Krausnickpark

Nestled quietly behind an unassuming gate, Krausnickpark in Berlin is a hidden gem. This isn’t just any park. It’s a secret garden, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Mitte. Krausnickpark’s story begins in the 18th century. The land was initially used for growing fruits and vegetables, a common practice on the outskirts of Berlin. This area, known as the Spandauer Vorstadt, was also home to “Lust-Häuser,” or pleasure houses. These were orangeries filled with exotic plants and adorned with flowerbeds, trees, vases, and statues. The park’s location on Oranienburger Straße, a main road leading to Spandau, made it a prime spot for such gardens. Two court councilors, Buchholz and von Gerresheim, owned gardens in this area, including what was possibly called the “Vierhuff’schen Garden.” This garden is believed to have occupied part of what is now Krausnickpark. By the late 18th century, the land belonged to Kriegsrat Therbusch. He owned a house at Oranienburger Straße 17 and the adjacent garden, which he used for growing produce. Around 1800, a society called “Ressource vom 10. Oktober 1784” leased the land from Therbusch and transformed it into a park, known as the Therbursch’schen Ressource. Initially, the park was only used during summer. The first permanent structure, located at what is now Oranienburger Straße 18, appeared in 1842. Later, a summer house was built, which was eventually replaced by a ballroom in 1878. The park, now called “Ressource zur Unterhaltung”, boasted a bowling alley, a music pavilion, and a fountain. It became a popular spot for the upper middle class. The park changed hands again during the economic crisis of the late 1920s. The Prussian treasury acquired it and used the adjacent buildings to house students. Sadly, World War II brought significant destruction to the park. One of the ballrooms was converted into a lecture hall for Humboldt University’s psychology department in 1959. The garden was divided and used for various purposes, including residential gardens, a playground, and a daycare center. Krausnickpark as we know it today emerged in 2007 after extensive renovations funded by the Mitte district office. The park is accessible via a private path and separate entrances for residents. It’s beautifully maintained by a local residents’ association. It was officially named Krausnickpark in honor of Heinrich Wilhelm Krausnick, a former mayor of Berlin. So, next time you find yourself near Oranienburger Straße, look for the inconspicuous gate. Step inside and discover the tranquil beauty of Krausnickpark. It’s a journey through time, a testament to the enduring spirit of Berlin.