these are the best places to go across Germany to view the delicate German-Japanese cherry blossoms.
Note that cherry blossom season is hard to predict, but generally trees begin blooming around late March and are usually finished by the end of April.
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Bornholmer Straße (Prenzlauer Berg)
Along this section of the former Berlin wall is a canopy of over 200 trees, which creates a breathtaking pink tunnel that stretches from the S-Bahn station along Norwegerstraße to Wollankstraße.
Gärten der Welt (Gardens of the World)
Within the gardens, which showcase international landscapes created by gardeners and artists from across the world, there’s a Japanese garden filled with Sakura.
TV-Asahi-Allee
Nestled between Berlin and Brandenburg, TV-Asahi-Allee is home to a rosy array of blossoms. The stretch is named for the Japanese TV channel that gifted the trees to the city to celebrate its reunification.
Südgelände Nature Park
A reclaimed railway yard turned nature park, featuring art installations and wild cherry trees amidst the greenery.
Landsberger Allee
Stretching along the residential areas, this avenue is dotted with cherry trees, providing a more secluded viewing experience.
Zeiss Planetarium
The park surrounding the Zeiss Planetarium is dotted with cherry trees, which look striking against the planetarium’s metallic dome.
Individually styled B&B rooms and apartments packed full of personality, hidden at the heart of Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg.
A quirky-cool hotel with individually-designed rooms, an expansive cafe, a rooftop terrace and a cosy courtyard at the heart of Berlin.
Heerstraße (Altstadt)
This is one of Germany’s best-known spots for cherry blossoms; the street is transformed into a vivid pink tunnel each spring and draws admirers from around the globe.
Breite Straße (Cherry Blossom Avenue in the Old Town)
A great spot to experience the blossoms against the historic heart of Bonn; head to the Breite Str. meets Maxstraße to view the famous blue ‘Altstadt’ sign that juxtaposes against the soft flowers.
Bonn Minster (Bonner Münster)
While there isn’t a tunnel of blossoms here, the trees and their flowers beautifully frame the cathedral which dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest churches in Germany.
Dorotheenstraße
This quieter, residential street is also lined with cherry blossoms, and is a picturesque and quiet alternative to bustling Heerstraße.
Sterntor (Stern Gate)
There are a few cherry trees in front of Stentor, a historic gate that was once part of the city’s fortifications in Mediaeval times.
Bonner Südstadt
Known for its Wilhelminian-style architecture and stately homes, which weren’t destroyed during the war, Bonner Südstadt is a quieter neighbourhood with lots of spring blooms.
A quirky-cool hotel at the edge of Bonn, boasting cosy suites and treehouses decorated with unique artworks, surrounded by a forest.
Alsterpark
Here there are rows of cherry trees lining the Binnenalster, making it an incredibly popular stop, especially as you have a view over the lake to the Rathaus and the Nikolaiturm. A lot of the trees here were donated by Osaka, one of Hamburg’s twinned cities.
Planten un Blomen
Here, you find a Japanese garden which is of course complete with cherry blossom trees, as well as a traditional Japanese water feature and cafe offering tea ceremonies.
Gustav-Mahler-Platz
Offering a unique blend of academic and natural beauty with its cherry-lined paths.
Eppendorf Hayns Park
This smaller park has a few cherry trees, making it ideal for a quiet stroll or a relaxed picnic.
Altonaer Balkon (Altona Balcony)
There are a lot of cherry trees here, as well as views of the river, bridge, and boats.
Alsterkrugchaussee
This 4km long walk through several of Hamburg’s districts is surrounded by cherry trees that bloom splendidly, and you can get away from the city's hustle and bustle.
A blow-out escape: a stunning, repurposed crane from 1947, found bobbing about on the Elbe, overlooking Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie.
There are numerous organised Hanami festivals - flower viewing events - across Germany, which feature scheduled activities such as cultural performances like traditional Japanese music, martial arts, calligraphy or origami, as well as community activities like communal picnics and tea ceremonies. All of the cities – Berlin, Bonn and Hamburg - have their own festivals organised by different local groups.
We’d love to see you experiencing Sakura, so share photos with us! And if you’d like more information on which unique, independently-run places to stay in or around Berlin, Hamburg or Bonn, join Staycation as a member and tell us what you’re searching for so we can find you your perfect Germany staycation!
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