Ever watched a stone hare lead the way? Here at the Hasensprungbrücke, you can. This bridge has been here since 1920. It is located in Berlin’s Grunewald district, in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. The Hasensprungbrücke spans the narrow connection between the Dianasee and Koenigssee.
The path we are standing on is the promenade. It links Koenigsallee and Winklerstraße. The bridge itself is about 15 meters long and 4 meters wide.
But why “Hasensprung,” meaning “hare’s leap”? The name comes from a vineyard near Winkel in the Rheingau. Back in 1898, this whole area got wine-related names. Think of Winkler Straße which branches off from here. Also consider Erbacher Straße, Erdener Straße, Niersteiner Straße and Trabener Straße.
Look closely at the bridge’s railing. See those stone figures? They are hares. These sculptures were added in 1924. Eberhard Encke created two of them in the 1920s. One hare seems to run towards you. The other appears to hop away. They mirror each other.
Originally, this whole area was wilder. It had more woods and animals. The name “Hasensprung” reminds us of that. It is a nod to the wildlife that once thrived around the Wilmersdorf lakes.
In 1898, the Grunewald area was divided into parcels. Large villas were built here. The lakefront properties became private. High fences kept people out. This path and bridge offered passage for pedestrians. It also allowed horse-drawn carts to cross.
For a time in the 20th century, barriers blocked the Hasensprung for vehicles. These barriers prevented horse-drawn carts and cars from crossing.
So, as you cross the Hasensprungbrücke, think of vineyards and hares. Imagine a time when this area was a bit wilder. Consider the elegant villas that sprung up around the lakes. This bridge is more than just a crossing. It is a link to the past. It connects nature, history, and art in a unique way.